Microsoft support timeline for Dynamics NAV

Although Dynamics NAV is no longer available for new customers, there are a number of versions that are still in mainstream support. For existing users of Dynamics NAV this raises the question – what should you be doing with your system?

Most recent versions of Dynamics NAV (formerly known as Navision) are still in mainstream support and this means you will get core updates when changes happen such as the GDPR and Making Tax Digital. These changes won’t be incorporating new technologies or more general advancements.

When does Dynamics NAV go out of support?

Below is a full table of all the recent versions and when they go out of support. As you will see Dynamics NAV 2009 and Dynamics NAV 2013 are already out of mainstream support. Microsoft offers 5 years of mainstream support for feature updates and normally offers 5 years of extended support for security updates only.

We know many Dynamics NAV users are on early versions of the solution, as each installation was heavily customised for the user which makes updating to newer versions impossible. Now that these versions are going out of support this brings risk for your business. You are running a system that will not get any bug or security fixes if you are out of extended support, and this could open your organisation up to threats.

The options for users of Dynamics NAV

You generally have two options available to you when facing end of support:

1. Get a proactive partner – You need to keep your system up to date and on the latest version available, this requires a proactive partner. With the right support partner, it is possible to extend the life of your system. If your installation is heavily customised then moving to the latest versions will be difficult. A proactive support partner will buy you some more time, but there will be a limit for how far you should go with this. Once the system is past extended support you are opening your business to risk and with employees leaving and your business evolving the pain of keeping the system might become strong enough to build the case for a new solution.
2. Upgrade your ERP – Your current system going out of support is a strong sign that it is time to consider upgrading. For users of Dynamics NAV the obvious upgrade is Dynamics 365 Business Central. Dynamics 365 Business Central is the next generation of Dynamics NAV. It is a completely new product that has been built in the cloud and embedded with insights, AI and with a brand-new user experience. To encourage organisations to upgrade, Microsoft is also offering a 40% discount on licences until 2021. The benefits of moving to a new system are massive. You can get new levels of access, intelligence, automation and integration.

Visit our services pages to learn more about our Dynamics NAV support services or about upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Download our guide ‘Next Steps for Dynamics NAV’ to learn more.

The post Microsoft support timeline for Dynamics NAV appeared first on Incremental Group.