Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 was released and launched by Microsoft in June 2008. For almost 10 years, Microsoft has developed and maintained this version of the proven ERP system. This was also when mainstream support was launched, which provided regular hotfixes, service packs and cumulative updates (CUs) to fix bugs, provide functional improvements and extensions. Any company using Dynamics AX 2009/ 2012 R1 or R2 benefited from the mainstream support, provided a valid enhancement plan (software maintenance) was in place.

Microsoft’s mainstream support for Dynamics AX 2009 will end on April 10, 2018. Only security updates will be free of charge from that date onwards. Microsoft’s mainstream support for Dynamics AX 2012 R1 and Dynamics AX 2012 R2 will end on October 9, 2018.

What does the end of mainstream support mean for companies working with Dynamics AX 2009/2012 R1 or R2?

The systems will continue to run after April 10 and October 9 in the same way as they have run and supported business processes in a proven way. Further users or functionalities can also be acquired, provided a valid enhancement plan exists.

However, some points will change with the end of mainstream support:

• Changes due to new legal requirements

As of April 10, 2018, there will no longer be any hotfixes, service packs and cumulative updates from Microsoft. If, for example, changes arise as a result of new legal requirements, they will have to be implemented in the future either with own resources or with the help of the Microsoft partner, which entails effort and costs.

• Software compatibility

Mainstream support also ensured so far that Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R1 or R2 was compatible with new versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system, Internet Explorer, Microsoft SQL Server or Office package. This software compatibility is no longer guaranteed and you can only continue to operate with the existing version.

• Embedded third-party solutions

In order to supplement the functions of Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R1 or R2, third-party solutions are often integrated, e.g. those for the processing of bank transactions or BI processes. Provided that these system providers offer new, improved and extended versions of their solutions, they can no longer be used.

In summary, it can be said that you can still work with Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R1 or R2. A wide array of technical innovations associated for example with digitization or relate to the constantly changing demands on business processes or customer behavior, cannot be used with the versions for which mainstream support now ends. In individual cases, this can quickly become a competitive disadvantage and lead to lower sales.

What does AlfaPeople recommend to its Microsoft Dynamics customers?

The Dynamics Support of AlfaPeople does not end with the end of mainstream support. Of course, we will continue to support our customers with our Dynamics Support and solve problems, carry out adaptations and extensions in Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R1 or R2.

At the same time, we recommend considering alternatives for the future. We believe the successful future of companies lies in the transition to the latest version of the ERP solution from Microsoft: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition.

The innovations offered by digitization for business transactions and support are integrated into Dynamics 365. In addition, the cloud-based use of Dynamics 365 offers completely new opportunities to operate within your own business environment.

If you would like to learn more about your options and choices with Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R1 or R2 after the end of mainstream support and what you can do, please contact us. We’re just a phone call or email away.