As technology evolves at a relentless pace, software applications too must adapt or face obsolescence. In the world of enterprise resource planning (ERP), Microsoft's Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) has long been a trusted companion for countless businesses. However, with the cessation of Microsoft's support for NAV, a significant transition is upon us.
In this blog, we will delve into the implications of this development and explore the various options available to businesses that rely on NAV for their critical operations. Whether you're a seasoned NAV user or just beginning to explore ERP solutions, understanding your choices in the wake of this change is crucial.
NAV Support Lifecycle
The Microsoft Dynamics NAV support lifecycle is a structured framework that outlines the stages of support and maintenance provided for the Dynamics NAV. It is quite essential for businesses using NAV to understand this lifecycle to effectively plan their software maintenance and migration strategies. The NAV support lifecycle typically consists of the following stages:
- Mainstream Support: This is the initial phase after a version of NAV is released. During Mainstream Support, Microsoft provides regular updates, bug fixes, security patches, and customer support. Customers can request assistance and receive updates to keep their system running smoothly.
- Extended Support: After Mainstream Support ends, the Extended Support phase begins. During this period, Microsoft continues to offer support for NAV but with some limitations. Critical security updates and hotfixes are still provided, but non-security-related updates and new features are no longer developed.
- Non-Support: Once Extended Support concludes, a version of NAV enters the Non-Support phase. At this stage, Microsoft no longer provides updates, patches, or official support for the software. Customers are expected to have upgraded to a more recent version or migrate to a different ERP solution to ensure continued support and security.
Take a look at this table! Starting from January 10, 2023, something is changing for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018. It won't get the regular help and updates we're used to, known as "Mainstream Support." Instead, it will only get security updates for a while, which is called "Extended Support." But here's the important part: once Extended Support is over, no version of NAV will get any updates at all. So, it's a good idea to start thinking about what you should do with your NAV system to keep it safe and up to date.
Product | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support |
Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 | 13/01/2015 | 14/01/2020 |
Dynamics NAV 2013 | 01/09/2018 | 10/01/2023 |
Dynamics NAV 2013 R2 | 01/09/2018 | 10/01/2023 |
Dynamics NAV 2015 | 14/01/2020 | 14/01/2025 |
Dynamics NAV 2016 | 13/04/2021 | 14/04/2026 |
Dynamics NAV 2017 | 11/01/2022 | 11/01/2027 |
Dynamics NAV 2018 | 10/01/2023 | 11/01/2028 |
Are you a Dynamics NAV User? Explore These Options
If you use Dynamics NAV, you have various alternatives to consider:
Collaborate with Proactive Dynamics NAV Support Partner
When your NAV configuration is heavily customized, transitioning or upgrading to an ERP system currently in Mainstream Support can pose considerable challenges. In this scenario, the presence of a reliable and proactive Microsoft Dynamics NAV Support Partner, such as Dynamics Square, becomes invaluable. They will work alongside you to ensure the continued viability of your NAV solution.
However, this option comes with several risks that you must be aware of before proceeding ahead and we are unfolding them below:
Integration with New Technologies: Legacy ERPs were designed at a time when technology was less interconnected. As a result, they often lack the built-in capabilities to easily connect and work with modern, third-party solutions or services. This can make it significantly more challenging and time-consuming to integrate your legacy ERP with new technologies or external software, such as specialized business applications or cloud-based services.
Utilizing Microsoft’s Tools: Legacy ERPs may not seamlessly integrate with Microsoft's modern suite of business productivity tools, such as Power Automate, Power Apps, and Teams. They limit your ability to take full advantage of their capabilities.
Compliance with Financial Regulations: Financial regulations are rules and standards set by governing bodies that businesses must follow to ensure financial transparency, accuracy, and compliance. As an ERP system ages and no longer receives regular updates and support, it may struggle to keep up with changes in these regulations. This can be a significant concern for organizations, as non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage.
Increased Risk of Crashing: As the ERP system gets older, it becomes more vulnerable to technical issues and failures. These issues can range from software bugs to hardware malfunctions. The higher the probability of it experiencing a crash, which means sudden and unexpected failure of the software or hardware, causing it to stop working.
Upgrade your ERP to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, staying competitive and efficient is crucial for the success of your business. One strategic option that deserves your attention is upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Here are some benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:
- Modernization: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central represents a significant leap forward in ERP technology. It is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management solution that combines the power of ERP and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This modernization allows you to benefit from the latest features and functionalities that align with today's business needs.
- Seamless Integration: One of the standout advantages of Business Central is its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools and services. This includes familiar applications like Microsoft Office, Power BI for advanced analytics, and Microsoft Teams for collaboration.
- Scalability: Business Central is designed to grow with your business. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, you can start with the features you need and easily scale up as your business expands.
Apart from the above, there are several more benefits that you can explore in action by scheduling a demo with a leading company like Dynamics Square.
So, whether you are looking for Microsoft Dynamics NAV support or upgrading your ERP to Business Central, feel free to reach out to Dynamics Square for a free consultation.