Dynamics GP Extender Discontinuation Announcement

Microsoft recently announced that effective February 1st, 2013 the Extender Standard module for Microsoft Dynamics GP will no longer be offered by Microsoft.

eOne Solutions will continue to support existing Extender clients.  Extender will still be available for purchase but through eOne Solutions, not Microsoft.  eOne Solutions also has a product called "eXtender Enterprise".  It is a more robust version of Extender, also know as "Extender Standard".

Starting February 1st, 2013, Dynamics GP clients who own Extender via the Microsoft Dynamics GP price list will receive a reduction in their Protected List Price and will not be charged Business Ready Enhancement Plan fees for Extender on their next renewal date.  The license keys for this module will remain on existing client's accounts, allowing the continued use of the modules.

Here are some key items in Microsoft's announcement:

Question: Why did Microsoft and eOne want to transfer Extender back to eOne?
Answer: Microsoft and eOne review their business relationship and license agreements on an annual basis. Both companies agree that eOne is better positioned to evolve the strategy and product roadmap for Extender by making it available to VARs and customers directly from eOne. eOne has development plans for Extender that could not be completed if sold through Microsoft such as including additional cross products links within Extender to support integration with its other products.

Question: What is the impact on all existing companies using Extender?
Answer: Existing Extender customers will be able to continue using Extender.
Any existing Extender customers who are on a BREP plan on December 1, 2012 will have license rights to Extender for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. They must obtain the registration keys and install from eOne directly. In order to get new versions of Extender beyond this point they must enroll in an eOne maintenance plan.
When an existing Extender customer upgrades to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 and beyond they will simply access the Extender updates from the eOne website (www.eonesolutions.com.au).

Question: What about the annual BREP we pay on Extender?
Answer: The existing BREP paid to Microsoft will be honored by eOne through to its expiration date. Subsequent annual maintenance agreements will be processed via eOne rather than Microsoft at a rate of 20% of purchase price. The annual enhancement plan via eOne entitles customers to hotfixes, service packs and new releases of Extender. Microsoft will reduce the Protected List Price on February 1, 2013 and customers will no longer be charged BREP fees on these modules on their next plan renewal date.

Question: Where do I go for Extender support from February 1, 2013?Answer: Microsoft will continue to support previously released versions of Extender through the support lifecycle for the applicable release of Microsoft Dynamics GP. eOne will provide support for versions of Extender available with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 and beyond.

Question: Can I upgrade to the Extender Enterprise product?
Answer: Yes. Extender customers will have an option to upgrade to Extender Enterprise between the date of publication of this announcement and April 30, 2013 at a promotional price point. Extender Enterprise retails at $5,000, but all Microsoft Dynamics GP Extender customers can upgrade to Extender Enterprise for just $1,000 through April 30, 2013.


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