Worried about Microsoft Dynamics GP going away? We get it – it’s a big deal.
Microsoft recently announced they’re ending support for Dynamics GP in September 2029. It is part of their bigger push to move everything to the cloud. This might sound concerning if you’re currently using Microsoft Dynamics GP, but there’s actually a silver lining here.
Think of this as an opportunity to upgrade to something even better. Something modern, reliable, and comes with all the support you’d expect from Microsoft. Business Central could be exactly what your business needs next.
This blog is going to help you make this transition as smooth as possible.
Quick glance at the lifecycle policy for Microsoft Dynamics GP
Two Important Dates to Know:
- September 2029
This is when Microsoft stops actively supporting Microsoft Dynamics GP. In simple terms, you won’t get any new features or updates to keep up with changing business rules and regulations.
- April 2031
This is when Microsoft won’t even provide security updates for GP anymore. Think of it like a house with no more maintenance – it might work, but it could become risky to keep using it.
While your GP system won’t suddenly stop working on these dates, it’s smart to start planning your next move well before then. You’ll want to make sure your business stays secure and up-to-date with all the latest features you need.
Options for replacing Microsoft Dynamics GP
Here’s a quick glance at the four main choices:
- Keep Using GP For Now
You can continue with GP until 2031 if you’re not ready to switch yet. But heads up – this is a bit like driving an old car without access to new parts or safety features.
- Start Fresh with Business Central
Think of this as moving to a new house with just your essential belongings. You’ll bring over your core business information and current transactions with help from a partner. It’s clean and simple.
- Clean Up GP First, Then Move to Business Central
This is like organising your house before moving – a bit more work upfront, but worth it! It tends to be the smoothest path forward, and you’ll know your data is accurate from day one.
- Try Something Completely Different
You could switch to a different system. But here’s our honest advice: if you’re already comfortable with Microsoft and GP has served you well, why not stick with what you know?
Reasons why moving to Business Central is the best choice for Dynamics GP users
Our experts at Osmosys have helped many businesses move to Business Central, and trust us – it’s a great next step, especially if you’re coming from Microsoft Dynamics GP.
Here’s why:
- It’s Modern and Cloud-Based
Think of Business Central like your smartphone – it updates automatically with the latest features and security fixes. No more waiting for big updates or paying extra for them. You’ll get fresh improvements every April and October, keeping your system current without any effort on your part.
- Plays Nice with Other Microsoft Tools
If you’re already using Microsoft tools like Office 365 or Teams, Business Central fits right in. It’s like adding a new piece to a puzzle that perfectly matches everything else. As your business grows, you can easily add more Microsoft tools without worrying about compatibility issues.
- Built-In AI Helper
Business Central comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant. It’s like having an extra team member who can write marketing content, research sales leads, and even handle customer emails.
- Personalised for Each User
Everyone sees exactly what they need to do their job – nothing more, nothing less. It’s like having a customised dashboard for each person on your team, showing them just the information and tools they need for their role.
- Pay-As-You-Go Pricing
Instead of big upfront costs, you pay monthly based on what you actually use. It’s like a Netflix subscription – flexible and cost-effective. Need more users? Add them. Need fewer? Scale back. You’re in control.
Bonus: Room to Grow
As your business expands, Business Central grows with you. No need to worry about outgrowing your system or complex upgrades. It’s built to scale alongside your business.
Conclusion
The clock is ticking on Microsoft Dynamics GP, but that’s not necessarily bad news. Consider it your opportunity to leap into modern, cloud-based ERP with Business Central. As one of the UK’s leading Business Central partners, we’ve seen firsthand how this switch transforms businesses from playing catch-up to leading the pack.
Get in touch with our experts to know more.
