That’s a question that everyone in the 90Minds Consulting Group is faced with. Our clients ask this question of us and while there’s not one correct answer – here’t the rule of thumb that I follow.

If you are going to call Sage to open a technical support case – and you don’t have third party enhancements – install the latest service update prior to placing the call. (If you do have third party enhancements – including Sage Extended Solutions) – then check with your Sage Business Partner.

MAS90 and MAS200 Service Update Best Practices

If you are experiencing difficulties with an issue that the latest service update fixes (there is a “what’s fixed” text document in every service update and you have no third party solutions – install the latest update. (Same advice goes for contacting your Sage Business Partner if you’re unsure or if you do have third party add-ons including Extended Solutions).

However

If you are not experiencing problems

If everything in MAS90 is running just fine…

Should I install the latest Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 Service Update

In my opinion – no – not unless you meet one of the criteria noted above.

Important: Different consultants have differing responses to the above question. This is only my personal point of view. Consult with your local competent Sage Business Partner for a personalized response.

My theory of “if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it” was bolstered this morning when this group email landed in my in-box.

It describes a fairly serious bug that appears to have been introduced in Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 service update 10.

Here’s the email:

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Mark Kotyla
Date: Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Subject: [sageresellers] Bug Alert: 4.3 SU10 GL Trial Balance
To: sageresellers@yahoogroups.com

The Trial Balance, printed with Ending Balances Only, lists the GL Period End date on the heading instead of the date selected during report printing. GL account balances appear accurate though. Use the Trial Balance with Beginning Bal/Activity/Ending Bal option instead (it correctly displays the selected period).

Best Regards,

Mark Kotyla
Giving Tree Consulting, LLC

(860) 313-0720

Kudos to Mark Kotyla for spotting this new bug in the latest Sage service update.