In an increasingly demanding business environment—where data security and operational agility determine whether a company leads or falls behind—many organizations face a critical reality: their data exchange platforms are becoming obsolete. Is your company one of them?

Now more than ever, IBM Sterling Data Exchange stands out as a key solution for businesses that need to manage information flows with partners, clients, and internal systems in a secure, reliable, and scalable way. But to unlock its full potential, it’s essential to keep installed versions up to date.

Why talk about upgrading IBM Sterling now?

Because it's not just a technical upgrade—it's a strategic decision that directly impacts business continuity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Many versions currently in use are approaching their End of Support (EoS). This means they will no longer receive security patches, technical assistance, or compatibility updates for new environments. And that’s not just an IT issue—it's a direct threat to your organization's resilience and competitiveness.

The risk of not acting in time

The consequences of continuing to operate with outdated versions go far beyond the technology department:

1. Security vulnerabilities: Older versions contain known vulnerabilities that will no longer be patched, leading to potential data breaches and fines under regulations like GDPR or PCI-DSS.
2. Extended downtime: In the event of a failure, there’s no guarantee of support or fixes, which could bring critical operations to a halt.
3. Incompatibility with modern technology: New operating systems, applications, or hardware may not be supported, limiting your ability to scale or adapt.
4. Loss of competitiveness: Performance, automation, and visibility improvements offered by newer versions are essential to respond quickly to market changes.

Upgrading = Competitive advantage

Upgrading your IBM Sterling suite is not an expense—it's an investment in the future of your operations. Here are some of the key benefits of migrating to supported versions:

1. Enhanced security: Access to up-to-date security patches to protect sensitive data and comply with international regulations.
2. Improved performance: Latest versions are optimized for modern environments, speeding up processes and reducing errors.
3. Guaranteed support: Peace of mind knowing you have IBM's official support in case of incidents.
4. Future-readiness: Ensures compatibility with new technologies, integrations, and cloud environments.

A consultative approach: how we can help

At NEVERHACK, we understand that every environment is different. That’s why we offer a consultative approach that goes beyond a simple technical upgrade. We help you:

1. Audit your current ecosystem: Identify which versions are at risk and which components should be prioritized.
2. Design a personalized migration plan: Minimize operational impacts and ensure a smooth transition.
3. Train your teams: Make sure users and administrators can take full advantage of the new solution’s capabilities.
4. Ensure compliance and continuity: Verify that the new version meets your regulatory and business standards.

When should you act?

Now. Key versions, such as Sterling Connect:Direct 6.1 (UNIX/Windows), will reach End of Support in April 2025, while other modules like Sterling Secure Proxy or Partner Engagement Manager are also on the countdown.

Delaying the upgrade only increases the risks. Planning now means securing your future.

NEVERHACK: your cyber performance partner

If you'd like more information on how to implement similar solutions in your organization, don’t hesitate to contact us.