The End of Mainstream Support for Dynamics GP 2016: What’s Next?
Posted on: April 8, 2021 | By: Guy Logan | Microsoft Dynamics GP
Many users are aware that Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 is nearing the end of its lifecycle. The question now becomes, what are the options for current GP 2016 users?
On July 13, 2021, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 and 2016 R2 will no longer have Mainstream Support. Because GP 2016 falls under Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy, the switch from Mainstream Support to Extended Support following that date will entail a decrease in feature availability. Although Extended Support for GP 2016 will last until July 14, 2026, this type of support no longer allows for tax and year-end updates. Seeing as new government regulations require year-end tax forms, it’s important for businesses on Extended Support for Dynamics GP 2016 to recognize that they will not be able to issue 1099 forms from their GP system. For this reason, unless businesses plan to move off of GP in the upcoming year, we advise GP users to avoid the Extended Support realm.
Upgrading Your GP Platform
Because GP 2016’s lifecycle is coming to an end, we believe businesses using this system should consider upgrading to a newer version of GP that is accompanied by the Modern Lifecycle Policy. This type of Lifecycle Policy in newer GP versions has replaced the Fixed Lifestyle Policy in Dynamics GP 2016. While the Fixed Lifestyle Policy provides users with support for a defined 10-year period, the Modern Lifestyle provides ongoing support with no definitive end date.In the past, the Fixed Lifestyle policy has offered one or two new versions of Dynamics GP per year. However, these upgrades tended to be complex and costly. With the switch to a Modern Lifestyle policy, users of Dynamics GP 18.2 and beyond are guaranteed three updates per year, all of which will be simpler and more cost-efficient. Because the new support policy requires at least one update a year, Microsoft is making it easier for GP users to install updates.
Moving to Business Central
In addition to upgrading their GP platform, users have another option: moving to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. Although there is no requirement to move from Dynamics GP to Business Central, Microsoft is shifting investments toward Business Central, as it is Microsoft’s go-forward solution. For instance, Microsoft is investing in the integration of Business Central with Office 365 and Power BI and consistently delivering new features. In fact, Microsoft has two Business Central releases each year with minimal to no upgrade costs, as Business Central is delivered in the cloud.
Next Steps
Logan Consulting is experienced in helping businesses assess their Dynamics GP deployment options — feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!