Product Roadmap & Support
Dynamics GP product roadmap and support
Microsoft Dynamics GP is a widely used and reliable standalone enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Learn more about the roadmap for Dynamics GP and how Microsoft approaches support for this trusted solution.
Dynamics GP roadmap
Microsoft released a lifecycle roadmap for Dynamics GP that shows active development and support for the product well into the future, indicating that GP is here to stay. With this updated lifecycle and ongoing commitment towards the Dynamics GP product, GP users can make a more informed decision on whether to keep using GP.
The update and support lifecycle of Dynamics GP depends on the version and results in different approaches to product updates and support. Versions of Dynamics GP released after October 2019 are governed by Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy while versions of GP prior to 2019 are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
Fixed Lifecycle Policy
Versions of Dynamics GP prior to 2019 are covered under the Fixed Lifecycle support policy. Under this policy, there are three phases to support. For the first five years Mainstream support is available and includes hotfixes and service packs designed to resolve any bugs or issues with the base products. GP users are also able to open a support case and have Microsoft look into an issue with the application. After Mainstream support has ended, GP transitions to Extended support for the next five years. Under extended support, GP users are only able to receive updates related to security vulnerabilities. This means that during Extended support, if a bug is found with the product, Microsoft will not fix it unless it causes a security issue. After Extended support has ended, the version of GP is at its end of life and Microsoft will no longer make any updates for the product.
Mainstream support for all versions of Dynamics GP under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy has ended. This means, these versions of GP will no longer receive important updates, hotfixes, or regulatory tax updates. In the table, you can review which versions of Dynamics GP are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle policy and their end dates for Extended support.
Dynamics GP is further supported by Microsoft partners
Microsoft has clearly defined its roadmap and support policies for Dynamics GP. However, GP users can find additional support for their system from the Microsoft partner ecosystem. A Microsoft partner can further support and enhance the system even if the version of GP is no longer supported by Microsoft. Whether you have a partner or are looking for a new one, a dedicated GP partner can help add value and enhance features of this mature ERP system.
Dynamics GP is further supported by Microsoft partners
Microsoft has clearly defined its roadmap and support policies for Dynamics GP. However, GP users can find additional support for their system from the Microsoft partner ecosystem. A Microsoft partner can further support and enhance the system even if the version of GP is no longer supported by Microsoft. Whether you have a partner or are looking for a new one, a dedicated GP partner can help add value and enhance features of this mature ERP system.
Modern Lifecycle Policy
In October 2019, Microsoft moved Dynamics GP onto its Modern Lifecycle support policy, which is the same support policy used for their cloud products like Dynamics 365. Under this policy, versions of Dynamics GP released after October 2019 will receive continuous support and servicing from Microsoft. This means Dynamics GP users will continue to receive support, hotfixes, feature updates, and tax updates well into the future. Under the Modern Lifecycle policy, upgrades are provided more frequently and are smaller, more manageable, and less expensive than Dynamics GP upgrades were historically under the Fixed Lifecycle policy.
Dynamics GP receives three updates a year that consist of tax, feature, and year-end updates as well as bug and quality fixes. These updates are typically released in June, October, and December each year. Under the Modern Lifecycle Support policy, GP customers must apply at least one update a year to remain current. By remaining current, customers remain eligible for hotfixes and updates from Microsoft and also avoid large, costly upgrades that can occur when waiting years between updates.
