64-bit makes more possible: More memory, more data, more applications. Which explains why more and more users are transitioning their systems from 32-bit to 64-bit than ever before.
Software and application companies are leading the charge. Many are no longer 32-bit compatible and can only run 64-bit versions of tools and applications – including the newest release of JD Edwards. If you’re one of the JDE users still on 32-bit, this could be cause for concern.
But you and other users in your shoes might still feel some apprehension about making the switch. After all, upgrades aren’t necessarily cheap, nor are the most expedient. And making changes to your tech stack can feel overwhelming.
At ERP Suites, we have helped many customers through their transition from 32-bit to 64-bit. Because our team has decades of collective JDE experience, we are also able to prioritize JDE functionality during the switch, without affecting your daily operations.
At the end of the day, when it comes down to getting more value for your money, 64-bit is a game-changer. Understanding its key features can help you unlock smoother, faster, and more efficient operations.
This article breaks down four powerful features of 64-bit architecture that can optimize your operations:
- Processing power
- Increased memory capacity
- Advanced security features
- Software compatibility
By the end of the article, we want you to understand why transitioning to 64-bit can be a big boost for your business.
64-bit versus 32-bit: A Quick Overview
64-bit is 32-bit’s successor. These names refer to the architecture of a computer processor, or CPU, and its ability to handle a) data and b) memory addresses.
Think of it like a highway: a 32-bit system only has 32 lanes for data to travel through, while a 64-bit system has 64 lanes. The increased capacity allows 64-bit processors to handle more data at once, access more memory, and perform calculations faster.
Then there’s the memory component. 64-bit systems can utilize exponentially more memory. They’re also optimized for modern applications, enabling businesses to run more powerful software.
Enhanced Processing Power for Complex Workloads
64-bit systems are inherently faster than their 32-bit predecessors. 32-bit systems are just not built for the same kind of high-powered multitasking on a grand scale that 64-bit systems are. This increased processing power applies to operating systems, applications, and ERP systems alike.
The CPU profiles of the non-IBM i on Power Systems platforms showed expected decreases in CPU consumption, due to the JD Edwards foundation code and converted application code running natively in 64-bit operating systems rather than in 32-bit compatibility mode. Graph via Oracle White Paper.
Because of 64-bit, JDE can provide an enhanced user experience, all without performance degradation. Businesses can run modules that take up a lot of digital resources more efficiently.
64-bit Processing Power for JDE Users
Let’s say a manufacturing plant switches their JDE software to the latest version, 9.2.5, which runs 64-bit. Before the upgrade, generating detailed production reports – super important for manufacturing – would take hours. Now, those same reports are ready in minutes. There’s a lot of time this accelerated processing power frees up, too.
Increased Memory Capacity for Seamless Performance
Let’s talk memory. Or, more specifically, how much memory your system can use. 32-bit systems max out at accessing 4GB of RAM. For smaller businesses or simpler processes, this worked fine – a decade ago. But the datasets of today and the complexity of applications today requires more room.
By contrast, 64-bit systems can handle much larger amounts – we’re talking terabytes, in some cases. With more memory comes more space for data and applications to be stored and executed.
Enhanced Memory for JDE Users
Let’s take JD Edwards, for example. JDE is a Java-based ERP system, meaning it uses Java Virtual Machines, or JVMs. 64-bit architecture allows for larger JVM sizes that have more memory. This means that on 64-bit, JD Edwards can handle:
- More users
- Larger datasets
- More complex processes
So, if your team frequently deals with lagging systems, or out-of-memory errors, this additional capacity is a godsend.
Advanced Security Features for Safer Operations
Security is on everyone’s mind these days – and for good reasons. Cyberattacks and ransomware attacks are getting more sophisticated, and outdated systems often have weak spots that make them easy targets. One of the often-overlooked benefits of 64-bit architecture is its built-in security enhancements.
64-bit systems support features like address space layout randomization (ASLR). Normally, when an operating system loads, that code goes into various memory slots. If someone were to gain access, they could potentially change the memory, or cause buffer overruns.
This means the bad actor is flooding the system, so a process gets out of the bounds it’s supposed to be within, and the bad actor can run the malicious code. The hacker becomes a moving target, bouncing around inside your system.
With ASLR, code is dispersed randomly, making it harder for malicious code to find and exploit any vulnerabilities. In addition to ASLR, 64-bit systems also include strong encryption protocols, to better protect sensitive data.
Advanced Security Features for JDE 64-bit Users
For businesses that handle customer data, financial transactions, or proprietary information, 64-bit adds an additional layer of security defense. For most users, including JDE users, when they upgrade to 64-bit, these security protocols are happening behind the scenes. There’s no extra steps they need to take to get that heightened security.
Improved Software Compatibility and Future-Proofing
If you’ve ever tried to install a new application on an old system, you’ve probably received an error message that your software isn’t supported. It’s extremely frustrating, especially when you’re in the thick of the workday. When you can’t count on your tools, your team’s productivity suffers.
Many modern applications are now designed specifically for 64-bit systems. This trend will only continue as technology evolves. So if you’re still using 32-bit versions of the applications you depend on for your daily operations, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Like it or not, 32-bit systems are gradually becoming obsolete.
Improved JDE Software Compatibility with 64-bit
Take JD Edwards, for example. Up until Release 25, which came online in October 2024, JDE remained 32-bit compatible. This meant users who had 32-bit applications could still run them on 64-bit JDE. However, with Release 25, this compatibility ended.
Moving to 64-bit not only gets you access to the latest and greatest software and third-party apps and tools your business depends on, it also ensures ongoing support. It’s important to have expert guidance and comprehensive planning when you migrate to ensure all third-party applications and software are 64-bit compatible.
Make Sure You're Supported Moving to 64-bit
There’s mounting evidence that 32-bit’s heyday is in the rearview mirror. That’s why so many operating systems, third-party vendors and businesses alike are moving to 64-bit. This move will:
- Accelerate processing power,
- Multiply memory,
- Beef up security, and
- Expand compatibility.
With all these improvements, your business can improve, too. This applies not just to your operating system, but other software and third-party integrations, too.
Before you go to your team with any proposals, learn more about why 64-bit is optimal for JD Edwards, too.
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