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As Microsoft prepares to withdraw the ability for businesses to purchase new licences for Microsoft Great Plains, it’s important to understand how the inevitable plan for Great Plains end-of-life will affect your business processes, and even more how to be prepared for it.
Microsoft Great Plains, also known as Microsoft Dynamics GP, is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for decades.
Originally developed by Great Plains Software, which Microsoft acquired in 2001, Dynamics GP offers a wide range of features to help manage financials, human resources, supply chain, manufacturing, and other critical business operations.
Known for its robust functionality and ease of use, Dynamics GP has been a reliable choice for many organisations looking to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency.
Microsoft has not officially announced an immediate end-of-life date for Microsoft Great Plains (Dynamics GP), but it is clear that the company is shifting its focus towards modern, cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 which will receive no new sales from April 1st 2025.
As of now, Microsoft continues to provide support for Dynamics GP, including regular updates, security patches, and necessary maintenance. The product is currently in its extended support phase, which typically means it will receive critical updates but no new features. According to Microsoft’s Lifecycle Policy, each version of Dynamics GP has a specified end date for mainstream and extended support.
For instance, Dynamics GP 2018 received final mainstream support up to January 2024, and is expected to receive extended support until January 2029. While this offers some reassurance to existing users, it’s essential to understand that the level of support will diminish over time, primarily focusing on security updates and essential fixes.
Microsoft is strategically investing in its cloud-based solutions, particularly Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. These platforms offer more advanced capabilities, greater scalability, and seamless integration with other Microsoft services such as Azure, Power BI, and Office 365. This strategic shift indicates that while Dynamics GP is not immediately being retired, its future development is limited.
The software landscape has evolved significantly since the inception of Dynamics Gp. Modern ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, offer advanced features like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics, which Dynamics GP cannot match due to its older architecture.
There is a strong industry-wide shift towards cloud-based solutions. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits, including lower upfront costs, scalability, automatic updates, and improved security. Dynamics GP, primarily an on-premises solution, does not align much with this shift.
Modern ERP systems provide seamless integration with other business applications and services, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem. Great Plains’ integration capabilities are limited compared to these modern solutions.
As software ages, maintaining and updating it becomes increasingly challenging. Microsoft’s focus has shifted to newer solutions, continuing to support and develop for Dynamics GP diverts resources from more strategic initiatives.
Organisations using Dynamics GP should start planning for the transition to a newer ERP solution. There are some steps to consider:
While Microsoft Great Plains (Dynamics GP) is not immediately reaching its end of life, the trajectory suggests that businesses should start planning for a future without it. The shift towards Dynamics 365 reflects broader industry trends towards cloud computing and integrated, intelligent business solutions. By proactively planning for this transition, businesses can ensure they continue to operate efficiently and take advantage of the latest technological advancements.
The end-of-life for Microsoft Great Plains will mark a significant transition point for many businesses. While the move to a new ERP solution may seem daunting, it presents an opportunity to adopt more advanced, scalable, and integrated solutions. By carefully planning and leveraging expert support, businesses can ensure a smooth transition, and position themselves for future growth and success with modern ERP solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365.
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