14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has updated and extended the Support Lifecycle policy associated with the service packs for select products under the Dynamics brand. The Redmond-based company revealed that it was customer input that catalyzed the support reprieve affecting Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics AX, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Essentially, the service pack support policy for Dynamics SL, GP, NAV, AX, and CRM has been extended from just 12 months to a full two years, in scenarios in which a new SP is released. The standard strategy for the software giant is to cut support for a previous service pack one year after, as long as a newer SP is available to customers.
“Microsoft is committed to providing its customers and partners with product support that maximizes their investments in Microsoft technology and delivers the most value to their business. This policy update is a reflection of this commitment. The longer support timelines for these service packs gives Microsoft Dynamics customers and partners the flexibility to optimize their IT infrastructure and plan their product upgrades based on their businesses’ timelines. It also enables them to better manage their support costs during these challenging economic times,” the software giant stated.
For example, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 Service Pack 0/RTM was supposed to be supported only until January 12, 2010. With the life extension delivered on June 22, the release will live until January 11, 2011. The graphics featured in the aforementioned document offer a clear perspective over just how long support will be available for Dynamics Service Packs. But at the same time, Microsoft also extended the lifecycle policy for SPs for which support has already expired.
“Additionally, per the new policy, support will also be reactivated for select service packs for which support has expired under the previous 12-month policy, but for which support would have continued under the new 24-month policy. The retired service packs for which support will now be reactivated, as per this update,” the Redmond-based company said.
Customers should be aware that the Dynamics Support Lifecycle policy extension only covers service packs and not the full products. For all the solutions, Mainstream Support and Extended Support dates are in no way affected by the SP reprieve. “Mainstream Support for these products will continue, as per the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy, for five years from the date of general availability of the products, and Extended Support for another five years after the end of Mainstream Support,” Microsoft indicated.