How Will a 64-bit Upgrade Affect My JD Edwards Applications?

Does the thought of upgrading your JD Edwards environment to 64-bit feel daunting? Are you thinking about all the benefits, but worried about the potential disruptions, like not being able to use your most trusted applications and programs? These are totally normal reactions to something as important as an upgrade to 64-bit. After all, your JDE system is integral to your business.

The good news is, as you know by now, that upgrading to 64-bit ensures compatibility, stability and future-readiness for your business-critical systems.

At ERP Suites, we have helped customers upgrade their systems in countless scenarios. Our team of experts has over 500 years of experience, which means we’ve seen just about everything that can happen during a 64-bit transition. Whether you upgrade to 64-bit or the newest JD Edwards release, we can help you keep the applications and programs your business uses. 

In this blog, we break down the top application-related challenges businesses could face during a 64-bit upgrade. We’ll give you some actionable insights to navigate them effectively, too. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to address these issues, and ensure a smooth transition.

Why Should I Upgrade to 64-Bit?

It’s no secret that running on a 64-bit environment is the way of the present. 64-bit environments can handle more memory and perform more efficiently. These benefits can add up exponentially, especially for businesses that process thousands of transactions or large datasets. The performance improvements 64-bit provides are significant.

Additionally, as technology evolves, 32-bit systems are becoming increasingly obsolete. Fewer vendors are offering support – take JD Edwards itself, for example. The most recent JD Edwards releases are not 32-bit compatible. This means if you’re still on 32-bit, you’re losing access to new features and functionalities JD Edwards offers. Same goes for other vendors, like applications.

Upgrading to 64-bit is an investment in the longevity of your IT infrastructure.

Will My Applications Still Be Compatible When I Upgrade to 64-bit?

Application compatibility is a top concern when you’re talking about a 64-bit upgrade. Because 32-bit compatibility is no longer available on recent JDE releases, you could be losing some essential business features. Maintaining compatibility when you upgrade to 64-bit requires a deft touch because it includes more moving parts than just the application itself. 

Custom C Business Function

Custom C business function means custom code, developed in the C programming language used in JD Edwards. These functions need to be modified to work properly when you upgrade to 64-bit. JD Edwards provides some changes automatically, but custom code often requires manual changes.

You don’t want to lose these functions for a few reasons. For one, they provide better performance because the code is closer to the machine language and the hardware. And two, they’re generally more efficient, though occasionally require maintenance and upkeep.

C business functions need to be compiled for specific platforms, like Windows, Linux, AS/400, etc. When an organization moves to 64-bit, it needs to double-check if recompiling is needed.

Let’s say you’re modernizing the electrical system in your old house. You can plug newer appliances in, but the older wiring isn’t built to handle all that extra power load. The older wiring – akin to your 32-bit custom functions – might need lots of updates to continue to work. Same goes for your C business functions and your 64-bit system.

Third-Party Software Integrations

Your JD Edwards likely has integrations with various third-party applications. Like barcode scanning tools, security systems, and inventory management software, to name a few. But not all vendors have upgraded their solutions to be 64-bit compatible.

Take a third-party scanning app, for example, that scans multiple invoices at a time. Through its integration with JD Edwards, this application transfers that information directly into JD Edwards. No one needs to input invoice details manually into JDE; it’s automatic. But then the app upgraded its product to a 64-bit version. This left its users who were still on the 32-bit version out in the cold.

Sometimes applications are directly integrated with JD Edwards. Take ERP Suites Scanability, for example. It’s the only such barcode scanning application. Because it’s built using Orchestrations, Scanability is upgraded to 64-bit when your JDE is upgraded to 64-bit.

To get ahead of any roadblocks, take stock of your third-party software. Reach out to your vendors to confirm 64-bit compatibility. If that’s not available, start planning for updates or even replacements, if it comes to that, for your apps.

Database Connectivity

Database drivers and clients also need to be operating in their 64-bit versions. Applications rely on certain drivers, like ODBC and JDBC, to communicate with the underlying database. These drivers need to be updated to 64-bit versions to stay connected. For Oracle database environments, the 32-bit database client needs to be uninstalled altogether and replaced with the 64-bit version.

You can run a migration tool to convert your 32-bit database connections to 64-bit. Make sure that all database clients, like the ones for Oracle, or SQL Server, are updated and tested before going live.

What Happens to My Applications If I Don’t Upgrade to 64-bit?

Transitioning to 64-bit in general requires some legwork and planning. Staying on 32-bit versions of your applications, and even 32-bit versions of your operating systems and tools might seem like the easier path. But just because it might seem easier doesn’t mean it’s better – for you or your own customers.

Vendor Support Loss

Many software vendors are phasing out 32-bit compatibility. This means that not only will your 32-bit versions not work, your systems and applications will also be unsupported. This can leave you vulnerable to security issues.

Performance Bottlenecks

Let’s say your business continues to grow and scale up. If you’re still using 32-bit versions and systems, these may struggle with increased workloads. You’re facing slower performance and more frequent crashes. Eventually, lost productivity and downstream revenue loss could come calling.

Collaborate to Stay Compatible 

JD Edwards provides comprehensive documentation for developers on the considerations and best practices for 64-bit development. Organizations can use these resources for their internal teams. That way, team members are equipped to handle challenges that might come their way, like custom code modifications. 

Other third-party software vendors often have their own 64-bit roadmaps and blueprints. Companies can reach out and work closely with their preferred vendors. It’s in the vendor’s best interest to keep you as a client. They want to help you make this transition as seamlessly as possible. 

Keep Your JD Edwards Applications Working for You

Your applications can help differentiate your business, so of course you want to keep them running when you transition to 64-bit. 

If you’re not running compatible versions of your most essential applications, you can’t keep up or provide your customers with the same quality they expect.

Read over this guide to implementing 64-bit to see how you can upgrade your JD Edwards system while keeping your necessary applications.