Since Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009, Microsoft revised the product lifecycles to provide a “winding down” phase. This means that product support does not end abruptly on the day of official retirement (typically this is the date of the “grandchild” release), instead the version enters into Extended Support.

Microsoft’s guidance is that mainstream support is provided for current version and one previous. For example, when version 7 (NAV 2013) was released, version 5 was retired. Shortly after version 8 (NAV 2015) was released, NAV 2009 (version 6) became the first version to enter Extended Support (13th January 2015).

Extended Support costs the same as standard maintenance fees, or the Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP), 16% of licence value. Its purpose is to provide a transition phase for those who need extra time to accommodate an upgrade.

Customers who are current on a service plan can continue to access the following benefits through CustomerSource:
• Previously released Upgrades, Updates, Service Packs, Fixes and Regulatory/Tax Updates
• Self-Help Support through Knowledge Base articles and online content
• Unlimited Online Training

Customers on retired versions may still be supported through the partner channel. This is for day-to-day end user support. Version retirement means that Microsoft no longer maintains that version and this may impact on the level of support your partner can be provided. Dynamics NAV is extremely stable and so it is not uncommon to find versions well passed retirement date continuing in service. However, our advice is that business critical application should be maintained and upgraded.

For further information on retirement dates, visit Microsoft Product Lifecycle. For advice on support and upgrade, please do not hesitate to contact us.