The notion of D365, appearing as a cloud successor to Dynamics GP, has stirred up a whirlwind of misconceptions among Dynamics GP users. This confusion arises from Microsoft’s branding strategy which somewhat clouds the true identity of D365. The term ‘D365’ gives the impression of being a unified product, an evolution from Dynamics GP, thus encouraging customers to transition towards their latest offering – Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.
However, reality paints a different picture. The nomenclature can be misleading, suggesting an association with another distinct Microsoft product. Microsoft’s communication strategy regarding these product transitions has unintentionally given rise to numerous myths and uncertainties. It’s high time we scrutinize these widely held beliefs, illuminate the truth, and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: D365 is the GP successor.
Contrary to popular assumption, D365 isn’t a singular product or a direct upgrade path from Dynamics GP. D365 is a marketing umbrella that covers two entirely independent cloud-based ERP solutions, namely Business Central (BC) and Finance & Operations (F&O). Each has its unique roots, and neither has a direct lineage to Dynamics GP.
Myth 2: Transitioning from GP to D365 is uncomplicated.
Some may perceive the transition as straightforward, particularly if operating a basic, finance-only Dynamics GP setup devoid of third-party products or custom modifications. Nevertheless, considering the inherent differences between GP and D365’s offerings (BC and F&O), the shift resembles implementing an entirely new software system more than it does a simple upgrade.
Myth 3: Dynamics GP will soon be obsolete.
Dynamics GP isn’t going anywhere, and it certainly isn’t set to self-destruct. We continue to support our Dynamics GP customer base with the same focus and care. If you are looking to improve your system with customizations, or are looking to continue making improvements to GP we are here to support that.
Microsoft has not announced an end of life for Dynamics GP, instead, they’ve introduced a modern lifecycle. Traditionally, major releases happened every couple of years with R2 releases in between, each having five years of mainstream support. However, if you’re using a version prior to GP 2018, it’s advisable to consult with us about upgrading or cloud migration.
In essence, owning a GP license doesn’t mean it will “expire” or “shutdown” once the official support concludes. There’s no pressure for hasty decisions. Take your time, evaluate the business case for a new ERP system, and consult with us to address your questions or concerns. Both ICS and Microsoft’s Modern Life Cycle are committed to supporting your Dynamics GP system.
Myth 4: D365 is the only logical migration path from GP.
Given that BC and F&O bear no relation to Dynamics GP or each other, it’s worth expanding your horizon and considering all available ERP options. However, at ICS we support both Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and Acumatica.
After receiving requests for an alternative to Dynamics Business Central from our clients, we embarked on a thorough evaluation of cloud solutions. Guided by the unique requirements highlighted by our GP customers, we chose to partner with Acumatica, a choice that serves as an excellent alternative for our client base. You can of course evaluate all options in the Cloud ERP marketplace. We choose to support these products because we truly believe them to be the best next steps for our clients.
Myth 5: Dynamics GP is slow.
Dynamics GP s performance is resource-dependent, not an inherent limitation of the software. Dynamics GP has been around for a long time and as a result has built a pretty stable product. If you’re facing slowdowns, check your hardware resources. Ensure no third-party products are adversely affecting performance.
Myth 6: D365 offers all the features GP does.
As we’ve already noted the D365 umbrella can create confusion behind which of their products offers the desired functionality you may be looking for. This is why it is so important to not only build an extensive use case documenting your requirements and desired functionality but also to speak with your partner. At ICS we build your plan based on your requirements and goals. From there we present your options so you can make informed decisions without the haze of muddled marketing.
Clearing the Clouds: Understanding Your Options
A commonly misunderstood concept is the notion of a “Cloud Version” of Dynamics GP. To clarify, such an entity does not exist. What does exist are three prominent options for Dynamics GP users who are considering the cloud.
- Move your existing version of GP to a hosted environment: With this option, your current Dynamics GP, as is, would simply be hosted on the cloud instead of an on-premise server.
- Migrate to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central: As Microsoft’s next planned product, migrating to Business Central is the direction Microsoft is heavily promoting.
- Evaluate new solutions: This involves looking beyond Microsoft’s suite and exploring solutions that may provide a better fit for your unique business requirements.
Each option has its merits and demerits, and the choice between them depends entirely on your organization’s unique needs and goals.
Assess the business case for a new ERP system at your own pace, and remember that we are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We remain dedicated to supporting your Dynamics GP system throughout this process.
