Versions 4.30 and 4.40 are both compatible with Windows 7 64-bit edition, but not without a little work. Program Fix LM4046-T and LM4045-T (for 4.30 and 4.40, respectively) resolve an issue with the PDF driver required for Paperless Office.
If you system has already been upgraded to 4.40.0.2 (or greater), the program fix is not required.
After a longer than comfortable wait for Sage, business partners and, of course, end-users, the compatibility statement for Windows 7 has been released by Sage.
With the installation of a downloadable Hot Fix, Windows 7 can be run with Sage MAS 90 and 200 version 4.30.0.18 (all service updates must be installed) and versions 4.40 and 4.40.0.1. All references to Windows 7 refer to Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions and both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are included.
It is suspected that your IT department feels this is long overdue.
The unfortunate news at this point is that Windows 7 compatibility is not supported for MAS 90 or MAS 200. The good news is that Sage is continuing testing and plans to issue “additional details” during the month of March. We’ve anticipated the compatibility announcement would follow the release of version 4.4 and there have been no surprises to this point. You can read the official Sage statement addressing Windows 7.
Leading up to the end of 2009, Sage was busy posting updates to some of the vital support documentation for MAS 90 and MAS 200.
On December 28, the revised Integrated Solutions Compatibility Matrix was posted. This document covers information pertaining to external applications that can be used in conjunction with MAS 90 and MAS 200 (Crystal Reports, FRx, ACT, SalesLogix, Microsoft Office, etc.). This is the document to consult before MAS 90, MAS 200 or any integration application are upgraded.
On December 31, the Supported Platform Matrices for both MAS 90 and MAS 200 were posted. This is the document to consult before upgrading MAS 90, MAS 200 or any operating systems (workstation or server). In this instance, the revision to this document appears to be to reinforce the lack of support for Windows 7.
Since the release of Windows 7, I have fielded a few questions about the compatibility between the new operating system and MAS 90 and 200. The only true indication of compatibility has been (and will be) the MAS 90 Supported Platform Matrix and MAS 200 Supported Platform Matrix that Sage publishes. As of today, Windows 7 is not included. Keeping in mind the track record of Microsoft-released desktop operating systems, it is usually wise to wait until the initial service pack has been released before upgrading.
While Windows 7 will allow users to run applications in XP-mode, when installing MAS 90 and MAS 200 in this scenario, the Sage PDF converter used with Paperless Office is compromised.
We experienced some of the same delays with Microsoft released Vista. With a little patience, we should be receiving notice from Sage that their testing is complete. It may require a service update to get us there, but when the time comes, Sage will notify everyone update the supported platform matrices.
Are you or your staff members anxious to complete the move to Windows 7?