OJS is an open source software program and like all similar programs, regular OJS upgrades are essential for improved security, performance, compatibility, and functionality. Security is arguably the most important reason why you should always keep your OJS up-to-date. When you do not update your OJS site, you are risking your OJS security and missing out on new features / improvements. You can expect to update your OJS installation at least once, if not twice per year.
Before any OJS upgrade, we will take a complete backup of your database and essential files. This ensures that if anything goes wrong during the OJS upgrade process; we can roll back the OJS upgrade to your current installation. We will then proceed with updating your OJS core files and database to the latest stable OJS version.
With over 10,000 OJS being used worldwide, OJS is a popular target for hackers, malicious code distributors, and data thieves. Each new release of OJS is designed to fix any security vulnerability as reported by the OJS user community.
Each new release is also designed to fix any bugs to ensure improved performance, speed, and to better protect your data by reducing software malfunctions.
Every OJS installation requires a server environment in order to function (PHP sever, MySQL/ PostgreSQL, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Mac OS X, etc.). The OJS Upgrade is necessary in order to keep the software compatible with its server environment.
The OJS Upgrade also makes sure you are kept up-to-date with the latest developments and new plug-ins as each new OJS release comes with enhanced features and changes to the software.