The Clock Is Ticking on Dynamics GP
If your business still relies on Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) for accounting, payroll, or finance, it’s time to prepare. Microsoft has confirmed that mainstream support, including tax and regulatory updates, will end December 31, 2029, and all security updates stop after April 30, 2031.
This notice may seem a little premature, but is it really? End-of-life (EOL) announcements may look far off, but history shows that businesses who wait until the last-minute face higher costs, compliance risks, and rushed transitions. Being prepared now means you control the timeline, the budget, and the outcome.
Key Dates You Can’t Ignore
- End of New Perpetual License Sales: April 1, 2025
- End of New Subscription License Sales (SPLA): April 1, 2026
- End of Mainstream Support (Updates, Tax Logic, Regulatory Changes): December 31, 2029
- End of Security Updates (Extended Support): April 30, 2031
Why This Matters for Every Business
- Security Risks After 2029: Without updates, new vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, leaving your business exposed.
- Compliance & Audit Gaps: Businesses in regulated industries (HIPAA, SOX, PCI) risk failing audits if they stay on unsupported software.
- Vendor & Partner Limitations: As GP fades, support options will shrink and costs for maintaining legacy systems will rise.
- Budget Impact: Early planners spread migration costs over time. Last-minute movers pay more and disrupt operations.
4 Smart Paths Forward
1. Stay on GP for Now, Transition Strategically
- Upgrade to the latest supported version to buy time.
- Use Diverse CTI to host GP securely in the cloud, patch systems, and manage backups until you’re ready to migrate.
2. Migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central (Cloud)
- Future-proof your ERP with Microsoft’s flagship solution.
- Gain scalability, AI-driven reporting, and continuous updates.
- We’ll guide the migration — mapping your workflows, securing your data, and training your team.
3. Hybrid Approach: Cloud-Host GP as a Stopgap
- Move GP to Azure for better uptime, compliance, and disaster recovery.
- Gives you breathing room while preparing for a full ERP upgrade.
4. Upgrade to a Different ERP Altogether
For some businesses, sticking with Microsoft may not be the best fit. Here are the top ERP alternatives to consider as you move away from GP:
| ERP Solution | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamics 365 Business Central (Microsoft) | SMBs to mid-market | Familiar Microsoft ecosystem, strong cloud integration, ongoing support | Subscription pricing, migration complexity |
| NetSuite (Oracle) | Mid-market to enterprise | Cloud-native, robust financials, global compliance, scalable | Higher cost, less customization flexibility |
| Sage Intacct | SMBs & financial services | Excellent financial management, strong reporting, cloud-first | Limited outside core finance modules |
| Acumatica | Growing SMBs | Flexible licensing, good for distribution/manufacturing | Smaller partner ecosystem |
| QuickBooks Enterprise / Online Advanced | Small businesses | Affordable, easy adoption, fast setup | Not a true ERP — lacks advanced workflows |
Diverse CTI helps businesses compare these options, evaluate long-term costs, and plan migrations that make sense for your operations.
How Diverse CTI Helps Businesses Stay Ahead of EOL Deadlines
Most companies don’t get caught off guard because they didn’t know — they get caught because they didn’t plan early enough.
At Diverse CTI, we:
- Compare ERP options so you choose the right fit (not just the loudest brand).
- Build migration roadmaps so you’re not scrambling in 2029.
- Offer cloud hosting & backup to bridge the gap securely.
- Train your teams so new systems are adopted smoothly.
- Tailor strategies to your industry, whether it’s healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or professional services.
Final Thoughts
The end-of-life for Dynamics GP is real and approaching faster than it looks. Don’t think of it as “four years away” — think of it as the perfect runway to prepare without panic. By planning ahead, you avoid budget spikes, downtime, and compliance headaches.
👉 Schedule a free Dynamics GP readiness assessment today and stay ahead of the curve — because being proactive now is a lot less painful than being reactive later.
Dedicated to your business continuity and compliance.
