With the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, many of our Dynamics GP users are considering an upgrade from older versions. If you are current on your annual maintenance plan you get the new release for free. (Read: Unofficial Guide to the Two Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Upgrade Policies)

But with this 2013 release there are other costs to consider. Depending on your current infrastructure, it may also be time for you to upgrade your hardware, operating system, and/or database software.  Many of our clients are running on old infrastructure that is no longer supported in this release.

The first thing you should do to prepare for an upgrade is review the system requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. You can compare it to the system requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 here.

GP 2010GP 2013
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows Server 2003
Windows Small Business Server 2003
Windows Server 2008
Windows Small Business Server 2008
Windows Server 2012
Office 2003
Office 2007
Office 2010
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2012

System requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013

System requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010

Once you have determined what you can keep and what needs to be upgraded, you can proceed with mapping out a plan to implement your new system.

The entire upgrade process does not have to drain your budget or take too much of your time. With strategic planning, you can get it done in a reasonable amount of time with few mistakes. To help you plan, CAL Business Solutions is offering its services along with a helpful guide to infrastructure upgrade costs at: Budget for Dynamics GP 2013 Hardware and Infrastructure Requirements and Costs. We can also recommend local Connecticut IT services companies if more expert advice is needed. ·

If you are on a version 10.0, 9.0 or earlier and the cost of the Dynamics GP 2013 requirements are overwhelming, perhaps it makes more sense to upgrade to Dynamics GP 2010 (Version 11) now instead.

CAL will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and the benefits of upgrading to Dynamics GP 2013 against the cost of investing in new infrastructure. Ultimately, you may decide to stay with your current system for the time, upgrade immediately, or upgrade gradually over time. Regardless of the method you choose, CAL Business Solutions can help you decide and plan your upgrade path if you decide to do so.

This topic will be discussed at our upcoming “Dynamics GP 2013 Launch Event” in Farmington, Connecticut (CT) on May 10, 2013 in the session “Infrastructure Requirements/Q&A – Do You Have What it Takes to Upgrade to Dynamics GP 2013?”

Contact CAL Business Solutions to plan your Dynamics GP 2013 upgrade today 860-485-0910 or sales@calszone.com

By CAL Business Solutions, www.calszone.com