We get asked a lot – “How do I know it’s time to upgrade?”
The answer – it depends. Here’s why.
If you’re running on version 17 or below, upgrade now.
There are abundant reasons to regularly upgrade OnBase, but here are some reasons you should consider making an upgrade project a priority very soon:
It’s been a long time since you upgraded.
Older software stays on older servers with older operating systems. Custom development falls out of recommended security standards. You may end up paying more for software and hardware maintenance, and in time integrations will reach their end of life.
The longer you let things go without making updates to your OnBase environment, the more difficult and daunting your next upgrade will be. Putting off the costs may prove more costly in the long run.
Your windows client and servers are no longer compatible.
If you haven’t already had the Windows 10 discussion yet with your IT department, you will: 1.4 billion devices are running on Windows 10 or 11 worldwide.
Why Windows 10? Creators Update and beyond have focused on security enhancements, primarily tailored for enterprises and IT administrators. Support for the most recent Windows 10 Creators Updates starts in OnBase 17 Service Pack 2. So if you don’t have one of the latest versions of OnBase, your users can’t have the latest version of Windows 10. It’s that simple.
Also, Microsoft support for Windows Server 2008 R2 is about to expire. If you have OnBase servers still running this version, you are a great candidate for an Incremental Parallel Upgrade (IPUP), which includes a server migration.
You want the ability to innovate and expand your OnBase solution.
Raise your hand if:
- Your users travel or need access to OnBase on the go
- Your OnBase solution integrates with SharePoint, Office, SAP, ICAP or ESRI
- You’d like to take advantage of other OnBase products like WorkView, Workflow, Sharebase, or RPA
- You want to move your OnBase to the cloud
We’ve all got our hands raised by now.
The point is, even if your OnBase solution is just one or two versions back, you may be missing out on process improvements that could benefit users around your organization.
Security is a top priority.
It seems like almost every week, another organization falls victim to a major security breach. Keeping your OnBase solution current is the best way to protect your organization’s data – at rest, in transit, and in use.
OnBase 18 has over 200 more security fixes and enhancements than OnBase 17, 500 more than OnBase 16, 800 more than OnBase 15, and over 1,000 more than OnBase 14. Since OnBase 14, OnBase Research and Development members have had extensive Microsoft SDLC training and started implementing regular vulnerability reviews on every development project.
Upgrading OnBase means an immediate upgrade to your data security.
If you aren’t moving forward, you’re falling behind.
In today’s world, it is essential to keep pace with technology to keep your solutions relevant. This means operating systems, internet browsers, and application suites. It is important to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology around us to keep up with modern business, and modern life.
If you haven’t upgraded recently, you’re making things more difficult for yourself in upcoming years – particularly if your organization is in a competitive space.
OnBase 18 has a better user experience with a modern look and feel. Also, server-side enhancements have improved performance like never before.
As the average user adapts to a more technological lifestyle, their expectations grow when it comes to user interfaces. Employees are looking for additional ways to be more versatile and more efficient when it comes to their work. Employers look at ways to facilitate a mobile user base, and sometimes a remote workforce.
If you’re already running on OnBase 18, weigh the pros and cons of upgrading.
When updated software launches, there’s pros and cons. On the pro side, you have security enhancements, new features, and fixes. On the con side, while you have software that’s been fully regression tested, the new version has not been thoroughly vetted by countless environmental variables and real-world scenarios.
There are many benefits to upgrading early in a release cycle, but the risk of unexpected behavior is always a bit higher for early adopters.
Plan your upgrade with purpose.
If you feel like it’s been such a long time since you’ve upgraded that you wouldn’t know where to start, don’t let that hold you back! Start the conversation with your DataBank Account Manager, and we’ll help you take the next step.
Remember, the object of an OnBase upgrade project isn’t the upgrade itself – the real objective is to improve your organization’s readiness for today’s challenges and strategically align yourself to face tomorrow’s.
Keep improving your resilience for the future by upgrading.
