Everyone who uses Dynamics 365 Business Central must be aware that it is highly recommended to upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft has been gradually ending support for Dynamics NAV for several years. This means that the applied security in Dynamics NAV may be outdated. In addition, there may be issues related to compliance with updated financial regulations and problems with integration with external products.
End of support for Dynamics NAV
Support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV has been gradually phased out for several years. Support for Dynamics NAV 2018 and 2018 R2 ended in January 2023. Support for the other versions ended even earlier. The only support that currently remains (as of 2023) is technical support for Dynamics NAV 2015 and NAV 2016.
The exact plan for ending support is presented in the table below:
| System version | Date | Description |
| Dynamics NAV 2016 | April 13, 2021 | end of support |
| Dynamics NAV 2017 | January 11, 2022 | end of support |
| Dynamics NAV 2013 R2 | January 9, 2022 | end of technical support |
| Dynamics NAV 2013 | January 10, 2023 | end of technical support |
| Dynamics NAV 2018 | January 10, 2023 | end of support |
| Dynamics NAV 2018 R2 | January 10, 2023 | end of support |
| Dynamics NAV 2015 | January 14, 2025 | end of technical support |
| Dynamics NAV 2016 | April 14, 2026 | end of technical support |
Security and access to future updates
If you are still using the NAV system, you need to be aware that security support has ended. In addition, there may be issues related to compliance with current regulations (e.g. financial regulations).
Updating to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a necessary step to maintain a high level of security and access to future updates. Business Central users receive regular updates and security fixes. As planned, the system receives a major update exactly twice a year.
Access to new functionalities and refreshed user interface
Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a refreshed user interface. In addition, it is impossible to ignore a number of new functionalities that make the use of Microsoft Dynamics more effective and more adapted to what users require from a modern ERP system.
The exact list of functionalities can be found in the Microsoft Docs materials: tutaj.
Possibility of implementation in the cloud
No need to manage server infrastructure
Dynamics 365 Business Central is a solution that is distributed as a SaaS application. The advantages of the cloud solution include no additional costs related to infrastructure maintenance and high reliability guaranteed by the Azure cloud (99.9% SLA).
More flexibility with license management
In addition, the SaaS model offers more flexibility in managing the number of licenses. Payment for licenses can be made on a monthly subscription basis. If the company is developing dynamically, you can increase the number of licenses. However, if there is a need to reduce the number of licenses, it is also possible to adjust the number of licenses to current needs within one billing period (e.g. within a month).
Access to the system from any place and device
Cloud deployment makes it possible to access data from anywhere and on any device. Just log in to your browser or use the mobile app to use Business Central.
