If you’re using Sage 50 2021, 2022, or 2023, this does not apply to you. Anyone on an older version needs to read this.
I take seriously my responsibility to provide you with accurate information so you can make good decisions for your business. I’ve been researching this problem for quite a while now and have been frustrated with the difficulty I’ve had trying to get answers that are direct and complete. I’m not trying to point fingers at anyone. I’ve come to the conclusion that the reason I’m having a hard time getting answers is because nobody is 100% certain and we will only know for sure after September 30th.
WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE:
- As I’ve mentioned in my last two newsletters, Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.0 and 1.1 are being retired on 9/30/2023 due to potential security issues. Sage 50 version 2020.1 and older use these versions of TLS to manage activation. TLS is a 3rd part component, so this is out of Sage’s control. In fact this is affecting many software companies, not just Sage.
- After September 30th, if you have to reinstall Sage 50 2020.1 or older, or install it on a new computer, the activation will generate an error, rendering Sage 50 unusable.
WHAT I THINK WILL HAPPEN:
- I THINK that nothing will happen immediately after 9/30/2023. And I’ve talked with people at Sage who agree with me. If that’s true, then as long as you don’t have to replace a computer, or have a problem with Sage 50 that requires you to reinstall it, you will be able to continue using your older version of Sage 50.
WHY IS THERE STILL A QUESTION?:
- Sage 50 regularly checks in over the internet to verify your activation. The big question seems to be what will happen when that check-in takes place after 9/30/2023. Obviously, those who are saying Sage 50 will stop working after 9/30 believe it will stop Sage 50 from functioning, while others believe the opposite is true. The bottom line is we’ll only be 100% certain after we cross that line.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?:
- Upgrade before the end of the month. This is obviously the safest choice. The only downside (apart from the cash outlay) is that it means switching from a perpetual license to an annual subscription. Once you switch, there’s no going back. Perpetual licenses are no longer being sold. But it also means you will get continual updates so you never have to worry about your software becoming obsolete.
- Stay put. If I’m right, and this issue will only present a problem if you need to reinstall or re-activate, then you could get several more years out of your existing license. The downside to this option is that you don’t know when a problem might pop up that requires you to reinstall Sage 50. And when that happens, you’ll be stuck until we can get an order processed. Normally Sage processes orders within 24 hours, sometimes in just a couple hours if I’m lucky. But if I’m wrong, hundreds, or even thousands of people could all be trying to order upgrades on Monday, October 2nd. And there’s no telling how long it will take Sage to work through all those orders.
- Buy now but wait to install. Keep a foot in both camps. Just because you purchase an upgrade, that doesn’t mean you have to install it immediately. Purchasing a new license won’t disable your old one. So, just like life insurance that you purchase hoping you won’t use it, you can purchase a new Sage 50 subscription and even download the installer, but not install it. Then, if your software doesn’t work on Monday, October 2nd, you’re ready to install the upgrade. If your old version keeps working, you have a year to decide if you want to renew your subscription or not. All you’re gambling here is the cost of one year’s subscription.
- Install Sage 50 on a computer with no internet access. You would have to do it before the end of this month, but Sage 50 can be used on a computer with no internet access. You have to go through a manual activation process when you first install. But then you wouldn’t have to worry about the automatic check-in causing problems. Of course you also won’t be able to email invoices or reports and you would need a separate computer for all internet related activities.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?:
- The biggest risk is the potential extended downtime if all old installations of Sage 50 stop working at the same time. There’s no telling how long will it take to get orders processed. For some of my customers, a week without access to Sage 50 wouldn’t be a problem, for others it would cripple their operations. Only you know where your company falls on that spectrum.
- My time is limited. If everyone wants help installing upgrades at the same time, I’ll have to work on a first come, first served basis.
- Price increases. I don’t know what price increases are coming, but October is the start of a new fiscal year for Sage, and it’s common for a new year to bring new prices.
I wish I could give you a definite answer on whether or not your old version of Sage 50 will work after 9/30/2023. But that doesn’t seem possible in this case. We do know that version 2020.1 and older will not be able to activate after 9/30/2023. Eventually, something will happen that requires Sage 50 to be reinstalled, even if it’s just a routine computer upgrade. But it’s up to you to decide whether you want to upgrade now or wait until circumstances force you to upgrade. Keep in mind that planned upgrades are a lot less stressful than emergency upgrades.
I’m currently offering 20% off the first year of a Sage 50 2023 annual subscription. The prices below are good through Friday 9/29/2023. You can call or email me with question or to place an order. You can also purchase from my website at www.iqaccountingsolutions.com. Remember that you cannot move down the product line. For example, if you’re currently on Premium you cannot migrate your data to the Pro version of 2023. Also, since “Complete” is no longer offered, if you’re currently on Peachtree/Sage 50 Complete, then you need the Premium 2023 upgrade.
