While there is no true guarantee that Microsoft Dynamics GP will come to its end in 2031, it seems more likely than ever that we are witnessing the last days of Great Plains. But Microsoft wants to retain its GP resellers and customers so they are trying to make it as easy as possible to switch from Dynamics GP to Business Central. Enter Microsoft AIM...
Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP End of Life & Important Dates »
In this post we are talking about Microsoft’s AIM program… what it is, how it works, plus, the benefits for GP customers and for Microsoft Partners.
What is Microsoft AIM?
The Microsoft AIM Program, "Accelerate, Innovate, Move," is available to help Dynamics GP users migrate their on-premises software to the cloud, with tailored pathways, guidance, assessments and even potential funding. Read AIM FAQs
How does it work
- Customized Migration Strategy: AIM provides tailored pathways and expert guidance specifically designed for Dynamics GP users, which may not be easily available without the program.
- Funding Assistance: AIM offers potential funding or financial incentives to offset migration costs, an option not typically accessible without the program.
- Comprehensive Assessments: AIM conducts in-depth evaluations of the existing GP environment, offering insights and solutions that go beyond standard migration resources.
Who is AIM?
The Microsoft AIM Program is led by Microsoft in collaboration with its certified partners, who specialize in Dynamics GP and cloud migration services.
Microsoft oversees the program, offering tools, resources, and potential funding to support the migration effort, ensuring alignment with its cloud platforms like Dynamics 365 Business Central or Azure.
Microsoft Dynamics Partners assess users’ needs and develop a tailored migration plan, providing hands-on support throughout the transition process.
No new Dynamics GP deployments under Perpetual Licensing, starting April 1, 2025. Learn More: What Dynamics GP Perpetual Licensing Cut-off Means
How AIM Helps GP Users
- Migration Tools: Specialized tools and software to streamline the data migration process from Dynamics GP to the cloud.
- Technical Documentation: Comprehensive guides, templates, and best practices for planning and executing the migration.
- Funding Assistance: Potential financial incentives to help reduce the cost of migration and implementation.
- Training Resources: Access to training materials and resources to help users adapt to new cloud-based systems like Dynamics 365.
How AIM Benefits Dynamics Partners (VARs and ISVs)
- Co-Funding Opportunities: Direct access to financial incentives from Microsoft to support customer migrations.
- Pre-Built Migration Tools: Ready-to-use tools for data migration designed to simplify the migration.
- Comprehensive Assessment Frameworks: Templates and methodologies provided by Microsoft to evaluate customer environments and recommend migration strategies.
- Sales and Marketing Support: Collateral, campaigns, and resources to help partners pitch migration services effectively to Dynamics GP users.
- Dedicated Microsoft Support: Access to Microsoft's technical teams and resources for troubleshooting and guidance during migrations.
Conclusion
Microsoft Dynamics GP has been a crowd favorite for decades and tons of people are resistant to changing ERPs. The clock is ticking, but the truth is, GP will be supported until 2031 depending on your licensing. It’s a good idea to talk to your Microsoft Partner about your best options before you commit internally to any kind of change.
If you are ready to start moving from Microsoft Dynamics GP to D365 Business Central, the AIM program may make that journey easier for you.
