End of Microsoft support for NAV: What are your options?

As businesses evolve, so do the systems that power them. As of January 10, 2023, Microsoft ended mainstream support for Dynamics NAV 2018, the final version of NAV with extended end date of 11 Jan 2028. Earlier NAV versions were already unsupported long before that date. While many organizations have already transitioned to Dynamics 365 Business Central, a significant number are still running NAV due to customizations, budget constraints, or operational complexity. According to Microsoft Partner Network, 2024, Businesses that migrated to Business Central report an average 35% improvement in operational efficiency and 25% reduction in IT maintenance costs.

For many organizations still running Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the time has come to embrace the future of ERP with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. As Microsoft phases out mainstream support for older NAV versions, businesses are realizing the importance of modernization. Have you faced this:

It's 6 PM on Friday. Just when you're ready to log off, a message pops up: 

"NAV is down again."  You’re back at it- fixing servers, restarting services, patching data just to keep things running another day.  Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many IT leads and ERP admins are still holding old NAV systems together with quick fixes and late nights. 

If your business is still on NAV, this in-depth blog outlines what the end of support really means, the risks of staying put, and the practical options available today.

In simple words, Support is ending for NAV.

The implications of this decision prompt businesses to ponder: What does this signify for my enterprise?

This means that Microsoft won't be giving us new stuff like updates, fixes, or patches. They usually do this to make sure the product stays safe and works well, fixing any problems it might have.

So, you might be looking for Microsoft Dynamics NAV Support in Australia or other possible alternative options to overcome this situation. Isn’t it so?

In this blog post, we'll break down the implications of the end of Microsoft support for NAV and discuss viable pathways forward. Navigating this transition is essential for maintaining a secure and efficient business operation.

Organizations in any industry currently running Microsoft Dynamics NAV that are considering or planning a move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud. Ideal for IT leaders, CFOs, and operation managers seeking clarity and confidence wanting to do migration assessment.

Discovering suitable alternatives is key, and we'll explore various options available to ensure a smooth transition without compromising on functionality. From evaluating new software solutions to understanding the potential impact on daily operations, we've got you covered. This blog aims to simplify the decision-making process, providing insights in clear and straightforward language.

Stay informed about the changes in the software landscape and make informed decisions for the future of your business. Let's delve into the post-NAV era together and find the best way forward for your company.

5 Major Implications of the End of NAV Support Lifecycle

Security Risks

With the end of Microsoft support for NAV, there is an increased vulnerability to security risks. The absence of regular updates and patches may expose the system to potential security threats, putting sensitive business data at risk.

Compliance Concerns

Businesses relying on Dynamics NAV may face compliance issues as the software will no longer receive updates to meet evolving regulatory standards. This lack of compliance updates can lead to legal and regulatory challenges.

Limited Functionality & Innovation

As Microsoft discontinues enhancements for NAV, users may experience a stagnation in functionality and miss out on innovative features. This limitation could impact overall business efficiency and competitiveness in the long run.

Decreased Performance & Reliability

Over time, the absence of support may lead to decreased performance and reliability of the NAV system. Without updates and bug fixes, businesses may encounter more issues, impacting the system's overall stability.

Integration Challenges

The end of Microsoft support for NAV may pose challenges when integrating with other systems or adopting new technologies. As the software becomes outdated, compatibility issues may arise, hindering the seamless integration of NAV with other essential business applications.

What are the options for Dynamics NAV users?

Option1:

Stay on Dynamics NAV 2018 & Collaborate with Dynamics NAV Support Partner

As Dynamics NAV 2018 resides within the Microsoft fixed lifecycle, it will persist in benefiting from essential security updates, bug fixes, and reliability enhancements. However, it's crucial to understand that Microsoft has concluded plans for introducing further features or advancements to this product in the immediate future. As a short-term solution, maintaining your current Dynamics NAV 2018 setup remains a viable choice.

For those partnered with a Dynamics NAV expert, such as Dynamics Square, who possesses access to NAV developers, the avenue for ongoing development remains open. We can continue crafting patches, and service packs, and implementing improvements or customizations to your system.

It's important to note that any changes executed through this route won't receive support from Microsoft but will instead be backed by the expertise of the partnering organization, ensuring a tailored approach to meet your system's specific needs.

Contact us right now to discuss how your business can stay on Dynamics NAV 2018

Option 2:

Migrate from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central (On-Cloud or On-Premises)

If your business is focused on long-term objectives and desires access to the latest features, the ability to request enhancements from Microsoft, and automatic updates, migrating from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is the optimal choice.

Moreover, at Dynamics Square, we offer a specialized migration fixed-price package. This package ensures a seamless transition from NAV to Business Central while effortlessly transferring any customizations or modifications from the old system to the new one. This means you can embrace Microsoft's latest ERP solution while retaining the same setup you had in NAV.

Alternatively, if you prefer to embark on a fresh start without the complexities of integrations or customizations from your old system, our Quick Start Business Central offering provides a clean slate. This option allows you to reimplement Business Central from the ground up, ensuring a streamlined and efficient transition.

Related Posts - Why Should You Move to Business Central: Latest Trends & Economic Impact

How to choose the right Microsoft Partner for Dynamics NAV support?

Here are 7 major points that one business must consider.

Expertise & Experience

Assess the partner's expertise in Dynamics NAV and their experience with similar businesses. Look for a track record of successful implementations and support.

Certifications and Qualifications

Verify that the Microsoft Partner holds relevant certifications and qualifications, ensuring their team possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective support.

References & Client Testimonials

Seek client references and testimonials to gauge the partner's reputation. Feedback from other businesses can provide valuable insights into the quality of their support services.

Customisations & Development Capabilities

Determine the partner's capabilities in customizing and developing solutions within Dynamics NAV. This is crucial for tailoring the system to your specific business needs.

Scalability and Future-Readiness

Ensure the partner’s support can scale with your business growth. Assess their ability to adapt to future Dynamics NAV updates and transitions, demonstrating a commitment to long-term support.

Communication and Accessibility

Evaluate the partner's communication practices and accessibility. A responsive and transparent communication channel is essential for efficient issue resolution and ongoing support.

Cost Transparency and Value

Clearly understand the partner's pricing structure and evaluate the value they provide in relation to the cost. A transparent pricing model ensures you know what to expect and allows for better budget planning.

Related Posts - How to Choose the Right Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner?

Aren't Ready for Upgrade Yet, Get NAV Support from Dynamics Square

If you're not ready for an upgrade yet, Dynamics Square is here to provide comprehensive NAV support. Our team ensures your Dynamics NAV system remains secure, efficient, and optimized. With our expert assistance, you can navigate the post-support era confidently. Benefit from timely updates, bug fixes, and personalized support tailored to your business needs. Trust Dynamics Square to keep your Dynamics NAV running smoothly until you're ready for your next strategic move.

Why Microsoft Recommends Dynamics 365 Business Central for Growing Businesses

Dynamics NAV has been a reliable ERP system for decades, but Business Central, its cloud-based successor, brings a new level of intelligence, flexibility, and accessibility. Here are some of the most compelling reasons for an NAV upgrade to Business Central:

Key Reasons to Upgrade

• Cloud Capabilities – Business Central offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options. The cloud version provides automatic updates, scalability, and anywhere-access via web and mobile.
• Modern User Experience – The intuitive interface, seamless navigation, and personalized dashboards significantly boost user productivity.
• Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem – Business Central integrates effortlessly with Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Apps, and Teams enabling data-driven insights and improved collaboration.
• Enhanced Security & Compliance – With Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, your data is protected under enterprise-grade security and compliance standards.
• Continuous Innovation – Unlike NAV, which required manual upgrades, Business Central receives biannual updates, ensuring access to the latest features and technologies.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership – With BC's SaaS model, businesses reduce their infrastructure costs. No need for expensive on-premise servers or constant hardware upgrades. Updates are automatic and included in the subscription.

With Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can move everything that works in NAV and leave the pain behind.

Feature Comparison: NAV vs Business Central

Success story: How a NAV user transformed operations with Business Central

A mid-sized wholesale distribution company in Australia had been using Dynamics NAV 2015 for years. As they grew, the system struggled with performance, scalability, and compliance. They faced issues in sales order tracking, procurement planning, and inventory visibility resulting in operational inefficiencies and revenue loss. With NAV nearing end of support and increasing system bottlenecks, they upgraded to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Results after upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central

• Faster processing and improved financial visibility
• 40% reduction in manual tasks
• 15% lower inventory carrying costs
• 99.9% system uptime

Dive deeper

Explore our detailed blog “Elevate Your Business: Upgrading Seamlessly from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central” to learn:

• Common challenges NAV users face
• When it’s the right time to upgrade
• Benefits Business Central brings to SMBs
• Deployment options
• A real case study showcasing transformation

Read the full blog here: Upgrading Seamlessly from NAV to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Step-by-step guide to NAV upgrade to Business Central

Assessment and planningBegin with a thorough system assessment. Prepare a migration roadmap.

License transitionMicrosoft offers license transition options under its Enhancement Plan or Bridge to Cloud program.

Environment setupSet up your Business Central environment either on-premises or in the Microsoft cloud.

Data migrationData is at the heart of every ERP system... Data cleansing and validation are crucial.

Code upgrade and extensionsBusiness Central replaces old C/AL code with modern AL extensions.

Testing and user trainingComprehensive testing ensures all processes work as intended. Conduct training sessions.

Go-live and post-implementation supportOnce testing is successful, execute the go-live plan and provide support.

Key benefits after migration

• Improved performance and scalability
• Real-time insights with AI and analytics
• Lower infrastructure and maintenance costs
• Enhanced flexibility for remote work
• Faster decision-making through connected data

Overcoming migration challenges

Some businesses hesitate to migrate NAV to BC due to concerns about cost, downtime, or data loss...

Aren't ready for upgrade yet? Get NAV support from Dynamics Square

If you’re evaluating your next step, now is the time to act...

Partner with experts

Interested in a smooth NAV to BC migration? Partner with experts...

What we bring

• Deep expertise in every NAV version
• Proven upgrade methodologies
• Strong project management to stay on time and on budget
• Clear guidance and personalized support throughout the transition

Schedule a free consultation with our experts today.

Conclusion

The end of Microsoft support for Dynamics NAV isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a strategic turning point.

“Plan Today, Avoid Risk Tomorrow”

• Temporarily maintain NAV with third-party support
• Future-proof your business by moving to Dynamics 365 Business Central

Whichever path you choose, proactive planning is essential...

Conclusion

The end of Microsoft support for Dynamics NAV isn’t just a technical milestone, it’s a strategic turning point.

“Plan Today, Avoid Risk Tomorrow”

You can:

Temporarily maintain NAV with third-party support, or

Future-proof your business by moving to Dynamics 365 Business Central

Whichever path you choose, proactive planning is essential. Businesses that delay too long often face higher costs, rushed migrations, and increased risk.

If you’re looking for more clarity on key transition questions, we’ve included a few common ones below. You can also explore other resources throughout our site.

FAQ’s

1. Why is Microsoft Ending Support for NAV?

Microsoft is evolving its product line-up, focusing on newer solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central. Ending support NAV allows them to concentrate resources on more advanced platforms.

2. What does the end of support mean for my Dynamics NAV system?

While your system will still function, it won't receive updates, leaving it susceptible to security risks. It's advisable to explore options for continued support or migration.

3. How can Dynamics Square help with the End of Microsoft NAV Mainstream Support?

Dynamics Square offers specialised support to navigate the post-Microsoft NAV Mainstream Support era. Our expert team ensures system security, efficiency, and seamless transitions, providing the assistance needed for a smooth continuation of your business operations.

4. Can we continue using Dynamics NAV after the end of Microsoft support?

Yes, but it's not recommended due to security and functionality concerns. Exploring alternative options is crucial for long-term sustainability.

5. What are the security risks associated with using NAV after the support ends?

Without regular updates, your system becomes vulnerable to potential security threats, exposing sensitive data. Upgrading or seeking alternative support is more recommendable.

6. Is upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central the only Option?

No, there are alternatives like third-party support services or exploring different ERP solutions. The best choice depends on your business needs and goals.

7. How can third-party support services help me after Microsoft ends support?

Third-party services offer extended support, updates, and customizations for NAV, ensuring ongoing system reliability outside of Microsoft's support framework.

8. What Dynamics NAV Support services do we provide?

Our NAV support services ongoing operational support, exclusive webinars, customization, integration, security updates, new user training, consulting, etc.