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

The version number

The program's version is always visible on the title bar of the main window of the program. It consists of 4 numbers separated by dots, e.g. CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro 2.11.0.0. 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.

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 1.5.0.337, and you replace it with version 2.0.0.156.

The upgrades are usually not free, but cost less than new licenses. Before upgrading, visit the Pricing page of the program or contact CodeTwo Customer Support to find out if you are eligible for a discount or check your purchase options.

How to upgrade

To learn how to upgrade from version 1.x to 2.x, see this article.

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. Click Help > Check for updates on the Administration Panel's menu to see if you're currently using the latest version of the program.

How to update

The steps below apply to GUI-based Windows operating systems. If you want to update CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro on Server Core, refer to this article instead. During the update, the installer will remove the current version of the program and install the new one. A reboot of the server is not required.

  1. Download the installer from the CodeTwo download page onto the machine where CodeTwo software is installed.
  2. Before you proceed, close the Administration Panel of CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro on this machine.
  3. Launch the downloaded installer and install the program.
  4. If you have more instances of the program in your environment, perform the update on each machine (both clients and servers) where CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro is installed.
  5. After the update process is complete, you can launch the Administration Panel again. All of your settings and rules are retained.

You can only update for free within the same major version.

Migration to CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro

Migration is when you move from CodeTwo Exchange Rules 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, or contact CodeTwo Support to discuss prices.

How to migrate

If you are using the current version of CodeTwo Exchange Rules, see this article to learn about the migration procedure.

Older versions' users must upgrade their standard CodeTwo Exchange Rules to the newest available version before migrating to the Pro version. Consult with CodeTwo Support if in doubt.

Migration to CodeTwo Email Signatures 365

If you are planning on moving from an on-premises Exchange environment to Office 365 (Microsoft 365) and you still want to be able to centrally manage email signatures, you can also migrate from CodeTwo Exchange Rules Pro to CodeTwo Email Signatures 365. We offer discounts for our current customers. Contact CodeTwo Support to learn more.

With CodeTwo Exchange Rules Converter, you can also transfer your existing signature, disclaimer and auto-reply templates, as well as related rules. Learn more

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