Released on = August 5, 2007, 3:29 pm

Press Release Author = Alba Spectrum Group

Industry = Computers

Press Release Summary = Microsoft Dynamics GP, as Great Plains was renamed and
associated with Microsoft Dynamics family of products, created by joining together
with future synergy and integration purposes: Navision NAV, Axapta AX, Solomon SL,
and Dynamics CRM, so now GP version 10 was introduced in Summer 2007 for MBS
partners and then for customers. Version update will be the next step to be offered
to GP customers. You should understand your ERP upgrade path and associated
investment and possible risks. In this small article we would like to give you
initial start for upgrade process and have you to think about it and do your
homework

Press Release Body = Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com
help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918

Microsoft Dynamics GP, as Great Plains was renamed and associated with Microsoft
Dynamics family of products, created by joining together with future synergy and
integration purposes: Navision NAV, Axapta AX, Solomon SL, and Dynamics CRM, so now
GP version 10 was introduced in Summer 2007 for MBS partners and then for customers.
Version update will be the next step to be offered to GP customers. You should
understand your ERP upgrade path and associated investment and possible risks. In
this small article we would like to give you initial start for upgrade process and
have you to think about it and do your homework
1. Upgrade Path. MS Dynamics version update utility works by recognizing your
current build and checks if it has upgrade path for your current version. If it
doesn't have it - it can not upgrade. Currently (no service packs were yet released
for 10.0), GP 9.0 upgrade works if you applied SP 2. It also can initiate upgrade
in you are on GP 8.0 with SP5. If you are on 9.0 without SP applied, consider to
apply SP 2 and then move on to upgrade to GP 10.0. If you are on newer than 9.0 SP
2 build, you should wait GP 10.0 SP 1 to be released later in 2007
2. Older versions. In you are on version, earlier than 8.0, such as 5.0, 5.5, 6.0,
7.0 or 7.5, you should consider updating to version 8.0 or 9.0 first, and then
immediately update to version 10.0, assuming you are considering the contents of the
paragraph above
3. Pervasive SQL and Ctree/Faircom DB platforms. Microsoft Business Solutions
decided to terminate support to these non-Microsoft DB platforms in December 2004.
If you are still on these legacy platforms, you should consider migration.
Migration is available for old versions up to 7.5. The technology of migration is
straight forward - Dexterity module which allows you to connect old DB with newly
created MS SQL Server Dynamics GP databases. Professional consultant help is highly
recommended as migration has multiple what-ifs scenarios and may lead you to
confusion
4. Third Party modules upgrade. If you deploy third party GP satellites, such as
Mekorma, Avalara, Wennsoft, Horizon Manufacturing, etc. - you should check with them
on the availability for the upgrade path for their modules and if required - wait
5. Custom Technologies upgrade. Among customization technologies, you should
identify if you deploy one of these: Microsoft Dexterity (former name is Great
Plains Dexterity - chunk files, DYNAMICS.DIC with source code in needed to upgrade),
VBA/Modifier (this is legacy OLE related technology, you should have DYNAMICS.VBA
dictionary with VBA scripts in it), Integration Manager (you should find on your
network IM.MDB file, where integrations metadata resides). eConnect eCommerce and
GP Business Portal Upgrade paths are complex and require separate consideration
outside of this article

Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com
help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, serving GP client in USA
nationwide and Canada. Local service is available in Chicago area: Naperville,
Warrenville, Oakbrook, Lisle, Downers Grove, Romeoville, Aurora, Hinsdale, Joliet,
Plainfield, Morris, Orland Park, Lombard, Elgin, Crystal Lake, in Houston: Richmond,
Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Katy, Galveston. Nationwide service: California, New York,
Ontario, Quebec, Florida, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Washington, Nevada, Utah, Louisiana, Texas, Illinois



Web Site = http://www.albaspectrum.com

Contact Details = Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com
help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918