Njevity CEO Chris Dobkins Shares Partner and Customer Perspective, Next Steps Based on Recent GP Announcements

In this “Dynamics GP Special Report,” John Siefert, CEO, Dynamics Communities and Community Summit NA, is joined by Chris Dobkins, President/CEO, Njevity, to discuss the recent announcements from Microsoft on the end of Dynamics GP support from a partner and customer perspective. Chris defines Njevity’s commitment to Dynamics GP, its customers, and partners, and shares insights on why these announcements are puzzling to users and partners.

This episode is sponsored by Community Summit North America, the largest independent gathering of the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem, taking place Oct. 13-17, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Register today to connect with thousands of users across the Microsoft business applications ecosystem at the for user, by user event.

Key Takeaways

• Background: Watch the recent interview between John Siefert and Microsoft’s Mike Morton that details Microsoft’s announcements and Dynamics GP timeline. Further, Dynamics Communities and its affiliate brands like Community Summit North America, Cloud Wars, AI Copilot Summit NA, and Biz Apps Partner Summit are wholly owned by Dynamics Communities – not by Microsoft – ensuring its independence and enabling it to be the largest independent innovation, education, and training platform for Microsoft business applications.
• About Njevity: Njevity is a value-added reseller (VAR) providing support, training, and implementation for Dynamics GP systems, an independent software vendor (ISV) creating add-ons for GP, and a hosting company for Dynamics GP in the cloud. Additionally, as a customer itself, Njevity offers a unique perspective across VAR, ISV, cloud, and customer purviews.
• Why now?: Microsoft’s Dynamics GP generates significant annual maintenance revenue with minimal costs, making it a profitable application. The decision to halt new GP customers and limit support has puzzled many, especially given the unexpected short extension for major support beyond 2029.
• Business and economic impact: In the current challenging economic environment, small and mid-sized businesses are struggling with inflation, rising costs, and talent shortages, making it difficult to survive. Microsoft’s decision to end support for Dynamics GP, a critical system for many businesses, feels “tone deaf” and imposes a significant burden on companies already facing numerous challenges.
• Why partners shouldn’t hit the “panic” button: It’s crucial to slow down and take a breath during these critical times, explains Chris. With seven years until the end of support for Dynamics GP, there’s a possibility that Microsoft might extend this date, as they have done with other products. If Dynamics GP and its ISVs are still meeting your business needs, it’s best to avoid the chaos of an ERP implementation just because it’s suggested by Microsoft; instead, Chris advises to do it on your own terms and timeline.
• Njevity’s commitment to GP: Njevity believes Dynamics GP is the best ERP product for its business and has no plans to replace it, committing to support its GP customers for as long as they need. The company is exploring ways to add value, such as providing payroll tax updates and 1099 form changes, ensuring customers continue to benefit from this great product without needing to move to a new system.
• Next steps for partners: For partners concerned about the future, especially those who love GP and their customers, find Njevity at Summit to discuss how you can collaborate to ensure your customers are well taken care of. As a VAR, ISV, and hosting company, Njevity understands the challenges and is here to support you.
• Learn more at Summit NA: Hear more from John, Chris, Microsoft, and the rest of the Dynamics GP community at Community Summit North America 2024, running October 13-17 in San Antonio, Texas. A few key sessions to add to your Show Planner:
  • “You CAN Have it All! Keep Your GP and Be in the Cloud!” running Monday, October 14 from 2:30-4 PM
  • “Dynamics GP General Session” on Wednesday, October 16 from 9:15-10:15 AM
    • Users: Submit your GP questions to be addressed during the General Session. The Q&A will also be posted online.
  • “PSS: Power GP Online: The Cloud That Makes Dynamics GP Better!” on Wednesday, October 16 from 10:30-11:30 AM
  • “AI and Dynamics GP: What You Need to Know,” on Wednesday, October 16 from 1:30-2:30 PM
  • Njevity’s Booth #1008