What is the difference between upgrade, update, and migration?

In this article, you will learn more about the commonly used phrases related to installing CodeTwo products:

• Upgrade
• Update
• Migration

Version number of the program

The version number of every CodeTwo product consists of 4 numbers separated by dots, e.g. CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro 2.11.0.0 or CodeTwo Office 365 Migration 2.4.1.2. The version number uses the following pattern:

[major].[minor].[maintenance].[build]

where:

[major] – the first position indicates the major version number. It changes only when the entire program structure is changed or some significant features are introduced to the software.

[minor] – the second number changes when planned improvements or minor features are implemented.

[maintenance] – the third number changes only when some important bug fixes need to be applied to the program and cannot wait for the next minor version change.

[build] – the last number changes automatically every time the Development team compiles a new build during the development cycle. This number is usually meaningless for the end-user.

The current version of the program is always provided on the product’s download page (Fig. 1.).

Fig. 1. The latest available version of the program.

Upgrade

An upgrade is when you reinstall the program by using a newer version of that program, with a higher first figure of the version number. For example, your currently installed version of the program is 2.5.0.337, and you replace it with version 3.0.0.156. The upgrades are usually not free, but cost less than new licenses. Before you attempt to upgrade a program, visit the Pricing page of the product (e.g. CodeTwo Exchange Rules family, CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro) to find out if you are eligible for a discount or check your purchase options.

Update

An update is when you reinstall the program by using a newer version of that program, with a higher second, third or fourth figure of the version number. For example, your currently installed version of the program is 2.5.0.337, and you replace it with version 2.6.1.12. Updates are free of charge for all licensed users.

You should update your existing installation on a regular basis to make sure you always use the current version of the program, with all new features included and all known bugs removed. Depending on the program you use, either click Help > Check for updates on the menu (e.g. in CodeTwo Exchange Rules software) or click the Check for updates link on the Dashboard tab (in CodeTwo Migration and Backup software) to see if you're currently using the latest version of the program (Fig. 2.).

Fig. 2. Checking if you have the latest version of CodeTwo software.

Migration

A migration is when you stop using a program because you want to move to another product on preferential terms. For example, you no longer plan to use CodeTwo Exchange Rules 2013 in order to migrate to CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro. The migration is not free, but you can get the new product at a discount.

Learn more about migration options and prices here.

See also:

• How to perform updates and upgrades of CodeTwo products