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Andy Collins

Making Sense of the Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) Lifecycle Policy for Future Support of Dynamics GP

Many of our Dynamics GP customers have asked questions about the future of the system and when support will end for the long-time leading ERP and accounting software.  The answer isn’t always so clear and customers may be getting different answers depending on knowledge, interested parties and recent news. 


We hope this Blog and our team can help clarify what the future means for Dynamics GP customers like you. 


In October of 2019, Microsoft introduced a new Modern Lifecycle Policy for customers.  Before this date, there was only something called the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.  Unlike the Fixed Policy, the Modern Policy allows customers to receive bug fixes and tax updates for Dynamics GP as long as they take one of three yearly releases.  The Fixed Policy had hard dates on the specific release/version of Dynamics GP that each company was running. 


The current version of Dynamics GP is version 18.x and it’s software is governed by this new Modern Lifecycle Policy.  As described above, this version will require that each customer takes at least one new update per year which typically get released in June, October and December.  Each of these GP clients will need to prepare for these updates, or contact their partners, so that they can prepare the system and budget for these releases. 


If you are currently on an older version of Dynamics GP, you will be governed by the old Fixed Lifecycle that includes the following end dates for Mainstream and Extended Support. 



It’s important to note that installing any compatible Dynamics GP tax release or hotfix on GP 2018 or GP 2018 R2 will bring you to version 18.x and now compatible with the Modern Lifecycle Policy.  Find out more about these support policies at Microsoft: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-gp/terms/lifecycle


If you are looking for options to upgrade your Dynamics GP system, we’re here to help at Woodward Peak as we understand that upgrading your ERP system can be a daunting task. Our team of experienced ERP consultants can guide you through the entire upgrade process, from planning and assessment to implementation and training.


We can help you evaluate and upgrade to a variety of modern ERP systems, including:


Dynamics 365 Business Central: A cloud-based ERP system that is designed to help businesses of all sizes grow and succeed.


Sage Intacct: A cloud-based ERP system that is the only preferred AICPA system that is designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their finances, inventory and accounting.


Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain: A suite of cloud-based ERP applications that are designed to help businesses manage their finances, supply chains, and manufacturing operations.


NetSuite: An Oracle, cloud-based ERP system that is designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their finances, eCommerce and sales.


Please let us know how we can help and contact us at info@woodwardpeak.com or andy@costapartnersllc.com 

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