9th of October is the date that most Dynamics AX products go out of support. As Microsoft winds down support of its flagship legacy ERP product, Dynamics AX, we thought it helpful to set out the cut off dates for mainstream and extended support, as well as highlight what your options are if you’re running one of these unsupported systems.
When does my version of Dynamics AX go out of support?
It inevitably depends on which version of Dynamics AX you are on. The latest version (Dynamics AX 2012 R3) will be under support until 2021, but most versions going out of mainstream support from October 2018.
Below is a table with all of the dates you should be watching out for.
| Version | Mainstream support | Extended Support end |
| Dynamics AX 2009 RTM | January 2011 | 2021 |
| Dynamics AX 2009 | April 2018
(extended to October 2018) |
2021 |
| Dynamics AX 2012 RTM | October 2018 | 2021 |
| Dynamics AX 2012 R2 | October 2018 | 2021 |
| Dynamics AX 2012 R3 | 2021 | 2023 |
What are your options?
You can remain on your unsupported Dynamics AX system, and carry the security and other risks to your business of any change requirement or you could upgrade. With the right support partner, it is possible to continue using the system for a while but inevitably your employees and processes will evolve over time, making this more difficult to sustain.
Microsoft now offers two newer ERP solutions. One is the direct descendant of Dynamics AX, Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations and is the logical upgrade path for businesses that use most of the Dynamics AX functionality. For smaller businesses, or businesses that are finding they aren’t using everything the system has to offer there is Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Moving to one of these options will mitigate the risks above as Dynamics 365 uses a subscription model where you are always on the latest version and as a result of this Microsoft are adding functionality, bug fixes and new capability all the time.
The benefits of moving to a modern, business application with built-in intelligence and flexibility to suit your business are massive. It can offer new levels of integration and the ability to mould to your organisation that has never been seen before. The integration with other Microsoft solutions makes the solution feel like it’s a part of your business as outlook or Microsoft Word. All of this drives greater efficiency, insight and success for your business.