MICROSOFT UPGRADES AND SAGE
With the release of Windows 10 in July we have found that some of our clients have chosen to upgrade to the new version in order to take advantage of their upgrade offer.
As with all major operating system upgrades there can be some knock-on implications for software running on these upgraded machines, particularly if the software in use is more than a year or so old.
In addition to the Windows 10 upgrade Microsoft have also been promoting Office 365 which gives multi-device access to your software with an emphasis on synchronised email and calendar access from your desktop/laptop, tablet and smartphone.
Of particular note from our aspect is the compatibility with bookkeeping/payroll software, and from clients’ experiences so far, with Sage products not working properly after the Microsoft upgrade(s) has/have been installed (other systems may have similar issues, we are basing this alert on experience to date which has been with Sage users).
There is a new version of Sage 50 accounts due for release shortly, and also a new version of Sage Instant accounts shortly after that, which should be fully compatible with Windows 10. Sage do have a page on their website with (limited) guidance on what the implications are, follow this link Windows 10 and Sage Software to help you understand the compatibility of Sage software with Windows 10.
With regard to payroll software, in addition to the Windows 10 compatibility there is a potential issue with regard to the use of Office 365 if you are one of the growing number of clients who currently send payslips by email. Whilst Sage are now promoting their own software with a preference for monthly subscription and their online version, it seems they are not keen to work with Microsoft’s products that have moved to that same basis. Information from Sage on this issue is not overly forthcoming, but they say there is a work around for it. We are still waiting to see if it fully resolves the issue and any implications for how you process them.
If you think you may need to upgrade your version of Sage to make use of the Windows upgrade offer please contact us for a quote or simply contact us with any questions you may have. Whilst Sage prefer you to move to a monthly subscription system you can still make a one-off payment to buy it outright, and still have it installed on your own computer, not online.
