Released on: October 7, 2007, 1:43 pm

Press Release Author: Alba Spectrum Group

Industry: Computers

Press Release Summary: Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains Dynamics GP version
update technology seems to be straight forward - you insert new version CD and
upgrade will be launched automatically with wizard

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

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains Dynamics GP version update technology
seems to be straight forward - you insert new version CD and upgrade will be
launched automatically with wizard. Proven Great Plains Dexterity technology will
determine your current version and it will replace first GP workstation side files:
Dynamics.exe, Dynamics.dic, Dynamics.set, etc., then it will begin Dynamics database
tables conversion process (if new version has modified table structure, this table
will be copied into temporary table, then dropped and recreated and then repopulated
from temp table). The same DB rebuilding process then will be launched for all the
companies you have, where you will have decision making control via wizard. Real
life situation however requires you to make your homework and think through
different upgrade pitfalls and scenarios. Let's come through some of them:
1. Upgrade path. This term is used when you are on older version of Microsoft Great
Plains or Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise. Historical versions are: Great Plains
Dynamics/Dynamics C/S+ 4.0, 5.0, 5.5, Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise 6.0,
Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise 7.0, 7.5, Microsoft Great Plains
Dynamics GP standard and professional: 8.0, 9.0, Microsoft Dynamics GP Professional
and Business Ready 10.0. Current GP version as of fall 2007 is 10.0. Versions,
prior to 8.0 were available on Microsoft SQL Server, Pervasive SQL 2000/Btrieve and
Ctree/Faircom. If you are on non-Microsoft SQL Server version, you will need one
extra step - migration to SQL Server 2000 or 2005. Otherwise upgrade path typically
shows you version upgrade line, for example if you are on version 6.0 and would like
to switch to 10.0 you will need first to upgrade 6.0->7.5, then 7.5->9.0, then apply
9.0 Service Pack 2 and then you are good to go to version 10.0
2. Third Party Modules. Through the history of Great Plains Software - its Great
Plains Dynamics Dexterity platform was ready for third party ISV to develop
satellites or extensions to core GP logic: Icontrol Manufacturing, MatchData Project
Accounting, Intellisol Advanced POP and Project Accounting, Mekorma, Avalara,
Dynamics ZIP - these are good examples of third party modules. Obviously even if
Microsoft Business Solutions encourages its ISV partners to extend Dynamics GP, it
can not stay behind third party update process - you should have your GP partner
contact your third party module vendor and check on update path and if targeted new
version is available for your extension
3. Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac. In earlier 1990th GPA was
popular and the versions you may have are 9.5 or 9.2. Upgrade path includes
migration module to Microsoft Great Plains 7.5 and then regular upgrade for GP. If
you consider staying on GPA, we do not recommend this as Great Plains Accounting is
no longer supported by Microsoft (successor of GPS). The only way to support GPA is
to look known issues DB available for Microsoft Business Solutions partners, but you
understand that this is not equal in support quality to dedicated GPA consultant
support - these people do not exist anymore as they changed their career path in
late 1990th

Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Group: http://www.albaspectrum.com
help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, serving Microsoft Dynamics GP
Great Plains customers in USA/Canada nationwide. Local service is available in
Houston, TX: Richmond, Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenberg, Missouri City, Pearland,
Friendswood, Meadows, Mission Bend, Jersey Village; Chicago, IL: Naperville, Aurora,
Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Joliet, Wheaton, Lisle, Downers Grove, Schaumburg, Elk
Grove, Lombard, Woodridge, Darien, Westmont, Batavia, St. Charles, Elgin, Crystal
Lake. Service is also available in Houston and Dallas metros, plus internationally
in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Oceania and UK



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, serving Microsoft Dynamics GP
Great Plains customers in USA/Canada nationwide. Local service is available in
Houston, TX: Richmond, Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenberg, Missouri City, Pearland,
Friendswood, Meadows, Mission Bend, Jersey Village; Chicago, IL: Naperville, Aurora,
Bolingbrook, Romeoville