GP Enhancement Package
Subscription-based Model
Dynamics GP has made the move to a Modern Lifecycle Policy
Beginning with the October 2019 release, Microsoft Dynamics GP follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy. The Policy offers continuous support and servicing, including bug fixes, new features and tax updates.
Dynamics GP is moving to a Modern Lifecycle Policy, which means that the product is serviced and supported continuously, as long as you maintain your license and keep current with the service terms and system requirements.
Your VAR partner will keep you updated with that – you won’t even have to think about it. This is a positive move because it shows that Microsoft is committed to Dynamics GP for the foreseeable future.
Upgrades and updates will be released more frequently and on a predictable schedule throughout each year. Changes like non-security and security updates, new product builds, new feature requests, access to online content including Knowledge Base and webcasts, phone support, and online support will all be continuously updated for you.
Microsoft will give you ample time of notice before any action is required on your part.
Modern Lifecycle Policy FAQ
How is the Modern Lifecycle Policy Defined?
Products and services governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy are supported as long as customers stay current as per the servicing and licensing requirements published for the product or service and have the rights to use the product or service. Microsoft will provide a minimum of 12 months’ prior notification before ending support for products governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy without providing a successor product or service, excluding free products, services or preview releases.
What is included in continuous servicing and support?
Each product or service will be supported according to servicing guidelines for that offering. Continuous servicing and support may include non-security and security updates, new product builds, new feature requests, access to online content including Knowledge Base and webcasts, phone support, and online support. Support will be provided continuously as long as customers stay current by following the servicing guidelines for the product or service. A link to these guidelines may be found under the Notes column when searching by offering on the Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search page.
What does it mean to "stay current"?
To stay current, a customer must accept all servicing updates and apply them within a specific timeframe, per the licensing and servicing requirements for the product or service. The requirements may be found under the Notes column when searching by offering on the Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search page.
Why did Microsoft introduce Fixed and Modern policies?
As part of Microsoft’s digital transformation, we have updated our Lifecycle Policy categories to better align our policies to the products and services being offered. The Fixed and Modern categories are more accurate descriptions of our policy types and make it easier for customers to locate information needed to plan for the future.
Will the Lifecycle Policy for any already-released products change?
Typically, we will not apply the Modern Lifecycle Policy retroactively to on-premises product versions that have already been released with a different Lifecycle Policy. If we do apply the Modern Lifecycle Policy retroactively to more accurately reflect how we actually service the product, the previously published end-of-support date will not change.
I am familiar with traditional Microsoft Lifecycle policies such as Mainstream Support and Extended Support phases. In what ways is the Modern Lifecycle Policy similar or different?
The Modern Lifecycle Policy differs in some respects from traditional lifecycle policies, but is similar in their underlying principles.
Similarities:
- Both policies establish a framework for consistency and predictability for Microsoft’s packaged software and services.
- As with the Service Pack Policy for products governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, the Microsoft Modern Lifecycle Policy provides a notification period for customers to plan for and implement changes to their environment. Changes must be implemented, or service degradation or interruption is possible.
- For both policies, security updates are provided for supported services at no charge. Some security updates are applied by Microsoft; others may require customer action.
Differences:
- Notification of change will be provided for products and services governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy. The means of communication may vary depending on the product or service. See the respective lifecycle date grid listing for links to servicing information and timelines.
- Products and services under the Modern Lifecycle Policy may follow a more rapid release cadence in comparison to products and services governed by Fixed policies. Microsoft will provide a minimum 30-day notification when customers are required to take action in order to avoid significant degradation to the normal use of the service.
Do security updates follow the notification timeline of the Modern Lifecycle Policy?
No. Security updates are excluded from the 30-day notification.
Microsoft Dynamics GP Servicing Table
Before the October 2019 release, any older release will continue to follow their existing Lifecycle timelines under the Fixed Policy. You can see those dates in the table below:
| Year | Feature Update | Feature Update | Feature/Year End Tax Update | Staying Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | October 1, 2019 | Past the date | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2019 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
| 2020 | October, 2020 | June, 2020 | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2020 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
| 2021 | October, 2021 | June, 2021 | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2021 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
| 2022 | October, 2022 | June, 2022 | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2022 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
| 2023 | October, 2023 | June, 2023 | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2023 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
| 2024 | October, 2024 | June, 2024 | November/December | To stay current, you must be on one of the 2024 releases. It ensures you can upgrade to next year’s updates. |
Next Steps…
To make sure your software is consistent with Microsoft standards, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest Dynamics GP version.
Upgrade Dynamics GP
It’s critical if you are currently using Dynamics GP 2015 or earlier that you reach out to service@opalbiz.com to schedule an upgrade as 2015 or earlier will be unsupported.
OPAL is willing to work with our clients to ensure that your upgrade project will go seamlessly with no interruptions.
Opal’s GP Enhancement Package
We understand that upgrading is not ideal at times but Opal’s engineers will guide you through a seamless process that will make you regret not upgrading earlier.
You‘re a candidate for Opal’s Enhancement Package IF...
Common Pain Points:
- You don’t have a GP subject matter expert on staff
- You have multiple customizations
- You’re not current on your enhancement plan
- You’re unsure of operating system compatibility with your version of GP
If these pain points sound familiar, please call us today about partnering with Opal!
Benefits
Benefits of the GP Enhancement Package:
- Don’t have to worry about planning for your Upgrade – Opal will be proactive with you and Microsoft so there will be no stress on your end.
- You pay a fixed price each month – Subscription models allow you to budget upgrades easier because you know what you’re paying.
- Dedicated GP Account Manager
- Access to our service desk for post go-live support
Azure compatibility discount
Costs
Opal’s GP Enhancement Package is a subscription-based model.
You pay a small price each month and when it is time for your upgrade, Opal will implement the newest version of GP for you at no extra costs towards your fixed rate.
We understand each company is different and each upgrade is different from the rest so the fixed rate in which you would pay each month, will depend on the complexity of your project.
