Microsoft Dynamics GP, originally known as Great Plains Software, is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution developed to help businesses manage financials, inventory, and operations efficiently.
Targeted primarily at small and mid-sized businesses, Dynamics GP offers features that integrate across business functions, making it a tool for companies seeking comprehensive financial management capabilities.
Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software in 2001, bringing its ERP solution under the Microsoft umbrella. Rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics GP, it became part of the Dynamics suite, serving thousands of businesses worldwide. Through multiple updates and feature enhancements, GP remained a reliable choice in the ERP market.
Despite its long history and continued use, Microsoft has gradually shifted focus towards its newer cloud-based offerings like Dynamics 365 Business Central. Dynamics GP is now considered a legacy product, and Microsoft has announced a timeline for ending support and sales for GP. However, Microsoft will continue to offer limited updates and support options for existing customers.
One of the main reasons for Microsoft's decision to de-support Dynamics GP is that the software is based on an outdated Microsoft SQL technology and written in a programming language called “Dexterity” which was specifically designed for graphical accounting software. Nowadays a graphical interface is basic functionality for almost all software and Dexterity’s use is redundant. The dated code language is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain with less developers who know how to work with it. Microsoft’s solution to this is its cloud-based intelligent business applications which it has poured investment into. Dynamics GP’s “direct” replacement is Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. Part of the huge Microsoft Dynamics Business Central package. This offers more modern and flexible solutions for businesses looking to upgrade from MS Great Plains/Dynamics GP, but obviously the switch to a more modern accounting solution comes with it’s own drawbacks and complications especially for medium-sized businesses that don’t have “on-tap” IT and Tech support.
And it’s that technical resource requirement that’s the issue: Dynamics GP was known for its strong financial management capabilities, its complex technical requirements but the need for on-premise installations and complicated system integrations that require a tech team on hand to implement and support have made it less and appealing for businesses to adopt in the past decade. Cloud systems are now the mainstream choice for most software applications due to cost and accessibility. If you were looking to move from Dynamics GP then any online cloud accounting software would have most if not all of the features Great Plains would have claimed were “revolutionary” or “game changing” back in the day and would be the first place someone looking to upgrade their finance system should investigate.
However, that same complexity and need for specialist tech resource is also it’s saving grace...in a way...
Because Great Plains is complex legacy software, very few people know how to use it, both internally and via third parties. So all the workarounds, hacks and quirks and “quick fixes” of the common day to day use of an accounting system that are still being used are embedded into the foundations of a Finance Team’s working practises. Changing the way invoices are processed, monthly reports are run, is extremely difficult. Especially when considering lots of the tasks Finance Managers and Admin teams do daily could be years old, created by third parties or ex-employees. It’s completely justified that senior stakeholders aren’t sure what will break if they suddenly stop doing them.
For businesses currently using Dynamics GP, understanding the timeline for support and updates is essential. Here’s a breakdown of Microsoft’s current plans:
As Dynamics GP approaches its end-of-life, companies must prepare to transition to other solutions. Planning a migration early can help avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.
Several key changes are expected with Dynamics GP’s end-of-life, including:
The end-of-life for Dynamics GP doesn’t mean businesses need to switch immediately, but it’s essential to evaluate current and future needs. Consider how GP’s limitations may impact operations and whether it aligns with long-term goals.
Assessing your requirements can clarify whether Dynamics GP will continue to support your operations effectively. Start by evaluating:
As Dynamics GP approaches its end-of-life, businesses have two primary paths to consider:
Some businesses may choose to continue using GP while it remains supported. This option is viable if the system continues to meet operational needs and support requirements. But is risky for the reasons we outlined above, it is a considerable business risk not to have bug and later security issues fixed.
Alternatively, migrating to a new ERP or financial management system may be a prudent choice. Many cloud based options have comparably better features and integrations and it also mitigates risk with GP knowing you won’t lose access to support and product development.
bluQube offers an awarding winning cloud finance product with many innovative and time saving features, with even more planned in the pipeline down the line. We pride ourselves on out customer support and the long term relationships we develop with our customers. Interested in finding out more? Book a demo.
We use cookies to improve website performance.
