Upgrade considerations
Updated in 2024.2
We strive to maintain backward compatibility between versions so that you can upgrade seamlessly. However, sometimes we are forced to break compatibility, although we try to keep backward-incompatible changes to a minimum.
This page covers all the backward-incompatible changes that might affect you, as well as other considerations you need to be aware of when upgrading to the most recent version. Please review the respective sections as part of your upgrade planning depending on which version you are upgrading from.
NOTE: If you are upgrading from a version earlier than 8.7, first check Upgrade considerations for versions before 8.7, then refer to this page for more information.
TIP: If you have questions or need help, please contact Alloy Professional Services Team at support@alloysoftware.com.
Version 8.7 or earlier
The transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture
Backward-incompatible change
The world had shifted from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture over a decade ago, and the time to shift our products to x64 has come. The transition improves the overall performance and provides much more capabilities for integration with external apps and tools.
If you run a 32-bit environment, you will need to switch to a more modern 64-bit architecture before starting the upgrade process.
Discontinued SAP Crystal Reports support
Backward-incompatible change
Alloy Discovery has renounced Crystal Reports and moved to SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports (or "Microsoft Report Builder reports") years ago. Starting with version 2021, we officially announce the end of support for the SAP Crystal Reports integration.
If you still have any Crystal Reports (.rpt) reports in Alloy Discovery, they will no longer be working after the upgrade. The new version comes with a rich set of premade Microsoft Report Builder reports and includes all the necessary software for running them.
INFO: For more details about our reporting services, see Installation Guide: Reporting.
Version 2023.1 or earlier
Planned end of support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2
In our commitment to delivering safe, secure, and high-quality products and services, Alloy Software intends to discontinue support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 in upcoming releases. Notably, Microsoft ceased support for SQL Server 2008 in 2019. For details, see End of support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2.
IMPORTANT: If your organization currently utilizes Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, or Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express, we strongly advise considering migration to a more recent version of Microsoft SQL Server
Version 2023.2 and earlier
End of support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2
Backward-incompatible change
Starting with version 2024, we discontinue support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Microsoft stopped supporting SQL Server 2008 in 2019. For details, see End of support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2.
If your company currently utilizes Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, or Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express, you will need to migrate to a more recent version of Microsoft SQL Server
INFO: For the list of supported versions, see Installation Guide: Database engine requirements.