Open Journal Systems (OJS) is a widely used platform for the online publication and management of academic journals. Over time, various versions have been released, each bringing significant improvements and new features. In this post, we will discuss which version journal owners using an older version of OJS should upgrade to.

Overview of OJS Versions

The main versions of OJS are:

  1. OJS 2.x series
  2. OJS 3.1.x
  3. OJS 3.2.x
  4. OJS 3.3.x (latest stable version: 3.3.0.19)
  5. OJS 3.4.x (in development, not yet fully stable)

Which Version Should You Upgrade To?

As a general rule, upgrading to the latest stable version is the best option. Currently, this is OJS 3.3.0.19. However, there are several factors to consider when deciding on an upgrade:

1. Your Current Version

  • If you are using OJS 2.x: We strongly recommend upgrading to OJS 3.3.0.19. OJS 2.x is no longer supported and may have security vulnerabilities.
  • If you are using OJS 3.1.x or 3.2.x: Upgrading to OJS 3.3.0.19 is advisable. These versions are also no longer actively supported.
  • If you are using an older version of OJS 3.3.x: It is recommended to update to the latest stable version, 3.3.0.19.

2. Warning About OJS 3.4.x

OJS 3.4.x is not yet fully stable and is still in development. This version may contain many bugs and could be risky to use in a production environment. It is expected to become stable with version 3.5. If you are considering upgrading to 3.4.x, you should be aware of the following risks:

  • Unexpected errors and issues
  • Plugin incompatibilities
  • Disruptions in user experience due to changes in the user interface

Therefore, journal owners who wish to upgrade to OJS 3.4.x should proceed with caution and ideally perform extensive testing in a test environment.

3. Your Technical Capacity

Newer versions typically have higher system requirements. Assess your server’s and team’s technical capacity. If you have limited technical capacity, consider a step-by-step upgrade (e.g., from 2.x to 3.1, then to 3.3.0.19).

4. Features and Improvements

Each new version brings performance improvements, security updates, and new features. OJS 3.3.0.19 offers significant advantages over previous versions.

5. Plugins and Customizations

If your journal uses custom plugins or customizations, you should check their compatibility with the new version. Some plugins may not work with newer versions or may require updates.

Update Process

  1. Backup: Before updating, back up all your data and your current OJS installation.
  2. Testing: If possible, try the update in a test environment before updating your live site.
  3. Documentation: Carefully read the official upgrade documentation from PKP.
  4. Incremental Upgrading: If you are upgrading from a very old version, consider incremental updates rather than jumping directly to the latest version.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are using a version older than OJS 3.3.0.19, we recommend upgrading to OJS 3.3.0.19. This will provide your journal with the latest stable features, security updates, and performance improvements. For those considering a move to OJS 3.4.x, keep in mind that this version is not yet fully stable and carries certain risks.

Remember, regular updates are crucial to maintaining the security, performance, and usability of your journal in the long term. However, always make the necessary preparations and evaluate the risks before updating.

For more information and to learn about our OJS update services, visit our OJS Upgrade Services page. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

Updated: 12.07.2024

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