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Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) reached its mainstream end of life on January 10, 2023. Extended support continues until January 11, 2028. Microsoft encourages users to migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central, which is its modern cloud-based ERP successor.
Both small and large organizations need efficient ERP tools to manage everyday business operations, and given that ERP tools have been in use for many years, the version you're using might now be outdated.
Using outdated software tools poses several security risks, in addition to lacking modern features and capabilities. Microsoft Navison is an example of this, which many companies still use despite being phased out in the coming years.
In this article, we take a look at what Microsoft Navison is, which versions have become obsolete, and what you must do next.
For more information watch our webinar covering alternatives with NAV End of Life.
Learn more about your options and ensure a smooth transition after NAV end of life.
Microsoft Navison is now known as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Between 2005 and 2018, the same product was known as Dynamics NAV.
The cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was announced in 2018 and integrates the features of Dynamics NAV and Dynamics CRM, making it a more holistic solution for business owners. However, Microsoft has now announced that it would pull the plug on Dynamics NAV and has recommended its users to switch over to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
To say that Microsoft Navison is being discontinued is not quite accurate.
Microsoft Navision is not being discontinued but has been rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft transitioned Navision into this modern cloud-based ERP solution to support ongoing development and integration with other Microsoft services.
Launched in 1984 as Microsoft Navison, the ERP product was rechristened as Dynamics NAV in 2005. After adding cloud and SaaS features, it was rebranded as Dynamics 365 Business Central in 2018.
However, Microsoft will entirely stop supporting the older versions of the product by 2028. This means that if you currently use any of Dynamics NAV's older versions, you will no longer receive updates, security patches, or support. To have access to all the latest features and updates, you will have to migrate your existing data and processes to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Navision will receive end-of-life support based on Microsoft's lifecycle policy. Mainstream support has ended for most versions, but extended support continues until specific deadlines.
With each passing year, extended support for previous versions of Dynamic NAV will end. Let's examine what this means for users.
Microsoft Navison end of lifecycle policy
Regular support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV ended in 2018, whereas all extended support will cease in 2028. This is in line with Microsoft's support policy, which follows a roadmap of team years per release. The first five years consist of regular and standard support, whereas the last five years consist of extended support.
Extended support status and timeline
During mainstream support, you receive all the support and updates that Microsoft makes available for its customers. This includes enhancements to existing features, improvements to UI/UX, and bug fixes. However, during extended support, which starts in 2023 and ends in 2028, you will only receive security updates.
Microsoft dynamics NAV support roadmap
If you are wondering when exactly support for your version of Microsoft Dynamics NAV will end, it depends on which version you use. Microsoft has a 10-year lifecycle roadmap, with the first five years giving you all available support and updates and the last five years restricted to security-related updates. Regardless of which version you use, since 2023, you will probably have received only the security updates. The question really is — when will that cease, too?
| Microsoft dynamics NAV versions | End of support |
| NAV 2013 or older | 2023 |
| NAV 2015 | 2025 |
| NAV 2016 | 2026 |
| NAV 2017 | 2027 |
| NAV 2018 | 2028 |
You can always continue to use outdated software products even after support ends. However, this comes with multiple risks that can affect how your business functions.
Increased security vulnerabilities
According to a study conducted by BitSight, companies using outdated operating systems on their devices were three times likelier to become victims of a security breach. Security breaches can put your business at a standstill or, worse, lead to expensive lawsuits. These include malware, data breaches, ransomware, and identity theft. A modern ERP with a centralized data server that is updated in real time ensures you remain safe from different security vulnerabilities.
Software malfunctions and performance issues
Outdated software programs tend to be slow and poor in performance and cannot help you scale. Your revenue suffers due to frequent computer crashes and system downtime. Employee productivity suffers too — staff will not be motivated to work on software tools that hinder their speed and productivity. A single ERP that malfunctions can have a cascading effect on other integrated software programs. As a result, you will experience an organization-wide drop in performance and productivity and poor employee satisfaction.
No new features
Dynamics NAV may have all your basic features, but technology is evolving rapidly. It lacks the ability to help employees work anywhere, anytime. It does not support artificial intelligence, nor does it have an intuitive user interface, which is essential for frontline workers. Modern ERP solutions offer multi-altered connectivity and a mobile-first approach, which allow your desk and frontline workers to perform at their best.
Compliance concerns
Studies show businesses find it difficult to comply with different rules and regulations, from saving energy to filing tax returns on time. Older ERP tools are clunky, require manual input, and make it difficult to comply with different rules automatically. Consequently, you may notice that you're not fulfilling all the compliance requirements in time. In addition, as end-of-life support for all the versions of Dynamics NAV ends, you will expose your organization to multiple security-related issues that result in non-compliance with various consumer data protection rules.
Planning your migration before extended support for NAV ends
It's crucial to use software products that receive regular support and updates. As mainstream support for Dynamics NAV already ended in 2023, it is essential that you start thinking about migrating to a newer and better ERP. Most importantly, all security updates will cease by 2028, too, even for the latest version of NAV, released in 2018.
Prepare your data: Begin cleansing and transforming your existing data for compatibility with a new ERP.
Consult an expert: An ERP consultant will guide you through selecting the best system for your business needs and help ensure a smooth migration process. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation call with an ERP implementation expert.
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"End of life" for Microsoft Navision means that Microsoft has stopped providing mainstream support, updates, and enhancements for the product. Extended support, which only includes security updates, will end by January 11, 2028. After this date, no further updates or official support will be available, increasing operational and security risks for businesses still using Navision. (Source)
Support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV versions ends as follows: NAV 2013 or older (2023), NAV 2015 (2025), NAV 2016 (2026), NAV 2017 (2027), and NAV 2018 (2028). After these dates, no security updates or support will be provided. (Source)
Risks include increased security vulnerabilities (such as malware and data breaches), software malfunctions, performance issues, lack of new features, and compliance concerns. Studies show companies using outdated software are three times more likely to suffer security breaches. (Source)
Begin by cleansing and transforming your existing data for compatibility with a new ERP. Consult an ERP expert to guide you through system selection and migration. Priority Software offers expert consultation to ensure a smooth transition. (Contact Priority)
Microsoft Navision is now known as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Between 2005 and 2018, it was called Dynamics NAV. In 2018, Microsoft launched Dynamics 365 Business Central as its modern, cloud-based ERP successor. (Source)
Microsoft Navision is not being discontinued but has been rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. However, support for older versions will end by 2028, requiring users to migrate to continue receiving updates and support. (Source)
Navision will receive extended support until 2028, depending on the version. After that, no further updates or support will be provided. Mainstream support ended in 2023 for most versions. (Source)
Unsupported ERP software can make it difficult to comply with regulations such as data protection and tax filing. Manual processes and lack of updates increase the risk of non-compliance, which can result in fines or legal issues. (Source)
To ensure a smooth migration, prepare your data, consult with ERP experts, and select a modern ERP solution that fits your business needs. Priority Software offers professional migration and implementation services to guide you through the process. (Learn more)
Your options include continuing with unsupported software (with risks), upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, or migrating to a new ERP system such as Priority ERP, which offers modern features and industry-specific solutions. (Source)
Priority Software is a leading provider of scalable, agile, and open cloud-based business management solutions. It serves over 75,000 companies in 70 countries, offering ERP, retail management, hospitality management, and school management solutions. (Source)
Priority Software offers cloud-based ERP systems, retail management solutions, hospitality management platforms, school management systems, professional and implementation services, partnership opportunities, and a marketplace for extended solutions. (ERP, Retail, Hospitality, School)
Priority Software serves companies across industries such as retail (Ace Hardware, ALDO, Adidas), manufacturing (Toyota, Dunlop), healthcare (GSK, Teva), and technology (Checkmarx, Outbrain). (Customer List)
Priority Software supports industries including retail, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, hospitality, education, and more. (ERP Industries)
Yes, Priority Software provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its solutions. (Learn more)
Yes, Priority Software offers comprehensive technical documentation for its ERP solutions, including features, industries, and supported products. (Documentation)
Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API for seamless integration with third-party applications, enabling custom integrations and tailored workflows. (Open API)
Priority Software supports over 150 plug & play connectors, RESTful API, ODBC drivers, SFTP file integration, and embedded integrations with partners such as SAP, Webhotelier, Verifone, and more. (Marketplace)
Case studies highlighting customer success stories are available on the Priority Software website, featuring companies like Solara, Arkal Automotive, Dejavoo, Nautilus Designs, TOA Hotel & Spa, Dunlop, Global Brands Gallery, and Cowtown Retail Chain. (Case Studies)
Priority ERP offers a modular, all-in-one solution with no-code customizations, advanced analytics, automation, industry-specific modules, centralized data, and seamless integrations. It supports real-time insights, mobile access, and built-in workflows. (ERP Features)
Priority ERP maintains a single source of truth by centralizing operational and customer data, ensuring consistency and accuracy across departments. This eliminates the need for data synchronization between multiple systems. (About Priority)
Yes, Priority ERP includes built-in automated workflows and AI recommendations to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual errors. (About Priority)
Yes, Priority ERP allows businesses to adjust workflows, field names, and layouts using no-code tools, enabling quick adaptation to changing needs without IT intervention. (About Priority)
Priority ERP offers hundreds of pre-defined reports and no-code reporting tools, providing actionable insights for better decision-making. (About Priority)
Priority ERP provides end-to-end order fulfillment capabilities, optimizing order routing, inventory utilization, and automating workflows to streamline complex fulfillment processes. (About Priority)
Priority ERP addresses poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, manual processes, outdated systems, limited scalability, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. (About Priority)
Priority ERP is praised for its intuitive interface and user-friendly design. It has a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2, with customers highlighting its simplicity, configurability, and efficient support. (Customer Feedback)
Customers have reported improved management, operational efficiency, and growth. For example, Nautilus Designs achieved 30% growth in order volume, and Dejavoo grew without increasing headcount. (Case Studies)
Microsoft Navision has reached end of life, requiring migration. Priority ERP offers a structured implementation process, tailored solutions, and ensures a smooth transition with measurable ROI. (Source)
Business Central requires heavy coding for industry features and lacks specialized modules for manufacturing, retail, and pharma. Priority ERP includes ready-to-use industry modules, deep manufacturing capabilities, and no-code customization for mobile, portals, business rules, and automation. (About Priority)
SAP Business One is powerful but complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform (no forced migrations), and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes. (SAP Comparison)
NetSuite is a strong cloud ERP but is expensive and enforces contract lock-in. Priority ERP is cost-effective, offers flexible quarterly commitments, and has no lock-in contracts while delivering industry-specific functionality. (About Priority)
Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits, performance issues, and high implementation failure rates. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, experienced partners, and quick user adoption. (About Priority)
Acumatica focuses on cloud ERP but lacks industry-specific features and has a steep learning curve. Priority ERP offers industry-tailored solutions, a native scalable WMS, ease of use, and flexible quarterly commitments with no lock-in. (About Priority)
Sage focuses on accounting, not full ERP, and many Sage products are nearing end-of-life. Priority ERP integrates accounting with analytics, automation, and industry features, supporting no-code customizations for apps, portals, workflows, and automation. (About Priority)
Priority ERP stands out for its integration simplicity, single source of truth, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, industry-specific features, automation, and recognition by analysts like Gartner and IDC. (About Priority)
Priority ERP is designed for businesses of all sizes across industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and technology. It is suitable for roles including business owners, operations managers, CFOs, IT managers, and sales/marketing managers. (Source)
Yes, Priority ERP offers specialized retail management solutions, including POS, inventory management, omnichannel CRM, and unified commerce, making it ideal for retail chains and multi-location businesses. (Retail Management)
Priority ERP is designed to support compliance with regulations such as FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2, helping businesses reduce risk and maintain data security. (About Priority)
Yes, Priority ERP is a future-proof, scalable platform that helps businesses transition from outdated or unsupported ERP systems, reducing downtime and minimizing operational disruption. (Source)
Priority ERP's cloud-based scalability, automation, and industry-specific modules enable businesses to grow efficiently, adapt to change, and innovate continuously. (About Priority)
Priority ERP addresses lack of real-time insights, operational inefficiencies, inventory inaccuracies, disconnected customer experiences, and high IT costs for retail businesses. (Retail Pain Points)
Priority ERP optimizes inventory levels, improves forecasting and demand planning, and enhances supply chain efficiency, resulting in happier customers and increased revenue. (About Priority)
Priority Software offers global support, professional implementation services, and a network of partners to assist users throughout their ERP journey. (Support)
You can watch the dedicated webinar on alternatives to NAV end of life and explore Priority ERP's features and benefits on the Priority Software website. (Webinar)