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Appendix D: Upgrade DiscussionUpgrade DiscussionAn upgrade is an updating of your R/3 System.The question of whether to upgrade your system to a new release depends on manycomplex factors. Most importantly, the decision to upgrade should be based on “businessneed.” Some of these factors are outlined below: Desired functionality in new release This can be found in the release note for the specific release. Problem fixes and resolutions The need to be on a supported releaseSome reasons not to upgrade include the following: Cost—the following items could increase the cost of your upgrade.You need to: Upgrade the database and operating system (if required) Purchase and install additional hardware (if required) Test to find problems with the upgrade Upgrade the SAPgui on the users computers Find the time to do all the above Disruption for users, especially if there is no functional enhancement for them. Diversion of resources (Company resources that could be applied to other tasks wouldbe assigned to upgrading the R/3 System.) Desire to be on the latest release (While desirable for a personal resume, this reason isnot a valid business reason to upgrade your system.)In deciding to upgrade your system, ask yourself the following questions: Have the reasons for upgrading and not upgrading been analyzed? Has the “business need” criteria been met? If you installed any Industry Solution (IS), are IS patches available for the newrelease?If the patches are not available, you cannot upgrade.D–2Release 4.6A/B