What Does Business Central mean for the Future of Microsoft Dynamics GP

Posted on: April 19, 2019 | By: Jim Bertler | Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Microsoft Dynamics GP

As a Chicago based Microsoft Dynamics GP reseller we are always interested in Microsoft’s direction with Dynamics GP. Certainly, our clients are equally interested in our insights on this topic as we work with Dynamics GP as well as the new Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications.  So, what does Microsoft’s heavy investment in Dynamics 365 Business Central mean for the future of Dynamics GP?

Our Thoughts

Microsoft’s direction on Dynamics GP, and this is purely our opinion, and not any official pronouncement from Microsoft.  We believe Microsoft will continue to release future versions of Dynamics GP. The latest version is 2018. We are expecting Microsoft to release a 2020 version. Critical, though, is the fact that Microsoft really isn’t putting a lot of new functionality into Dynamics GP and their releases. It’s basically user suggestions, and usability type of issues. It is not full-fledged, new functionality or anything of that nature. So, if you’re happy with the solution that you have today, then you could probably continue on Dynamics GP for some time.

Limitations of Dynamics GP

Now if you’re looking for your ERP system to drive better reporting or give you better data analytics or help you improve your processes and be more efficient in certain departments or areas of your business, then Dynamics GP probably is not going to be a great solution for you. Microsoft really isn’t going to invest much in it. A great example would be the mobility of Dynamics GP. Dynamics GP can be used in a desktop client, or in a remote desktop type of scenario, but you really are not going to move Dynamics GP to the cloud and then use it on your iPhone, or your Android device, or iPad. It really is something you remote into via remote desktop connection, or something you use on your regular desktop machine. It’s not something for somebody out on a field to use on an iPhone or an iPad.

Bottom Line

We have been a Chicago based Microsoft Dynamics GP reseller for over 15 years now, so this doesn’t mean we are going to stop supporting Dynamics GP. In fact, our Dynamics GP business continues to grow as we add clients from partners who may be abandoning Dynamics GP.

Therefore, the bottom line is that Microsoft is doing things with Dynamics GP however it is minimal stuff and basic user improvements not big, new functionality. Microsoft’s major investment is reserved for their Dynamics 365 applications, like Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Logan Consulting is a Chicago based Microsoft Dynamics GP reseller and also has deep experience across the entire Dynamics 365 platform.



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