As you might have heard, Microsoft released a brand-new version of Microsoft Dynamics GP earlier this month. As with all GP releases, it brought with it a ton of great features, a few favorites of which we showcased in a recent post on our company blog. Interested? Check it out here. But new features were not the only big change to come with this version of Dynamics GP. With this release, Microsoft also moved Dynamics GP from a traditional fixed lifecycle policy to their modern lifecycle policy, which governs the updates for Office 365 and many of the software giant’s newer products/services.
What does this shift mean for me?
Microsoft’s move to add Dynamics GP to its modern lifecycle policy is good news for Dynamics GP users. It solidifies Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining GP with at least three regular updates each year for the foreseeable future. So, if you’re a fan of Dynamics GP and were afraid you’d have to leave your beloved accounting software behind sooner than you would like, fear not.
Also, instead of only getting a big release with new features every other year or so, which had long been the case with Dynamics GP, users can look forward to receiving updates more often.
Under the modern lifecycle policy, the yearly update schedule looks like this:
- June/July – security and regulatory updates
- October – large update with customer requested new features
- November/December – year end updates
Plus, GP developers will release additional security updates, quality fixes and hot fixes throughout the year, as needed.
With this faster release cadence, you may wonder how long Microsoft plans to support each new release. That’s a great question. Unlike the traditional fixed lifecycle, under the modern lifecycle, releases no longer have expiration dates. Mainstream and extended support are a thing of the past. Instead, as long as you “stay current” Microsoft will continue to support your software until it announces the end of the product (which there is no announced plan to do).
What does it mean to “stay current?”
This is a new term to the Dynamics GP vocabulary, and one that can seem confusing at first. But it’s simple. To “stay current” all you have to do is apply at least one update per year. For example, if you want to have access to the 2021 releases of Dynamics GP, you will need to install either the June/July, October, or November/December released in 2020.
When will my company make the switch to the modern lifecycle policy?
The answer to this question depends on what version you are on now and how long you take to move to the latest release. GP versions released prior to this October remain on the traditional fixed lifecycle. Once you upgrade to the October 2019 release or a subsequent one, you will move to the modern lifecycle policy.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information on the modern lifecycle policy and how it compares to the fixed one?
That’s understandable. That’s why we put together a brief fact sheet comparing the two policies and answering some of the most common questions GP customers like you have about the switch.
Download your copy now.
Ready to take advantage of all the October 2019 release of Dynamics GP offers? Contact us to begin your upgrade.
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