To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade . . . That IS the Question

April 22, 2022 Kevin Breslin

It’s Spring 2022 and as has been the case for the better part of the last few decades, in addition to warmer weather, we’re also seeing the bloom of the latest and greatest from Autodesk in the form of their 2023 Product releases. 

The related and much debated question is, “Do we upgrade now, or wait?”

While there’s no single correct answer to that question, it is worth considering a few items that may impact your decision making on the topic:

  • What version of Autodesk software is your organization on today, and is that version still supported or soon to be retired?
  • What version are your customers and partners using, and what (if any) collaboration issues may result from being on noncompatible versions of software?
  • Are there new features in the latest version of the software that may provide a productivity and/or new capability advantage?

Yes, there is something to be said for being comfortable with the old tried-and-true, but at what point does that level of comfort and familiarity come at the price of lesser productivity or capabilities?

Another interesting factor that customers sometime cite as a point of reluctance to upgrade is the mythical curse of the “Odd Number Software Version” / avoidance of any version ending with an odd number.  For those of us who have been around for a few decades, we remember the much-maligned R13 software and the associated frustration that came with it. But let’s be honest, that’s really just a superstitious and oft cited additional reason to avoid considering making the upgrade. 

A more logic-based point of reluctance is the disruption associated with any software upgrade.  And while there is merit with that point, it’s important to remember that as each year passes, the further your organization may be getting from what the rest of the industry is doing, thus potentially putting you at a competitive disadvantage.

In conclusion, what’s the right answer for your organization? 

It really depends on where you are now and how far from the pack is deemed reasonable.

If you have questions or would like to dig deeper into the pros/cons of upgrading, contact us.  We can help.

 

About the Author

Kevin Breslin

Professional Services Director, Civil <br> Kevin began working in the civil engineering and survey industry in 1985 and has continually built on this foundation to become an expert in civil design and infrastructure data management software. He has been involved in every aspect of the industry from field surveying to transportation systems, as well as managing a CAD design group within a civil engineering firm. <br> Kevin's passion for technology combined with his unique insights to the business processes of engineering firms makes him an accomplished leader for the infrastructure solutions team.

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