There can be some confusion for new users and even current users about which program should be used. I have had users asking if Sage 50 versions are compatible between each other. Let’s clear that up!

If you have an existing version of the program and you do not know the version, please select the option to open the sample company or open your company file from the welcome screen (to have the welcome screen back, follow instructions here). Once a file opens, click on Help, About Sage 50, the version and release will be in bold.

For a current user of Sage 50 Canada, there are updates or upgrades options from older versions to newer ones. A newer version can open an older one. But not the other way around. So once a database has been opened in a newer version the older program cannot open the converted file. Example, if a database has been converted to Sage 50 Canada Pro 2013, Sage Simply Accounting Pro 2012 will not be able to open it anymore.

Though, the upgrade path follows the same or higher features from an older to a newer version. To upgrade from an older version, the newer version needs to have at least the same or more features. Example: Pro 2012 can be converted to Pro 2013 (same features) or Premium and Quantum 2013 (more features). But Premium 2012 cannot be open by Pro 2012 or Pro 2013. It can be open by Premium or Quantum 2013. Accountant’s Edition is a master version that opens all versions on old or same year, so Accountant’s Edition 2013 can open any file from a 2012 or 2013 version.

There was a brand name change for versions in 2007 and earlier. Starting with 2008 version, a version that was called Pro before became Premium or Quantum, Basic became Pro, and Entrepreneur changed to First Step. See diagram below:

For a first time user, finding the correct version that suit the business needs can be relatively easy. With only some clicks on the website, you will be able to choose a program after answering some basic questions on your company. A trip at a retail store (Futureshop, Staples…) can help you decide too. Or the accountant can help decide which program to buy.

A new program user can decide usually based on the type of business and number of people simultaneously working on the database. For example a home based business with one person working on weekends can start with First Step; a small business with 2-5 employees can start with Pro and a medium-sized business with advanced inventory management needs can consider Premium or Quantum version. A business can start with a lower version then upgrade as the company grows.

Here are the current versions of Sage 50 Canada program from the lowest to the highest: First Step < Pro < Premium < Quantum and Accountant’s Edition can open all those versions. One thing important to remember is that the program can always be upgraded from a lower to a higher version. But it cannot be downgraded from a higher version to a lower one. Example First Step can be upgraded to Pro or Premium but Premium or Pro cannot be downgraded to First Step.

You can compare each version of Sage 50 Canada on the website here.

Thank you