Dynamics GP 2018 will no longer receive hotfixes or tax updates
On January 10, 2023, Mainstream Support for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 ended, and the solution was transitioned to Extended Support. Extended support for GP 2018 will be available until January 11, 2028, and only includes limited support from Microsoft for issues that are security related. If you are on GP 2018 you will need to upgrade to a newer version of GP to continue receiving regulatory updates, hotfixes, or year-end tax and payroll updates.
What should Dynamics GP users do next?
Microsoft GP users who are on versions of GP 2018 or earlier have a couple of options on how to proceed if they wish to continue to receive important enhancements, new features, hotfixes, and year-end updates to their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Many Microsoft partners recommend upgrading to a newer version of Dynamics GP or migrating to a new cloud-based ERP.
Upgrade Dynamics GP
Versions of Dynamics GP 2019 and later are governed by the Modern Lifecycle policy as opposed to the Fixed Lifecycle policy. Under this policy, Microsoft offers continuous support and servicing with three releases a year that include feature updates, bug fixes, and the latest tax updates. Additionally, Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to the continual support of this platform by releasing an updated lifecycle roadmap. This roadmap shows active development and support for the product through 2028 and beyond.
Dynamics GP is a widely used and trusted ERP system that is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Upgrading Dynamics GP to a newer version ensures users have access to new features and functionalities. GP users will only need to implement one update per year to remain current under the Modern Lifecycle policy to continue to receive support from Microsoft.
Migrate to a cloud-based ERP
If your organization has outgrown Dynamics GP, this may be a good time to migrate off GP onto a cloud-based solution. Microsoft has heavily invested in its cloud-based solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central. With Business Central, users can access benefits of the cloud such as the elimination of legacy infrastructure, reduced maintenance costs, automatic upgrades, and seamless integration to other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Microsoft 365, and the Power Platform. Being hosted on the cloud, Business Central receives automatic annual upgrades that are included in the cost of the software. Microsoft has even built migration tools designed specifically to help organizations using Dynamics GP migrate to Business Central.
If your business has more advanced requirements and complex processes, Microsoft also offers a more robust ERP, Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations. If you are interested in migrating to a cloud-based ERP, a Microsoft partner can help you evaluate if you are ready to migrate to a cloud-based ERP and identify the best solution for your needs.
