Dynamics 365 CRM Timeline

Dynamics 365 CRM (customer relationship management) applications have varying support models, based on whether they are online or on-premises. The accompanying timeline shows release and support retirement dates for online applications (top) and on-premises applications (bottom). 

Customer Relationship Management (online) applications are updated monthly, and customers must accept updates within 30 days. There is no option to stay on a previous release; consequently, testing before major updates occur is essential. Most customers start testing with preview releases that arrive within 30 days before the updates are released. Semiannual “Waves” announcements are a marketing effort that does not impact releases or support.

Dynamics 365 Server and Dynamics CRM Server (on-premises) follow Microsoft’s legacy support life-cycle policy, which offers a combination of Mainstream and Extended support periods. Directions on Microsoft believes that the next on-premises version, listed here as Service Pack 2 (9.2), will never arrive. The server software has received little investment in recent years, and it appears that Microsoft is on the path of sunsetting the on-premises product (at some unknown date), providing only minor features and bug fixes as it encourages customers to adopt the cloud alternative.