Microsoft Dynamics GP
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| Microsoft Dynamics GP | |
|---|---|
| Name | Microsoft Dynamics GP |
| Developer | Microsoft; origin: Great Plains Software |
| Released | 1993 (original Great Plains) |
| Latest release | var. through 2018 R2 (mainstream updates continued until announced end of life) |
| Programming language | Dexterity; integration via .NET, SQL Server, OLE |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows; SQL Server back-end |
| Genre | Enterprise resource planning |
Microsoft Dynamics GP Microsoft Dynamics GP is an enterprise resource planning product line originally developed by Great Plains Software and later acquired and marketed by Microsoft. It is designed for small and medium-sized businesses to manage financials, supply chain, human resources, and operations using a Windows client and Microsoft SQL Server back-end. GP integrates with other Microsoft offerings and industry solutions from partners such as Sage Group, Accenture, and regional value-added resellers.
Overview
Dynamics GP targets accounting-centric ERP deployments for organizations that require on-premises or hosted solutions tied to the Microsoft Windows Server and SQL Server stack. The product historically supported modules for general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, inventory, order processing, and purchasing, while enabling reporting through Microsoft Excel, SQL Server Reporting Services, and third-party tools from firms like Jet Reports and Zebra Technologies. Its customer base has included firms working with Deloitte, KPMG, and other systems integrators that provide implementation and customization services.
History and Development
The product lineage begins with Great Plains Software, founded in the early 1980s and notable for financial software aimed at small businesses and certified public accountants. After public offerings and growth, Microsoft acquired Great Plains in 2001 as part of an expansion of enterprise offerings alongside acquisitions such as Navision and Axapta. Post-acquisition, the product was rebranded and integrated into the Microsoft Business Solutions family and later the Microsoft Dynamics portfolio. Development milestones included porting to the Dexterity development environment, integration with Microsoft Office 2003/2007/2010, and upgrades to leverage SQL Server enhancements, Windows Server features, and Azure-adjacent services offered by hosting partners.
Features and Modules
Core modules historically included General Ledger, Receivables, Payables, Payroll, Inventory, Sales Order Processing, Purchasing, and Bank Reconciliation. Industry and vertical extensions covered manufacturing, distribution, and professional services with add-ons from partners like Rockton Software and Softrak. Reporting and analytics used connectors to Power BI-like tools, Excel-based reporting, and third-party suites from Insightsoftware (formerly Jet Reports). Payroll and HR capabilities were often extended through integrations with services provided by firms such as Ceridian and regional payroll providers. Localization and regulatory compliance were handled via partner solutions to meet requirements in jurisdictions involving bodies like the Internal Revenue Service and national tax agencies.
Architecture and Technology
The architecture centers on the Dexterity-based application layer communicating with a Microsoft SQL Server relational database. Client-server deployments used a Windows desktop client with optional Web Services and web client extensions developed using .NET Framework and ASP.NET. Integration points included eConnect, Web Services for GP, and the Microsoft Dynamics GP Management Reporter for financial statements, which interfaced with SQL Server Reporting Services. For backup, high availability, and scalability enterprises leveraged Windows Server Failover Clustering, SQL Server Always On, and hosted offerings on infrastructure from providers certified as Microsoft Solution Providers.
Licensing and Deployment Options
Historically, licensing followed perpetual license models with annual enhancement plans sold through Microsoft resellers and partners including Avanade and regional VARs. Deployment options spanned on-premises installations on Windows Server and hosted deployments via third-party hosting companies and managed service providers such as those in the Microsoft Partner Network. Microsoft also supported transition paths to cloud-first solutions in the Microsoft portfolio for customers seeking migration to Dynamics 365 offerings or hybrid architectures combining on-premises GP with cloud services like Office 365 and Azure Active Directory.
Market Adoption and Competitors
GP attracted market segments among professional services, distribution, and manufacturing SMBs and competed with ERP vendors such as Sage Group (including Sage 100/300), Intuit (for smaller accounting needs), Acumatica, Oracle NetSuite, and Epicor. Systems integrators and accounting firms, including members of networks like the National Association of Accountants and global consultancies such as PwC, often advised customers on selection, migration, or consolidation involving GP. Third-party ISVs and resellers formed an ecosystem delivering vertical solutions, training, and localized compliance for regional markets.
Reception and End of Life / Support Lifecycle
Reception from reviewers and analysts highlighted GP’s strong accounting capabilities, mature partner ecosystem, and deep integrations with Microsoft Office as strengths, while critiques pointed to aging user interface paradigms and the complexity of upgrades and customizations. Microsoft provided a published support lifecycle with mainstream and extended support windows, and in strategic shifts encouraged migrations to cloud-first suites like Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. The product’s end-of-life and mainstream support announcements led customers to plan migrations, engage partners such as Crowe LLP and RSM US LLP for transition projects, or remain on supported maintenance agreements with certified hosting providers.