Sage 100: Navigating Retired Versions and Understanding Support Limitations
When it comes to business management software, staying up-to-date is not only about accessing the latest features but also about ensuring you receive the necessary support for your operations. Sage 100, a notable ERP product, has had versions that have been retired, meaning they no longer receive extensive support. This is vital information for businesses relying on these versions.
Which Versions of Sage 100 Are Retired?
When a version of Sage 100 is termed as "retired", it indicates that the version has reached the end of its support lifecycle. For businesses still operating on such versions, this can translate to limited or even non-existent support from the official Sage 100 customer support team.
Recently, Sage 100 2021 (7.00), which was released in April 2021, was declared retired in April 2024. This version encompassed Product Updates 1 through 6, with the last product update being rolled out in April 2023.
You can find the entire list of retired Sage 100 versions here.
What Does Limited Support Mean?
For companies still running retired versions, "limited support" might have various implications:
Phone Support: Direct phone assistance might either be restricted or entirely unavailable.
No Callback Appointments: Sage 100 Customer Support might decline to make callback appointments for queries related to retired versions.
No Research on Issues: If you encounter a problem or a bug, Sage 100 Customer Support may not invest time in researching or rectifying issues specific to retired versions.
What Should Companies Do?
If your organization is using a retired version, it's recommended to:
Upgrade: Regularly upgrading ensures you're benefiting from the latest features and have access to robust support. Find out what’s new in the latest release!
Consult With Experts: If upgrading immediately isn't feasible, you might consider seeking expertise from specialized consultants. For instance, Ardent Consulting can be a potential resource to assist with challenges arising from retired versions.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of business software, understanding the lifecycle of the versions you use is paramount. Companies using Sage 100 should be proactive in either upgrading their software or seeking expert consultation to navigate potential challenges effectively. The peace of mind that comes with continued support and functionality can be invaluable for businesses in today's dynamic environment. Contact Ardent Consulting to discuss your next steps.