For several years now, Microsoft has been announcing the gradual end of Dynamics GP, a well-known management software for the SME sector. The end of life of a solution like Dynamics GP means that Microsoft will soon stop offering updates, technical support and security patches. For many businesses, this represents a turning point in their operations management strategy, as they will need to consider a modern alternative to ensure business continuity.
This move is part of a natural evolution towards more modern cloud solutions, such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, an all-in-one solution for efficiently managing finance, operations, sales and customer service. Many businesses have already benefited from this platform, moving from a legacy ERP or entry-level accounting software to this comprehensive, flexible and scalable solution.
Key dates for the end of life of Dynamics GP :
- 1 April 2025: End of new perpetual licences for GP
- 1 April 2026: End of new subscription licences
- 30 September 2029: End of product enhancements, tax updates and technical support.
- 30 April 2031: Final cessation of security updates.
These deadlines still give companies some time to plan their transition, but the longer they wait, the greater the risks.
The risks of using unsupported software are :
- Security issues: One of the most serious threats of using unsupported software is the lack of security updates. Without regular patches, businesses become vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches, exposing their systems and sensitive information.
- Regulatory non-compliance: Tax and regulatory standards are constantly evolving. After support ends, Dynamics GP will no longer receive updates for tax, payroll legislation or tax regulations, exposing businesses to fines and financial penalties.
- Rising maintenance costs: The lack of official support also means that businesses will have to manage technical issues themselves or call in external consultants. This can quickly drive up maintenance costs, especially if critical incidents occur. What’s more, there will be fewer and fewer experts on these older systems, so it will be harder and harder to find them, and their cost will rise accordingly.
- Operational risk: Aging software tends to be less reliable, which increases the risk of breakdowns or malfunctions. This can have a direct impact on business continuity and lead to productivity losses.
Why is this important?
The end-of-life of Dynamics GP is not just a technical event: it’s an opportunity for companies to think about modernising their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Migration to a more modern solution, such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance, will deliver new functionality, improved security and greater automation. By anticipating these changes, businesses can avoid major risks and even improve their processes. This is an excellent opportunity to evaluate these, take stock of the systems and assess what is still useful and what should or could be improved.
The end of support for Dynamics GP is a reality that companies need to prepare for now. By understanding the risks associated with using unsupported software, they can make informed decisions to ensure business continuity and remain competitive in an ever-changing environment.
We understand that the migration of an ERP system can be fraught with concerns and uncertainties, and we’re here to ensure that the process runs smoothly and successfully. Our team of experienced experts specialise in complex migrations, and our methodology is designed to minimise risk and ensure a smooth transition. We pay particular attention to every stage of the process, from initial assessment to user training and post-implementation support. In addition, our collaboration with Microsoft ensures that you benefit from the latest technology and best practice in risk management.
At Inmind Technologies, our experience in integrating and migrating Dynamics 365 solutions sets us apart. Our commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction is reflected in every step of our process.
If your company uses Dynamics GP and you’d like to find out more about migration options, contact us. We’ll help you assess your needs and plan the transition to a modern solution.
