Backward Compatibility for NSPOS upgrades
NSPOS includes an upgrade feature called "backward compatibility." With this feature, we can upgrade a server to the latest release and then let you upgrade each register when it is convenient. Registers on the previous release will continue communicating with the upgraded server until time is available to bring them on the current release.
Backward compatibility can help avoid down times that could happen if all registers in a store are upgraded at the same time. Note that compatibility is normally limited to the current and previous major release.
In the following example, a server and two workstations have been upgraded to NSPOS 2020.1. The two remaining workstations are using backward compatibility to continue running NSPOS 2019.1 until time is available to upgrade them.
NSPOS 2020.1 is backward compatible with both NSPOS 2019.1 and 2018.2.
You can review what version is installed on a register using the Workstation Monitoring feature. The release information is the Point of Sale > Version. See Monitoring Statistics NSPOS 2020.1.X and Later.
You can also create a Saved Search to review version information for all registers. See Custom Reports using Saved Searches for the basic steps to creating a search.
You should bring all registers to the current release as soon as feasible. Backward compatibility can help make upgrade planning more convenient and flexible, but new releases often include features and security that can benefit your operations. Upgrades should be performed soon rather than later.
In addition, customizations made through the File Cabinet are not replicated to registers on a previous release. See The File Cabinet in NetSuite ERP.
Coordinating with Your Account Manger
Work with your account manager or NSPOS Customer Support to have your server upgraded to the latest targeted release. After that, you can upgrade your registers on your time line.
Doing a self upgrade requires that you restage your registers. You should start the process with only a few registers, performing testing as needed. See Get the NSPOS 2018.2.X or 2019.1.X Download and Begin.
Features Available on Register are Specific to its Release
Features made available through a new release will not appear on registers running the previous release. For example, if a register is upgraded to 20XX.2, and the release includes a new “promotions” feature, that feature will not be available on backward compatible registers running 20XX.1.
In addition, NSPOS settings configured for a feature on the current release will not work on registers running the previous release.