Dynamics 365 Operations and AX Server Timeline

The latest major version of Dynamics 365 Operations Server (previously called AX Server) became generally available in Nov. 2018, called 8.1. Current and upcoming versions of the product are shown above.

Operations Server has repeatedly altered its servicing model and support time-frames since separating from AX Server. Originally, versions were supposed to be supported for 10 years; however, Microsoft reduced the durations in 2017 to three years. In Aug. 2018, Microsoft shortened the support end dates for all existing versions to end on Apr. 2019. Customers must migrate to the latest version (8.1) by this date. The one exception is for customers on version 7.3 that have unfulfilled extension requests with Microsoft. Microsoft has promised these customers an additional year of support.

After Apr. 2019, the new servicing model will require customers to accept updates twice per year, resulting in more testing of customizations and recertification of systems for regulatory compliance. Currently, customers are required to take the update the same month the new version arrives; however, this is likely to change and match the online service, which allows customers to apply updates within 90 days of general availability.