What is the future of Microsoft Dynamics GP?

The exciting future of Microsoft Dynamics GP

Microsoft Dynamics GP Information

Microsoft Dynamics GP is an accounting or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for mid-market businesses that uses Microsoft SQL Server to store data. The application is written in Dexterity and is one of four accounting program sold under the well-known Microsoft Dynamics brand.

Great Plains Software, an independent software company, developed the solution in 1993, hence the name GP. In 2001, Microsoft acquired the company.

What is the Future of Microsoft Dynamics GP?

Microsoft has confirmed that support for the program will end in 2025. The majority of small and medium-sized firms utilizing Microsoft Dynamics GP were stunned by this news. The program is anticipated to run through 2028. After the termination, Microsoft will continue to provide support for a period of two to five years. Microsoft has been providing support to the program but the releases over the past few years have been quite minor. Microsoft intends to maintain standard client support. After 2028, however, a new type of Microsoft Dynamics Support will be implemented, called the Modern Life Cycle Policy. Microsoft has not yet migrated all of its users to the new support model.

Can I continue to use Microsoft Dynamics GP following its discontinuation?

Users have the option to continue using Microsoft Dynamics GP so long as they install monthly updates in advance. You must consider your Dynamics GP environment and third-party applications. The level of effort necessary depends on how much customization you intend to carry forward. Additionally, you may need to test your processes once or twice to ensure that the upgrade was effective. The upgrade may detect erroneous data, which can impede the process. Before going live, it is advisable to arrange for data cleansing and upgrade testing. You may also be required to upgrade all third-party tools deployed in conjunction with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Can Microsoft Dynamics GP be transferred to a public or private cloud?

More individuals are shifting from hardware storage to cloud storage for large amounts of data. Microsoft Dynamics GP is an on-premises application; however, it is possible to have it hosted in the cloud. However, unlike Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, this accounting software is not a cloud-based solution.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Dynamics GP users have the option of Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration. Microsoft offers a promotion called Bridge to the Cloud that permits concurrent use of Microsoft Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central for four years. In addition, monthly subscriptions are sold as opposed to annual renewals.

Systems synchronization is the primary issue. The more you attempt to synchronize systems, the more difficult it becomes.” Users can utilize a fantastic tool to move their data from Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration. You may encounter a situation in which one firm does Business Central Migration while the others remain on Dynamics GP. However, users of Microsoft Dynamics GP should not consider this an upgrade, but rather an implementation. Microsoft Business Central is a distinct application that operates differently from Dynamics GP but is just as intuitive.

Due to the fact that Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based solution, it may take some time to comprehend its functionality. It is not an on-premise solution like Microsoft Dynamics GP. Before transitioning, it is necessary to comprehend how cloud-based applications function. Dynamics 365 Business Central employs a web interface that can be difficult to a new user.

Microsoft Dynamics GP – The Past, Present and Future

Why should you not switch from Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration?

There are quite a few businesses that are satisfied with the current on-premises Dynamics GP software. However, the majority of these businesses are small and medium-sized companies with limited employees and resources to adapt to a new environment. In such situations, it may be optimal to continue using Microsoft Dynamics GP for a few more years.

How is data transferred from Microsoft Dynamics GP to the cloud?

Microsoft provides a synchronization tool to aid in the  Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration. This synchronization tool facilitates the transfer of data from fundamental tables in Dynamics GP to Business Central. Additional Extract Transform and Load (ETL) processing will be required for the remaining data migration. Standard ETL methodology involves transferring data from Dynamics GP to a data warehouse, where users work with the data before they are loaded to Business Central.

The technological landscape is rapidly expanding. If you are satisfied with your Microsoft Dynamics GP installation as a user, you can incorporate third-party tools to increase its capability. This can get you a couple more years of Dynamics GP usage. The eventual shift to a cloud-based platform must be considered and planned for.

Observe the Dynamics GP features that will be implemented in the coming years. The majority of times, updates will have the required features, although they may not always include extra functionality. It is advisable to begin planning early for your cloud solution upgrade or migration. Cloud based computing is the future of both technology and data storage.

Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central suitable for you?

Under the Bridge to the Cloud Promotion, you can compare the Dynamics 365 Business Central features and Dynamics GP features to choose which solution is ideal for your organization. There are numerous areas in which Business Central outperforms Dynamics GP. However, if Dynamics GP is capable of meeting your business needs, you can install third-party tools to extend its life. If you believe that your organization has outgrown Dynamics GP, you should consider migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Please contact us for additional information regarding Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation package and would like to discuss the next steps for your business.

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