Microsoft Dynamics has a long and storied lineage. On its decades-long journey to become the comprehensive, innovative software solution we know today, it’s been through countless updates, and improvements. All of this change has been driven by one goal—to create an industry-leading business solution that help organizations work smarter and more efficiently by utilizing Microsoft’s cutting edge technologies.
Among the latest developments on that continuing journey is the sundowning of certain Dynamics products. Microsoft has announced that support for Dynamics GP will end on December 31st, 2029. The move will allow Microsoft to focus its attention, investments, and resources on its flagship Dynamics 365 products to ensure it maintains a leading position over competing solutions. This shift aims to consolidate its customer base and offer a one-stop, state-of-the-art business solution.
“With advancements in technology and changing market dynamics, business leaders are looking at their operations tools now more than ever to stay competitive, drive growth, improve profitability and ensure long-term company success,” Mike Morton, Vice President of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central at Microsoft wrote in this statement about the support cut-off.
He added that “Microsoft is committed to ensuring we offer robust and innovative solutions to meet these needs.” And his suggestion on how former Dynamics GP customers can meet those requirements? Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
All hands on deck for Microsoft Partners
Transitioning to a new product, even one that’s in the same ecosystem as your legacy system, can be a challenge. Microsoft has pledged to fully support Microsoft GP Partners with the wave of customers that will need to switch from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central over the next few years.
As always, Microsoft Partners will be on the front lines helping customers get the solutions they need to deliver on their most critical projects. However, many Partners are acutely aware of the potential obstacles that could emerge in the great migration to Business Central.
While this is a great opportunity for Microsoft Partners with Business Central capabilities, many are wondering whether they have the resource capacity to deal with this uptick in activity. For those Partners who have not built out a Business Central practice yet, there is the added challenge of a lack of business capability to migrate existing customers over to Dynamics GP.
Adding to complexity of the situation, some customers may need to be persuaded to make the switch to Business Central, especially with other ERP systems on the market offering similar features. If Partners are unsuccessful in this, it could mean potential loss of long-term business.
According to research, 77% of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partners say they’re struggling to achieve their goals because of the scarcity of Dynamics 365 talent—and this shortage of professionals with Business Central expertise could seriously hamper their ability to take on migrations, especially given the competition from so many Partner organizations in a similar position.
Luckily, the answer to overcoming the shortage of business capabilities and talent could lie closer to home than Partners realize.
Bridging the gap between Dynamics GP and Business Central
Dynamics Partners around the world are stacked with talented professionals with years of experience helping customers work with ERP products like Dynamics GP and Dynamics SL. Although these products are at the end of their lifecycles, that invaluable expertise doesn’t have to go to waste.
CrossSKILL, part of the Business Central Talent Initiative, has been specially designed by Microsoft and its collaborators to train professionals with Dynamics GP experience, teaching them everything they need to know about working with Business Central.
This first-of-its-kind training solution is tailored specifically to your business needs, supporting Partners with practice and delivery readiness by cross-skilling existing Dynamics GP resources and providing them with right tools as they embark on their journey into the Business Central channel.
How CrossSKILL turns your team into Business Central pros
The CrossSKILL program takes individuals already experienced in delivering Dynamics GP projects and provides intensive, practical training to transform them into proficient Business Central professionals.
The all-inclusive cross-training program consists of three components to help your employees successfully transition their skills into Business Central. The program can be tailored to your organization’s needs but the foundation of the training covers:
In-depth and ongoing product training
Training kicks off with a five-day course in all things Business Central, designed to get experienced Dynamics GP consultants up to speed on Business Central, its features, and its benefits. Delivered once per week over a five-week period, participants will have the option of virtual or in-person training, making it accessible to organizations around the world.
Our experienced instructor has made the transition from Dynamics GP to Business Central in their own career, allowing them to provide advice and best practices as they guide participants on their journey. The instructor will draw upon learners’ knowledge of Dynamics GP, highlighting where similar functions and features exist in Business Central.
The first three days will focus on function training such as core features and business processes, including sales and receivables, purchases, and payables.
On days four and five, participants will focus on technical training, covering system setup, customization, and integration.
From the start of their training, participants will have access to online learning platform, Plataan Booster, for a full year for hands-on practical and case-based learning. Plaatan also offers live sessions and on-demand instructor support.
The #BCTalent community
Participants will join a vibrant and enthusiastic community of Business Central learners where they can join regularly scheduled community sessions with Microsoft MVPs, product experts, thought leaders, and professional skills coaches to help them develop their Business Central know-how.
Participants can expect webinars on Copilot, Power Platform integration, Business Central app functionality, and development best practices, as well as professional skills sessions focusing on vital abilities like negotiation skills, pre-sales workshop, and how to provide more value to customers. There are also best practice sessions focused on transitioning from Dynamics GP to Business Central, covering topics including migration, implementation, and Red Carpet ISV sessions.
The CrossSKILL effect
As Microsoft continues its focus on expanding Business Central, more Partners are turning to CrossSKILL to get their teams ready for the switch. Microsoft Partner, WennSoft is one of the organizations that has already benefited from the program.
“Transitioning from Dynamics GP to Business Central was a strategic choice for our organization. CrossSKILL provided our team with vital product insights and fostered a renewed sense of motivation and productivity.”
Find out how CrossSKILL can get your team Business Central-ready
For more information about how CrossSKILL can support your organization, or to sign up for one of our upcoming courses, get in touch today.