Microsoft’s making some big changes to its product lines. While the sunsetting of Dynamics GP has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, it seems this time, the company is firmly taking steps to eliminate this option from its product line.
In a statement, Microsoft affirmed its commitment to supporting its loyal Dynamics GP community. Microsoft will continue providing regulatory (tax) updates, security patches, and hotfixes to keep the most recent version of Dynamics GP up to date. This includes any necessary usability and reliability updates to address critical customer issues, ensuring businesses can operate successfully on Dynamics GP.
Overview of Microsoft’s Recent GP Announcements
April 1, 2025: Elimination of new licenses
Microsoft has announced that new customer sales of Microsoft Dynamics GP will cease by April 1, 2025. At this point, no new Dynamics GP sales for subscription licensing will be available. From a pulled-back view, this means there could be ramifications for existing users and the broader ecosystem in general. Because Microsoft has chosen to no longer have Dynamics GP as a viable revenue stream, it seems only likely that it will soon be completely phased out.
Along this same point, the company has indicated that there will be no fundamental changes to the platform going forward. This means Dynamics GP could very soon become outdated, as new technologies roll out that are not able to be integrated with this solution.
It’s important to consider the potential outcomes of this sunsetting now. If your organization relies on Dynamics GP for your operations, it’s entirely possible you could find yourself out in the cold with no support if you don’t start considering other options now.
2023: Mainstream Fixed Lifecyle Support Expired
Mainstream fixed lifecycle support refers to the specified timeframe in which Microsoft delivers updates in order to bolster the security and reliability of the product; it generally lasts about five years. This proactive approach aims to address vulnerabilities, rectify issues, and enhance overall performance.
Mainstream support mainly addresses the following:
- Incident support
- New releases
- Updates
- Service packs, builds, and patches
- Tax and year-end updates
- Security updates
- Request non-security updates
As you can see, the expiration of this support could very easily open companies up to risks and potential harm.
2028: Extended Fixed Lifecycle Support Expires
Of course, we never know what the future holds, but at this time, Microsoft has announced that it plans to deprecate extended fixed lifecycle support in 2028. This is the follow-up support that was put into place once the mainstream support was removed.
Extended Support is built around the following focus points:
- Paid support only
- Online self-help
- Security updates
- No warranty support
- No new design changes or feature requests
- Limited non-security updates
There is a little coverage and security addressed in this model, but it comes at a severely less supported level and is an important consideration to make as you look at the future of your own business.
Microsoft Support Plans: What’s Next?
As we look forward at the future of Microsoft Dynamics GP, companies relying on the support functionality of the platform really don’t have much time to ensure a safe and secure processing environment.
Below, you’ll find an arrangement of the end dates that are associated with extended support.
| Product Version | Product Release/Start | Mainstream Support End | Extended Support End |
| GP 10.0 | 10/09/2007 | 10/09/2012 | 10/2017 |
| GP 2010 | 06/15/2010 | 10/13/2015 | 10/13/2020 |
| GP 2010 R2 | 07/14/2011 | 10/13/2015 | 10/13/2020 |
| GP 2013 | 03/12/2013 | 04/10/2018 | 04/11/2023 |
| GP 2013 R2 | 08/21/2024 | 04/10/2018 | 04/11/2023 |
| GP 2015 | 02/18/2015 | 04/14/2020 | 04/08/2025 |
| GP 2015 R2 | 08/30/2015 | 04/14/2020 | 04/08/2025 |
| GP 2016 | 05/01/2016 | 07/13/2021 | 07/14/2026 |
| GP 2016 R2 | 12/01/2016 | 07/13/2021 | 07/14/2026 |
| GP 2018 | 12/01/2017 | 01/10/2023 | 01/11/2028 |
| GP 2018 R2 | 10/02/2018 | 01/10/2023 | 01/11/2028 |
While we’re discussing timelines, we’d like to touch on the extended security update (or ESU). This has often been the source of confusion, as it sounds as though there is a continuation beyond extended support for Dynamics GP; however, after researching this, ESU appears to be associated with other products outside of Dynamics GP, such as SQL and Windows operating systems.
Modern Lifecycle: Benefits and Prerequisites
Today’s most up-to-date version of Dynamics GP, version 18.6, falls under the Modern Lifecycle Policy umbrella.
What does this mean, you ask?
It’s a policy that provides support and service, including bug fixes and the latest tax table updates. As noted at the beginning of this article, this is where updates such as hotfixes and applicable regulatory enhancements come into play. The Modern Lifecycle Policy might also incorporate updates in usability or reliability to address key customer concerns and other issues critical in ensuring companies are able to successfully navigate their businesses using Dynamics GP. At this time, though, it’s not possible to determine exactly what that will look like in the future.
Importantly, in order for your company to become eligible for the Modern Lifecycle Policy, Microsoft requires that your organization be current; you will need to take at least one of three all-inclusive annual GP updates. This is why the version 18.6 noted above is so crucial to pay attention to. Annual updates like this can be a bit of a heavy lift for many companies, so it’s important to be mindful of this rule.
Short- and Long-Term Implications and Options
On that note, there are barriers to entering into the Modern Lifecycle Policy. There are far more frequent database updates, which typically translates into:
- More planning
- More downtime
- More risk
- More expense
For companies that are used to doing huge updates once every three or five years, this can be an incredibly heavy lift to switch to an annual cadence.
Switching into the Modern Lifecycle Policy also requires more frequent retrofit, repair and testing. This means looking at integrations from other lines of business solutions, examining reporting, such as Management Reporter and SSRS, and reviewing the customizations you have in place to make sure the flow of information is consistent in the new setup.
You’ll also need to take a look at any concurrent ISV solution upgrades that will need to be performed. You might have to work with various ISV partners to retrofit their systems, which could cause pushback if you’re not able to prove the cost/benefit analysis is worth it, given Dynamics GP won’t be fully supported in just a few years.
Of course, the constant testing that will be required to ensure success in this new environment will increase the total cost of ownership of the platform in the end.
Considerations for Future Success
As you start to think about what your firm’s next steps should be, consider these questions:
- What is the scope of your GP deployment? Are you only running financials on your system, or are you running a full ERP or supply chain suite? If the latter, the scope of the upgrade might become extremely challenging.
- What are the types and quality of the customizations you have in place? Are they embedded or external?
- How many ISV solutions are you using? Each solution will require coordination, planning, and version control.
- Are you equipped with the resources to manage an aging product? Given that Dynamics GP has been around for quite a while, many of those who were trained in the platform are entering into a retiring resource pool. Do you have the talent in your team to maintain this product if your subject matter experts leave the company?
Your Dynamics GP Migration Options
For those of you looking for ways to heed these concerns, you do have a few options for dynamics GP alternatives.
1. Migrate to Dynamics Business Central or F&O (aka NAV and AX)
Microsoft does offer two legacy applications that might work if you feel staying with Microsoft is the best path forward for your company. Microsoft Business Central is for small- and mid-market organizations, while Finance & Operations is an enterprise solution.
Unfortunately, with either of these paths, there is no magic wand to make the migration less painful. This conversion is very much switching from one system to a completely different one. Both of these solutions were developed in the ‘90s and are not native cloud solutions.
Be sure to check in on low-code/no-code customization and integration capabilities. This is usually where native cloud-based systems stand out against legacy systems—the latter of which typically can’t offer as much (if any) of the low-code/no-code options that native cloud-based solutions can.
2. Migrate to a Native Cloud ERP: NetSuite or Acumatica
Both of these options are built from native cloud architecture and design, meaning they offer:
- Unified databases and can be embedded with CRM and eCommerce platforms;
- Multi-Entity and intercompany transaction processing;
- Current passive upgrades on an ongoing basis;
- Low-code/no-code end-user-driven customizations;
- Superior API connectivity
3. Web Enable Your GP Data with Microsoft-Based Workforce Solutions
Power BI or Power Apps can offer greater agility with the data you have in GP and allow it to be more actionable, as it can deliver users and stakeholders the information they need in formats that work best for each person, role, or department.
This will allow you to maximize your ROI and facilitate quick decision-making. The cost of BI is a low-cost solution, which might be an option to apply to your business if you want to stay with Dynamics GP but not miss out on technological opportunities.
How MIBAR Can Help You Make This Decision
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with where to go next or you just want more insights into the possible future with or without Dynamics GP, the MIBAR team at Citrin Cooperman is here to help.
First, check out our recent webinar which goes into great detail on the information above: Microsoft Dynamics GP End of Life – What’s next?
Second, consider registering for our free GP360 Consultation. Get a 360-degree analysis of your current Dynamics GP setup and assess its alignment with your business goals and objectives. We will provide personalized recommendations and give you clarity on the best pathway forward for your business.
