July 2021 #Understanding the Lifecycle Policies for Microsoft Dynamics GP

In October 2019, Microsoft introduced the Modern Lifecycle Policy for Microsoft Dynamics GP. Before this date, the solution was governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. The Modern Policy offers continuous support and servicing, including bug fixes, new features and the latest tax updates. Customers may stay current by taking at least one of the three yearly planned Dynamics GP releases.

The Lifecycle site shows key information about each version of Dynamics GP. The following sections provide direct links for each listed version.

If your Dynamics GP solution is governed by Fixed Lifecycle

The following older versions of Dynamics GP are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy:

IF YOUR DYNAMICS GP SOLUTION IS GOVERNED BY FIXED LIFECYCLE
Product Mainstream support Extended support Lifecycle definition
Dynamics GP 2013 and GP 2013 R2 Ended April 4, 2018 Ends April 11, 2023 Dynamics GP 2013/Dynamics GP 2013 R2
Dynamics GP 2015 and GP 2015 R2 Ended April 14, 2020 Ends April 8, 2025 Dynamics GP 2015/Dynamics GP 2015 R2
Dynamics GP 2016 and GP 2016 R2 Mainstream support ends July 13, 2021 Ends July 14, 2026 Dynamics GP 2016/Dynamics GP 2016 R2
Dynamics GP 2018 and GP 2018 R2 Mainstream support ends January 10, 2023 Ends January 11, 2028 Dynamics GP 2018/Dynamics GP 2018 R2

Installing any compatible Dynamics GP tax release or hotfix on Dynamics GP 2018 or Dynamics GP 2018 R2 will bring you to version 18.2 or later, which enacts the Modern Lifecycle Policy. There are no tax releases or hotfixes available for Dynamics GP 2018 or Dynamics GP 2018 R2 that would allow you to stay on the fixed lifecycle.

If your Dynamics GP solution is governed by Modern Lifecycle

The current version of Dynamics GP is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy. The Modern Lifecycle Policy offers support and servicing, including bug fixes, new features, and latest tax updates. Under this policy, Dynamics GP customers stay current by taking at least one of the three all-inclusive Dynamics GP updates, typically released in June, October, and December each year. The October update typically delivers new capabilities. The two other updates will typically consist of hotfixes, tax updates, and any relevant regulatory updates.

The following table outlines the release schedule for the three committed all-inclusive updates of Dynamics GP each year.

IF YOUR DYNAMICS GP SOLUTION IS GOVERNED BY MODERN LIFECYCLE
Milestone Example date Description
June update June 1 Tax updates, regulatory updates, hotfixes
October update October 1 New capabilities, hotfixes
December update December 1 Tax updates, regulatory updates, hotfixes