The Sage 200 Product Lifecycle

Keeping your Sage software up to date is important. Not only does it keep you secure, but it also ensures you have the latest features.

If you have older versions of Sage 200 software, you should know about the lifecycle process. This means you can prepare in good time for software being phased out.

In this post, we’ll talk you through the typical lifecycle of Sage 200 software, why Sage 200 software has a lifecycle, and why paying attention to lifecycle stages is important for you.

Why does Sage have a product lifecycle?

Most software companies have something similar – withdrawing support for older versions of software, so that they can invest in new ones based on customer feedback.

As a company, Sage believes that “using the latest technology and software is the best way to help run a business effectively.”

How does the Sage 200 product lifecycle work?

Each year, Sage places an older version of Sage 200 into ‘extended support’ and another version goes into ‘end of support’ status.

Here’s what these terms mean:

• Extended Support
  • A version will still receive support updates and patches – however, this will end within the next 3 years.
• End of Support
  • A version will no longer be supported; updates will not be applied, patches will not be released and there will be no legislative updates.
• Retirement
  • A version in retirement will no longer function.
• Mainstream Support
  • A version will receive full support, patches, updates and legislative updates.

Do I have to update my Sage version? Why can’t I just stick with the old one?

As described above, a version of Sage 200 in ‘end of support’ won’t completely stop functioning – but there are other reasons you should think about updating it.

If you continue to use Sage software that’s in end of support status, you’ll have to go without:

• Patches or updates by Sage – if an issue arises no fix will be released
• Legislative changes – no legislative changes will be issued
• Support from Sage – no support from Sage is provided if an issue needs to be escalated
• Additional users or modules – no additional users or modules can be added

How do I check my Sage 200 version?

With all of that said, you might be wondering how you would check your Sage 200 version. Click here to find out.

If you want to find out more about the Sage 200 product lifecycle, click here to access a Knowledgebase article on the Sage website.

Need to upgrade your Sage 200 software? Have no idea where to start? Contact the team at PKF Smith Cooper Systems on 01332 959008.