Some background: I made a minimal copy of prod. into sandbox. I created a solution and added the "contact" entity into in Sandbox, made some updates, and have exported it as a managed solution. I want to import this managed solution into prod. The "contact" entity already exists in prod in an unmanaged solution (we are trying to get prod. to be only managed solutions). I am wondering, if I then delete the managed solution from prod, will all the data from "contacts" be lost?? I am assuming no - but wanting to double check.
Also, we have been currently using only unmanaged solutions in prod (didn't know any better). We are wanting to start using managed solutions and abide by best practices in terms of development in dynamics. Does anyone have any thoughts on how we can go from having all unmanaged solutions in prod. to managed ones? Step by step would be appreciated, as this is a new process for us.