End of Microsoft Navision: what are the consequences?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) has not been available for new users for some time now. However, the outdated NAV versions still received support from Microsoft for existing users, but that support is now ending. Especially if you are still using a Navision package, it is understandable that this raises questions. In this article, we would like to share more information about the available support for Navision packages and what the termination of support means for users.

What does support from Microsoft entail?

Volgens Microsoft’s lifecycle policy ontvangt iedere versie van Navision altijd 10 jaar ondersteuning: vijf jaar basisondersteuning en vervolgens nog vijf jaar verlengde ondersteuning. Het verschil tussen deze twee soorten ondersteuning luidt als volgt:

According to Microsoft’s lifecycle policy, every version of Navision always receives 10 years of support: five years of mainstream support and another five years of extended support. The difference between these two types of support is as follows:

• Mainstream support: the NAV version receives new features, security-related updates, and non-security-related updates;
• Extended support: the NAV version only receives security-related updates.

We do not need to explain that mainstream support is the best and should be the minimum for any organization. You can use Microsoft support for incidents and bug fixes. Still, your Navision package will also be provided with essential updates necessary, such as custom laws and regulations, such as the GDPR and the AVG. If your package goes to extended support, you can no longer use this and will only receive security-related updates.

What are the consequences of the terminated support for Navision?

As you can see in the table above, the basic support for the last version of Dynamics NAV from 2018 will expire on January 10, 2023. From that moment on, no version of Navision will receive basic support, and only a few versions will continue to receive security-related updates from the extended support. Once your Navision package lacks basic support, you no longer comply with laws and regulations once changes are implemented. If the extended support with security updates has also expired, you risk becoming a victim of cybercriminals.

What is the replacement for Microsoft Dynamics NAV?

Are you still a Microsoft Dynamics NAV user, and are you curious about your options now that the basic support for the latest Navision version is ending? The most logical step is transitioning to Microsoft Business Central in the cloud. Business Central is the successor to Navision in a familiar guise and is the simplest solution to continue complying with regulations. Business Central is a cloud system with automatic updates based on the latest technologies, standards, and legislation. Additionally, you are immediately provided with an improved platform with many new functionalities.