Infor’s recent announcement of the M3 13.4 Tech 2.0 upgrade signals the upcoming end of support for legacy Tech 1.0 platforms. This significant update presents both challenges and strategic opportunities for your business. With the end of support approaching, your business faces a critical decision: upgrade your existing M3 13.4 on-premises infrastructure to Tech 2.0 or transition strategically to the cloud. At Columbus, we've secured early access to Infor’s Tech 2.0 beta version, which will become available for testing in July. Leveraging our early insights, this article outlines why upgrading is essential, highlights key benefits, and guides your business through the steps needed for a successful migration. 

The announcement by Infor can be found in the knowledgebase article KB3592660 within the Infor customer support portal. 

Risks of not upgrading to Infor Tech 2.0 

Staying with Tech 1.0 might initially seem cost-effective, but it carries significant long-term risks. Without continuous support from Infor, Microsoft, and other vendors, your systems become increasingly vulnerable to security breaches and compatibility issues, which could disrupt daily operations. As the support end approaches, businesses must act to avoid potential disruptions. 

Legacy third-party and open-source components in Tech 1.0 no longer receive regular updates, heightening exposure to cybersecurity threats. Additionally, compatibility limitations with modern technologies like Windows Server 2022, SQL Server 2022, and Java 17 restrict your ability to benefit from performance enhancements and modern integrations. 

Ultimately, continuing with Tech 1.0 leaves your business reliant on outdated technologies, increasing operational complexity and security risks. 

Benefits of upgrading to Infor Tech 2.0 

By upgrading to Tech 2.0, your business will enjoy several crucial technological advancements, enhancing security, operational performance, and system efficiency without disrupting existing business logic: 

  • Enhanced security and stability: Tech 2.0 features the latest secure versions of third-party and open-source components, significantly lowering vulnerability risks. 
  • Improved performance and compatibility: Utilising Java 17 and modern middleware ensures optimal performance and smooth compatibility with the latest operating systems and SQL databases. 
  • Simplified architecture and administration: The introduction of GRID 2.0 simplifies system administration, improves scalability, and ensures secure authentication through SAML. 
  • Minimal impact on customisations: The unchanged Business Engine (15.1.4) ensures your existing business logic and custom modifications remain intact. IEC (formerly MEC) mappings remain unaffected, although processes related to Infor WebServices (MWS) and Enterprise Search require review. 
  • Aligned with Infor’s innovation roadmap: Upgrading positions your systems within Infor’s strategic product roadmap, ensuring ongoing access to updates and innovations. 

How to achieve a successful upgrade to Tech 2.0 

The upgrade process to Tech 2.0 involves comprehensive technical work. Drawing on our early beta access experience, we have developed a structured, practical upgrade methodology: 

Preparation and planning 

We start by thoroughly assessing your current infrastructure, planning the upgrade timeline meticulously, and updating essential components like the M3 GRID and Infor OS/LTR to minimise operational disruptions. 

Parallel environment setup 

To maintain uninterrupted operations, we create a parallel Tech 2.0 environment for a smooth and controlled transition. In specific cases, an in-place upgrade may be possible, though it requires significant prerequisites. 

Efficient migration activities 

We facilitate a seamless transition from legacy WebService (MWS) endpoints to advanced APIs (M3 REST API or ION API). We also update Smart Office scripts and mashups to the improved M3 H5 platform, carefully migrating all critical data and configurations. 

Advanced authentication and integration 

Enhancing security and integration capabilities, we implement advanced authentication solutions via SAML, leveraging Microsoft ADFS for secure, streamlined access. 

Comprehensive validation 

Post-upgrade, we rigorously validate your custom integrations and modifications to ensure smooth, uninterrupted business operations. 

Training and continuous support 

Our targeted admin training prepares your IT team to confidently manage the new tools. Additionally, we offer dedicated support throughout and beyond the go-live phase, ensuring ongoing smooth operations. 

Choosing your upgrade path: On-premises vs cloud 

If maintaining complete control over your infrastructure is essential, upgrading your existing on-premises environment to Tech 2.0 provides robust security and stability for future growth. 

Alternatively, the transition from Tech 1.0 can be an optimal time to consider moving to the cloud. M3 Cloud offers improved scalability, reduced operational costs, enhanced security, and continuous innovation from Infor. 

Regardless of the chosen path, we ensure your upgrade journey aligns precisely with your business objectives, offering clarity, security, and effectiveness throughout. 

Don’t let the upcoming end of Tech 1.0 support impact your business—contact us today and start confidently upgrading to Infor M3 13.4 Tech 2.0.