If you’re using version 2020.1 or older of Sage 50, you’ve probably already received warnings from Sage that parts of your software will stop working after 9/30/2023. I’ve heard from several people asking what this really means and how it affects them. In short, the problem is real and shouldn’t be ignored. But, from the best information I can gather, also doesn’t mean your Sage 50 will stop working on that date.

What is the problem? A third party component used in Sage 50 2020.1 and older called Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.0 and 1.1 is being retired due to security risks. Because those components are being retired on 9/30/2023, Sage 50 version 2020.1 or older will no longer be able to be activated. So if you try to install on a new computer, or have a problem that requires you to reinstall or reactivate your software, the activation will fail and you will not be able to use Sage 50.

What is the solution? Upgrade to version 2023. There is no workaround.

What is the risk of not upgrading? I have gotten some mixed answers to that question from Sage. Some say that Sage 50 version 2020.1 or older will stop working immediately after the 9/30/2023 retirement date. But most seem to believe that Sage 50 will continue working as long as you don’t need to reinstall or reactivate it. If you choose to continue using an affected version after 9/30/2023, and you experience a problem that requires you to reinstall or reactivate, you’ll will have some down time while waiting for your upgrade order to be processed. Most orders are processed within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) but that’s not guaranteed. Version 2023 can convert data from version 2017 or newer. So if you’re using version 2016 or older, you’ll also have to wait for someone to convert your data for you. When scheduled ahead of time, I can normally return converted data the same day I receive it. But emergencies rarely happen at convenient times so the turn around time on unscheduled conversion may be longer.

The bottom line: Everyone’s situation is different. My goal is to give people the information they need to make an informed decision that’s appropriate for them. The thing we know for certain is that the only fix for the problem is to upgrade. You can do it on your own schedule before 9/30/2023, or see how long you can ride out your current software knowing that eventually there will be a hardware or software problem that forces the upgrade and causes down time. I know businesses that can easily deal with a day or two of down time and others for whom an hour or two is critical. You know your business and what’s right for you. Whenever you decide is the right time to upgrade I’ll be here to answer your questions and give you a good price on the software. Just remember I can’t upgrade all of you on 9/30.

You can contact me with questions or to place an order at scollins@iqacct.com or 918-851-9713.

To read Sage’s official statements on this issue, you can read Sage’s knowledgebase entry here and read their announcement on Sage City here.


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