Update from 5.4.18 to the newest Version

[koeppeth]

Hi folks,
don't laugh at me but i'm still using iMatch version 5.4.18.
Finally I now came to the conclusion to better update though.
There is so much work I put in the Photo Database which I don't want to loose
starting again with a different product.
Will I be able to import my "pre historic" )  database still to the newest version of iMatch ?

Thanks in advance

[Mario]

I'm happy to hear that you've got such a good mileage out of your purchase.

IMatch 5.4 dates back to 2016. You've missed about 7 years (!) of continuous development, enhancements, changes and bug fixes. I know, money and all that. But letting your DAM get out of date that badly may not have been be a good idea.
So many things have changed in file formats and metadata handling over these years, new standards and changes in standards like XMP were implemented etc. Not to mention all the bug fixes made to 3rd party components IMatch uses and IMatch itself over all these years.

IMatch 2021 will open and convert your IMatch 5 database just fine.
Make a backup of the database before, just in case.

There have been probably 100+ changes in the database format and structure since IMatch 5 was current.
I don't have IMatch versions older than 2019 anymore and I don't necessarily test backwards compatibility with IMatch versions released 7 years ago and where the official end of support was in 2017.

You cannot test that with the IMatch 2021 trial version, unfortunately.
Trial versions open databases older than 30 days in read-only mode, which prevents upgrading old databases.
Just not something ever needed in a 30-day trial period.

If you want to test the migration before upgrading to IMatch 2021, you can upload your database to your cloud space and send me a link to support email address with a link back to this thread. I'll run the conversion and let you know. May take a couple of days, though. I'm busy.

You also have to (MUST) read the release notes of the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Because, in some cases, there were manual steps required by the user (like running an update on visual query info or the deletion of XMP files for MP4 files after IMatch moved with the industry to embed XMP in MP4 files two years ago).

Nothing complicated, just a command to run or some steps to do:

https://www.photools.com/imatch-2017-whats-new/
https://www.photools.com/imatch-2018-whats-new/
https://www.photools.com/imatch-2019-whats-new/
https://www.photools.com/imatch-2020-whats-new/
https://www.photools.com/imatch-2021-whats-new/

See Importing XMP Metadata and Database menu > Database Tools > Rebuild Visual Query Info.


And, no. There are no discounts for upgrades from IMatch 5.x to IMatch 2021. Sorry

There is so much work I put in the Photo Database which I don't want to loose
starting again with a different product.

IMatch writes all metadata in standard format into your images / XMP sidecar files.
Other DAM software can pick it up from there and work with it. IMatch does not lock you in.

[koeppeth]

Hi Mario,
first of all let me thank you for the detailed and prompt reply.
It's Sunday and it's Karneval (Hellau) and I wouldnt have expected your quick feedback.

And, no. There are no discounts for upgrades from IMatch 5.x to IMatch 2021. Sorry

I wouldn't even have dared to think such would be possible.
As you already mentioned "good milage out of my purchase" (I treat my cars the same way )) )
... and yes I'm aware there's alot to read all the way thrugh the new release notes.
Most important for me to hear was
" IMatch 2021 will open and convert your IMatch 5 database just fine."

So thanks for now, I'll give it try with the trial version first.

Enjoy your weekend

[Mario]

So thanks for now, I'll give it try with the trial version first.

As I said, you cannot convert your database with the trial version. It opens databases older than 30 days in read-only mode.

[Jingo]

Just wanted to also mention that Imatch 2020 and beyond requires PC's with AVX support... might want to check and ensure your PC is compatible with the latest requirements as well: https://www.photools.com/hardware-and-software-requirements

[Mario]

Good tip.