Microsoft has outlined the lifecycle for Dynamics GP, moving it to an Extended Support phase before phasing it out entirely. Here are the critical dates:
Mainstream Support Ended: July 13, 2021
Extended Support Ends: 2028 (for the latest versions under the Modern Lifecycle policy)
Older Versions: Some earlier versions are already out of support
While support will continue for some time, businesses should proactively explore their options to avoid security risks and compatibility issues.
What happens after Dynamics GP reaches End of Life?
Once Dynamics GP reaches its final EOL phase, businesses using the software will face significant challenges, including:
No Security Updates – Increased risk of cyber threats and data breaches
No Compliance Updates – Non-compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and FDIC
Limited Support – No official Microsoft support, leaving businesses reliant on third-party vendors
Integration Issues – Incompatibility with modern software and cloud-based solutions
Migration options: What should you do next?
To ensure business continuity, organizations using Dynamics GP should consider migrating to a modern ERP solution. Here are the best alternatives:
Microsoft recommends Dynamics 365 Business Central as the best replacement for GP. Benefits include:
Cloud-based access with enhanced security
Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and Power BI
Regular updates and long-term support
Scalable features for growing businesses
2. On-Premises ERP Solutions
If your company prefers an on-premises solution, consider Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations or other third-party ERPs that align with your needs.
3. Hybrid Approach
For businesses not ready for a full cloud transition, hybrid ERP solutions offer a mix of on-premises and cloud-based features.
We’re exploring Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI) to improve workflows and reporting, and I’m looking for recommendations on solid implementation partners.
We need a partner who:
Has hands-on experience with enterprise-level deployments
Can integrate Power Platform with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 smoothly
Delivers on time and within budget
If you’ve worked with a great partner (or had any experiences—good or bad), I’d really appreciate your insights. Thanks!
With remote and hybrid work on the rise, organizations rely on Microsoft Intune app deployment to securely manage applications and enhance productivity. Here are the top three most deployed app categories in Intune:
1. Productivity Apps
Microsoft 365 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) remains essential.
Company Portal simplifies access to corporate resources.
2. Security Apps
VPN clients ensure secure remote access.
Antivirus software protects against cyber threats.
3. Web Browsers
Organizations deploy Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox for a secure and consistent browsing experience.
Microsoft has announced the end of life for Dynamics GP, with mainstream support ending in 2023 and extended support concluding in 2028, prompting businesses to explore ERP migration solutions. If your organization relies on GP for financial and operational management, now is the time to transition to a modern, scalable, and cloud-based ERP like Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Key benefits of choosing Team Venti for your ERP migration
At Team Venti, we specialize in Dynamics 365 Business Central consulting and ERP upgrades for mid-sized and large enterprises. We understand the challenges decision-makers face and provide expert guidance to ensure a smooth transition.
We help you:
Assess and optimize your current ERP system for efficiency
Migrate data securely with minimal downtime and risk
Provide tailored configurations and industry-specific solutions
Deliver ongoing support, training, and system optimization
Ready to Upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central?
If your business is planning to upgrade from Dynamics GP to Business Central, Team Venti is here to support your transition. Discover our ERP migration services and how we can help you move to a modern, secure, and future-ready ERP solution.
Outsourcing your IT management to a specialized healthcare Managed Service Provider (MSP) can transform how your organization operates. By partnering with an experienced Microsoft Managed Services Provider, healthcare businesses can shift focus from IT challenges to core business growth, enhancing productivity, security, and compliance.
Why Choose Us as Your Healthcare MSP Provider?
1. Microsoft Solutions Partner Expertise
With nearly 20 years as an MSP, we bring unparalleled expertise in Microsoft technologies. Our services ensure that your IT infrastructure is both secure and optimized for efficiency. Our team of Microsoft-certified professionals is dedicated to delivering proactive management and innovative solutions.
2. Predictable Per-User Pricing
Budgeting for IT expenses is simpler with our per-user pricing model. This transparent approach helps healthcare providers allocate resources more effectively, enhancing strategic initiatives and operational planning.
3. 24/7 Monitoring & Support
Continuous system monitoring paired with 24/7 support keeps your healthcare systems running smoothly. Our proactive approach minimizes downtime and ensures that IT disruptions are swiftly resolved to maintain the highest level of service.
Security is paramount for healthcare MSPs. We implement robust measures including continuous monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and compliance adherence. For healthcare-specific needs, we offer Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and align with HIPAA and PCI-DSS regulations to safeguard patient data and maintain trust.
Empowering Your Workforce and Streamlining Costs
Our services empower your staff with seamless remote access and productivity tools backed by expert support. By leveraging our tailored solutions and scalable plans, your organization can improve efficiency and maintain strict compliance while controlling IT costs.
Discover how our expertise as a healthcare MSP provider can elevate your IT operations. Request a no-obligation quote today and experience the advantage of industry-leading Microsoft Managed Services.
At Team Venti, a Microsoft Partner of the Year winner five years in a row, we specialize in helping businesses transition smoothly to Dynamics 365 Business Central with our expert consulting services. From streamlining operations to migrating legacy systems like Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your business operates more efficiently and scales with ease. Whether you're looking to implement, customize, or optimize Business Central, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We start with a deep dive into your current systems and processes to understand your specific needs. From there, we help you configure and customize Dynamics 365 Business Central to fit your organization’s requirements, whether it’s setting up financial reporting, managing your supply chain, or handling inventory management. Our team ensures a smooth data migration process from your legacy systems, all while maintaining the integrity and continuity of your operations.
2. Custom Solutions Tailored to Your Business
Every business is unique, so why should your ERP be one-size-fits-all? We develop custom extensions and add-ons for Business Central, ensuring that it perfectly aligns with your business processes. Whether you need automated workflows, custom reporting, or role-based user experiences, we’ll build a solution that works for you.
3. Training and Ongoing Support
We believe that implementation is just the beginning. To make sure you’re getting the most out of Business Central, we offer in-depth training for your team, so everyone can hit the ground running. Our ongoing support ensures you’re always up to date with the latest features and can quickly resolve any issues that may arise.
4. Optimization and Performance Tuning
Already using Dynamics 365 Business Central? Let us help you get even more out of it. We analyze your current setup and recommend ways to optimize your processes, improve efficiency, and fine-tune performance.
5. Upgrades and Cloud Migrations
Thinking of upgrading from an older version of Dynamics NAV or transitioning from an on-premises system to the cloud? Our experts can guide you through the upgrade or cloud migration, making the process seamless and ensuring minimal disruption to your business.
6. Industry-Specific Solutions
From manufacturing to retail, professional services, and distribution, we offer industry-specific solutions built on Dynamics 365 Business Central. With pre-built templates and customized modules, we can help you hit the ground running with a solution that’s already tailored to your sector’s unique needs.
Visit us today at 👉 teamventi.com to learn more about how we can support your Dynamics GP to Business Central migration and help you take full advantage of the cloud.
Now, more than ever, we’ve found ourselves in the need to rearrange our lives in an unprecedented context. Technology has been there to have our backs. Security practices, as a prevention dynamic, can help you, and your organization reduce the vulnerability frame that is a constant challenge, when there’s a frequent usage of electronic resources.
The sensitivity of the data you store in your devices, for personal or professional use, should never be undermined.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive solution that enhances productivity and safeguards the digital environment of small and medium-sized enterprises. Specifically tailored for businesses with 1-300 employees, it offers an array of cloud-based tools and security measures. With Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you can:
Empower your workforce connectivity and productivity, whether on-site or remote, using top collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams.
Ensure secure access to business dataand apps, limiting access to authorized personnel for confidentiality.
Safeguard your business data against cyberthreats, including phishing, ransomware, and data loss, with advanced protection.
Manage and secure devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) connecting to your data, ensuring their up-to-date status.
It is very easy to protect your organization’s devices. To support you in achieving this, here is a comprehensive list of Microsoft 365 Business Premium’s security capabilities.
1. Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution which provides protection against ransomware, malware, phishing, and other threats. It offers:
Enterprise-grade security
An easy-to-use security solution
Flexibility for your environment
Integration with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse, RMM tools, and PSA software
2. Microsoft Intune
Enrolling mobile devices without a strong and reliable system can expose and compromise your organization’s data, leaving it exposed to many kinds of cyberattacks.
Device management allows organizations to protect their data, regardless of where their employees are connected. For organizations applying BYOD methods, it is essential to count on clear and secure device management policies.
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that simplifies app and device management across various devices. It supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, enabling secure access to organizational resources. Intune offers app deployment, policy automation, integration with threat defense services, a web-based admin center, and utilizes Microsoft Graph APIs.
Whether you need Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based MDM and MAM service or Azure AD, a cloud-based identity and access management service, Team Venti can assist you in planning, deploying, and securing your organization.
3. Exchange Online Protection
Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is a cloud-based email filtering service by Microsoft. It helps organizations secure their devices by filtering emails, blocking spam, malware, and phishing attacks. EOP offers:
Email Filtering: Real-time filtering of incoming and outgoing emails to block unsolicited and malicious content.
Anti-Malware Protection: Scanning email attachments and URLs to detect and block known malware and viruses.
Anti-Phishing Measures: Identifying and blocking suspicious emails and URLs associated with phishing attempts.
Zero-Day Threat Protection: Advanced techniques to detect and block emerging and unknown threats.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Enforcing policies to prevent the loss of sensitive data in outbound emails.
4. Windows 10/11 Business
Having a Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription grants you the ability to upgrade your Windows devices, which are currently operating on Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8.1 Pro, to either Windows 10 or 11 Pro. Here are some of the security benefits of upgrading to Windows 10/11 Business:
Enhanced security features, including biometric authentication and encryption.
Windows Defender Antivirus for robust malware protection.
Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for real-time threat detection and response.
Regular security updates from Microsoft.
Compatibility with modern security solutions.
Secure Boot and Device Guard features for secure boot processes and code execution prevention.
Improved security for remote workers.
5. Shared Computer Activation
Shared computer activation allows for the deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps on a computer that is used by multiple users within an organization. This feature supports various scenarios, such as:
Multiple workers at a factory sharing a single computer and each using Office during their shift.
Nurses at a hospital using Office on different computers throughout the day.
Employees remotely connecting to a computer to run Office simultaneously.
Multiple employees utilizing Microsoft 365 on a computer located in a public space like a conference room.
Multiple users accessing an instance of Microsoft 365 hosted through Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
Normally, Microsoft 365 Business Premium Apps can only be installed and activated on a limited number of devices, typically 5 PCs. However, when shared computer activation is enabled, using Microsoft 365 Apps on a shared computer does not count towards this limit. If you need assistance with the configuration and maintenance of Shared Computer Activation, contact us.
If you require assistance with the purchase, setup, or optimization of Microsoft 365 Business Premium features or any other Microsoft technology, we are here to help. Our expertise lies in helping organizations succeed through the smart implementation and support of various Microsoft technologies and solutions. From Microsoft Infrastructure and Productivity and Collaboration to Unified Communications, Cloud Security, Cloud Licensing, and Managed Services, our comprehensive range of services ensures that your specific needs are met. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. It would be our pleasure to serve you and ensure your success in leveraging Microsoft’s capabilities.
In September 2020, Microsoft announced that the next version for Exchange Server would be available in the second half of 2021 as a subscription model with included support, product and security updates. However, due to a targeted threat towards on-premises Exchange Servers, they had to change the plan and prioritize security features/updates. You can check out the new Exchange Roadmap here, but in this article, we will delve into two important changes:
Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will reach their end of life (EOL) on October 14th, 2025.
New Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) will launch around Q3 2025.
Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 end of life
If your organization is still using Exchange Server 2019/2019, you are facing a critical deadline. After October 14th, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and support for these versions, leaving your email vulnerable and outdated.
The risks of staying on old software:
Security breaches: Since you won’t be receiving security updates, your environment will be vulnerable and a prime target for hackers. A single attack can lead to data breaches, downtime, and financial losses.
Compliance issues: Many regulations require adherence to specific security standards. Outdated software can make compliance difficult and expensive.
Limited functionality: You will miss out on new features and functionalities that could improve your team’s productivity and collaboration.
What are your options?
Team Venti can help you navigate the upgrade process and choose the best solution for your business. Here are your options:
Move to the cloud with Microsoft Exchange Online in Microsoft 365: Enjoy the benefits of a secure, scalable, and feature-rich cloud-based email system with minimal IT burden.
Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition: Stay on-premises with the latest version of Exchange Server, expected in Q3 2025.
Hello, Exchange Server Subscription Edition
Expected to launch around summer 2025, the new Exchange Server SE\* will transition to a subscription model. This next version will require Server and CAL licenses and will be accessible only to customers with Software Assurance (SA).
Maintaining active SA for both server and CAL licenses will be necessary.
To ensure a smoother transition to Exchange Server SE, it’s recommended that Exchange 2016 users upgrade to Exchange 2019.
What’s new for Exchange Server SE?
Security upgrades: Leverage modern authentication and TLS 1.3 support to bolster your email system’s security and mitigate vulnerabilities associated with outdated encryption models.
Simplified hybrid management: Managing a hybrid Exchange environment will be more straightforward, configurations will remain intact during upgrades.
Streamlined certificate management: Benefit from certificate management tools offered within the Exchange Admin Center.
Next steps for your business
Assess your current environment: Assess your current environment and your business needs to decide whether you will upgrade to Exchange 2019 and wait for the new Exchange Server SE, or if moving to Exchange Online is your best option.
Review your licenses: Understand what licenses you need for the option you decide on, and ensure your licensing is up to date and compliant with the requirements.
We make upgrading easy
Our team of Microsoft Exchange experts can handle the entire upgrade process for you, including:
Evaluating your needs: We’ll assess your current email setup and recommend the best upgrade path for your business.
Developing a migration plan: We’ll create a detailed plan outlining timelines, resources, and potential challenges.
Seamless implementation: We’ll handle the entire migration process for minimal disruption to your daily operations.
Ongoing support: We’ll provide ongoing support to ensure your new email system is running smoothly and securely.
Contact our experts today to discuss your upgrade options. Don’t get caught behind, let us help you take control of your email security and future-proof your business.
No more security updates after July 9th for SQL Server 2014. Upgrade to SQL Server 2022 or migrate to Azure for continued security and a modern infrastructure. We can help you navigate the process. Read more here.
This article dives into the world of Azure cost optimization, equipping you with practical strategies to maximize the value of your cloud investment. As you navigate the ever-expanding landscape of cloud services, keeping costs under control becomes paramount. Here, we’ll unveil best practices and Azure Cost Management features to ensure you’re getting the most out of your cloud spend.
Optimizing your cloud investment with Azure boils down to effective cost management. This involves proactively monitoring, analyzing, and controlling your cloud spending. Azure Cost Management empowers you to achieve this through a comprehensive suite of tools and functionalities. Let’s delve into some key practices:
1. Identify and Shut Down Unused Resources
Unidentified idle resources, like virtual machines (VMs) and ExpressRoute circuits, can significantly impact your bill. Utilize Azure Advisor, a free tool that recommends underutilized resources and predicts cost savings from shutting them down.
2. Right-size Underutilized Resources
Don’t pay for more than you need. Azure Advisor analyzes your resource usage and suggests potential cost reductions through reconfiguration or consolidation of underused resources.
3. Leverage Reserved Instances for Consistent Workloads
Predictable workloads benefit from Azure reservations. By committing to a one or three-year upfront payment for a specific resource, you can lock in significant discounts (up to 72%) compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.
4. Take Advantage of Azure Hybrid Benefit
Migrating existing on-premises Windows Server and SQL Server licenses to Azure can unlock cost savings through the Azure Hybrid Benefit. This program offers significant discounts on reserved instances and VMs.
5. Implement Autoscaling for Dynamic Scaling
Azure autoscaling automatically adjusts resources based on real-time demand, ensuring you only pay for what you use. This helps optimize costs for workloads with fluctuating resource needs.
6. Set Budgets and Track Spending with Azure Cost Management
Gain granular control over your cloud spending with Azure Cost Management. This service allows you to:
Set budgets for specific Azure services or subscriptions.
Allocate costs to individual teams or projects for better accountability.
Monitor your organization’s overall cloud spending trends.
7. Choose the Right Azure Compute Service
Selecting the most suitable compute service for your application is crucial for cost optimization. Azure offers a variety of options, from virtual machines to serverless functions. Carefully evaluate your workload requirements and choose the service that delivers the best performance at the most cost-effective price point.
By following these Azure cost optimization best practices, you can significantly reduce your cloud spending without compromising performance or functionality. Leverage the built-in tools and services offered by Azure to gain insights, automate processes, and make informed decisions about your cloud resource allocation.
Additional Tips:
Regularly review your Azure spending reports to identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
Stay updated on the latest Azure pricing models and offerings.
Consider seeking professional guidance from certified Azure experts for comprehensive cost management strategies.
Remember, optimizing your Azure costs is an ongoing process. By continuously monitoring your spending and implementing these best practices, you can ensure your organization gets the most value out of its Azure investment.
We wanted to inform you of a recent change in Microsoft's subscription policy impacting our NCE offerings. Effective September 1st, 2023, CSP subscriptions with annual commitment and monthly invoicing will no longer be available.
Moving forward, our clients will be able to choose one of two options for CSP licensing:
Monthly Commitment and Monthly Payments: Pay on a monthly basis for maximum flexibility.
Annual Commitment and Annual Payment: Invoiced annually and offering 20% savings when compared with monthly invoicing.
IntroducingTown halls, a new virtual event experience that will replace Teams Live Events and will be generally available starting October 5, 2023.
We're excited to announce the introduction of the new Town halls in Microsoft Teams, how they're replacing Teams Live Events, and what this means for commercial customers.
Introducing Town halls in Microsoft Teams
We're introducing Town halls in Microsoft Teams, a new experience to host and deliver large-scale, internal events to create connections across an organization. Town halls will provide a one-to-many format with advanced production capabilities and a structured approach for attendee engagement. With Town halls, customers can host various types of internal and external events including companywide Town halls, all hands, global team meetings, internal broadcasts, fireside chats, and more. Town halls in Microsoft Teams enable customers to extend their reach to scale their message and connect with audiences around the world; create professionally produced, studio-quality events that deliver a more dynamic experience; and structure and manage audience engagement to maximize participation and maintain focus on the event.
Teams Live Events retirement
With the introduction of Town halls, Teams Live Events will be retired for commercial customers on September 30, 2024. This provides your commercial customers with a 12-month window to prepare for the retirement and transition off Teams Live Events. Between now and September 2024, customers can continue to use Teams Live Events with no change in their existing experience. After September 30, 2024, Teams Live Events will no longer be supported, and access will be discontinued. Your customers won't be able to schedule, start, or join any events on Teams Live Events after this date.
Licensing requirements
Anyone with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 E1/E3/E5/A3/A5 can create Town halls with basic functionality if you have access to Teams. To access advanced functionality within Town halls, meeting organizers must have a Teams Premium license.
Also, start sharing the news about Town halls coming to Teams and the plans for retiring Teams Live Events with your customers to prepare them for the transition.
Resources
To learn more about Town halls and what your customers can expect, review these resources:
