October 8, 2012 
Last week, while searching for something on Microsoft’s PartnerSource, I came across an announcement that Microsoft is discontinuing sales of the Extender module and that both sales and support of Extender will revert back to eOne Solutions, the original developer of Extender, starting February 1, 2013.
Please note that eOne has always sold a more advanced version of Extender, called Extender Enterprise. Everything in this post is talking about the Extender module that is currently sold by Microsoft as a Dynamics GP module. This is sometimes referred to as ‘Extender Standard’, however, I am simply calling it ‘Extender’ since that is how most partners and customers refer to it.
I think this announcement is a pretty big deal because there are many Microsoft Dynamics GP users out there with Extender and because Extender is such a terrific and useful module. For Dynamics GP Partners who want to see all the details and Q&A, you can read the entire Microsoft announcement on PartnerSource. I have not been able to find a similar announcement on CustomerSource yet. For those who do not have PartnerSource access, or just want a few highlights, they are below:
- Effective February 1, 2013, the Extender module for Microsoft Dynamics GP will no longer be sold by Microsoft and will be removed from the Microsoft Dynamics GP price lists.
- eOne Solutions will continue to support existing Extender customers.
- New or existing customers who wish to purchase Extender can purchase it from eOne through their GP Partner. (Customers not working with a partner can work with eOne directly.)
- Starting February 1, 2013, Microsoft Dynamics GP customers who previously obtained a license for Extender from Microsoft will receive a reduction in their Protected List Price and will not be charged annual maintenance fees for Extender on their next Dynamics GP renewal. The license keys for Extender will remain on existing customers’ accounts, allowing the continued use of Extender.
- Any customer that owns Extender as of December 1, 2012 and is current on a maintenance plan will get license rights for Extender for Dynamics GP 2013. However, registration keys and the installation media will need to be obtained from eOne. After Dynamics GP 2013 customers will need to be on an eOne maintenance plan to receive new Extender versions and updates.
I spoke to Abbey Cooper from eOne Solutions and she was wonderful about explaining all the options for partners and customers and answering all the questions I had. If you are a partner supporting customers with Extender, email eOne Solutions to get signed up with them. If you are a customer using Extender or considering it for the future, talk to your GP Partner about any concerns or questions you might have.
Victoria Yudin 
Thanks Victoria
A follow up on behalf of eOne regarding eXtender. Our OEM with Microsoft for the eXtender product has been really very successful. As you point out there are many thousands of customers that use eXtender as a critical every day part of thier business solution.
We review our agreement with Microsoft annually. With the 2013 release pending we had a long list of features we wantred to add to eXtender. Many of the enhancements were functions that would ensure eXtender worked more closely and tighter with the other eOne products (SmartConnect, SmartLIst Builder, SmartView etc). Adding these links to ‘non OEM products’ was not something we could do under the current agreement.
While we were looking at our dev plans, some of the back office guys in Redmond were trying to steer away from the traditional OEM type agreements. We took this opportunity to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers was acheieved and bringing eXtender back in house at eone.
The important things to note:
1. eXtender and extender Enterprise will be available from eOne at all times
2. The same developers and the same QA team remain looking after eXtender
3. AEP already paid will be honored, and future AEP will be paid through eOnes online system.
4. All customers get promotional opportunities to upgrade to enterprise or to add other eOne product to their solution.
5. There is an amnesty of partner sign on fees through April 2013. (save $2,000).
6. There are no changes to the SmartList Builder product at this time.
Any questions you may have will be answered shortly in eOne blogs, coming webinar discussions and if you still can not find the answer call eOne on 888 319 3663 and press 2 for sales. (Our line is busy but we will do our best to speak with everyone as soon as possible).
Regards
Martin
Product Director
eOne Solutions
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Martin,
Thank you very much for the follow up and the additional information!
-Victoria
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Thanks Victoria, your always right up on things.
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Thanks Victoria
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What was Microsoft’s reason for doing this?
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Michael,
I don’t know the answer to that. But would be curious to know, as well.
-Victoria
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Thanks Victoria. I noticed the announcement as part of the SPLA that Extender wasn’t included but it was unclear if that was online only or for everything. I guess it’s everything.
mark
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Mark,
Sure is. 🙂 I am curious to see what customer’s reactions will be to this announcement.
-Victoria
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This is a VERY IMPORTANT post. Thanks so much for bringing this up. I shall soon be contacting eOne.
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Thanks Vaidy,
Yes, I was kind of surprised this was not announced more prominently, I just happened to find it when searching for something else. That’s why I wanted to make sure to bring attention to it.
-Victoria
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