Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015: Is this the time to upgrade?

Enterprise IT departments often wait for at least one or two updates to newly released software before upgrading. By waiting, the thinking goes, bugs will have been discovered and fixed after the original releases. For many companies, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015 is no exception to this practice.

"There's been a lot of interest lately in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015, but I've heard from a number of people that their company won't move to the latest release," writes Mark Polino, Integrated Business Group Senior Consultant. "They insist on waiting until the first service pack or implementing one version back."

Is that reluctance justified? Does GP 2015 have any glaring bugs, or is it a solid release that's ready to be put to use? Here's how you can tell:

Business Portal

One of the biggest changes to GP 2015 is the removal of Business Portal. For many companies this is a welcome change. Despite its powerful features, Business Portal was plagued with a proprietary design and architecture, difficult administrative features, and software dependencies. To fill the void left by BP, Microsoft is pushing their web client, with the goal of continuing to release apps and modules that will replace Business Portal's functionality.

For businesses that have spent years relying on Business Portal however, GP 2015 may not yet meet those needs. With each release, Dynamics GP will continue to incorporate more apps and modules, continuing to flesh out the lost features-with the added benefit of a more open, easy-to-use architecture. If Dynamics GP 2015 doesn't yet meet your needs, holding off till the next release or searching for a great add-on to fill the shoes of Business Portal ...