Dynamics AX – Extended Support Extended
Christmas has arrived early for legacy Dynamics AX Users who are still hanging on to extended support. Extended Support for AX 2009 (SP1), AX 2012 and AX 2012 R2, set to end on October 12, 2021, will now end April 12, 2022.
We’ve talked multiple times in recent years about the subtle prodding from Microsoft, gently encouraging businesses to embrace the cloud. Well the prodding isn’t so subtle anymore, and if we’re being honest, we’re poking you with the stick too. Support for Dynamics AX legacy versions is coming to an end eventually, and there are no guarantees of future extensions. For some this is not an appealing thought, but being pushed from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 isn’t a bad thing, and if done right it can be a very good thing.
Time hasn’t quite run out yet
The good news is if you are on any of the AX versions below you have at least 16 months (from the time of writing) before extended support runs dry. As you would expect, AX 2012 R3 buys you the most time for extended support as mainstream support has not yet ended:
Even if you are on R3 however, we can no longer suggest kicking the can down the road. It’s time to start putting Dynamics 365 plans into motion.
Is it an upgrade or a re-implementation?
Yes.
Jokes aside, the answer to this question really is going to be different for everyone. In our experience with Dynamics 365 (dating back to when it was called AX 7), we will say that most everyone has some elements of re-implementation at the very least. For a general rule, we would say the move to D365 will be a mixture for most people. The trick is determining what exactly makes up that mixture.
While it certainly isn’t going to give you all the answers, our blog post on this topic is worth looking at to get an idea of the route your business might take.
Your last “upgrade”
Whatever you want to call your move (upgrade, re-implementation, D365Palooza, etc.), Dynamics 365 changes the game in a big way once you’re there. Among the many benefits of the Microsoft Cloud (scalability, reliability, security and more), the enablement of Dynamics 365 continuous updates is at the top. Instead of a major (and disruptive in a bad way) upgrade every few years, D365 “updates” regularly, with significant functionality changes delivered in Fall and Spring releases. In this model, your business is always on the latest and greatest ERP Microsoft has to offer.
How is it possible? In short, automated testing and best practices by Partners. To learn more about how Ellipse Solutions helps customers navigate continuous updates seamlessly, check out our Update Autopilot service.
Licensing to love
Microsoft really wants you on their new solution, and they are willing to provide some hefty discounts in the licensing arena to get you there. Customers are eligible for 40% off their current number of named licenses when moving to Dynamics 365. There isn’t any set deadline for this discount, but it should be noted that Microsoft is careful not to guarantee it forever. Your Partner should help you navigate your options here, but feel free to contact us if not!
Don’t just take our word for it
Of course we think Dynamics 365 is great. We are a (fantastic) Microsoft Partner after all! For something as major as ERP however, we won’t hold it against you if seek out independent opinions. Check out what top business analyst firms like Gartner, Forrester, Nucleus Research and more are saying about it here.
Ready to get the process started? Check out our Dynamics 365 Implementation Discovery!