Managed vs Unmanaged Packages: Understanding Upgrades

Managed packages and unmanaged packages in Salesforce offer different approaches to upgrades. Understanding the difference between the two can help organizations make informed decisions when choosing between them.

Managed Packages:

Managed packages support automatic upgrades, making it easier for users to stay up to date with the latest features, enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches. When a vendor releases a new version of a managed package, it can be automatically upgraded in the orgs that have installed it. This automation helps in ensuring that all users are always using the most current version of the package without the need for manual intervention.

Unmanaged Packages:

On the other hand, unmanaged packages require manual updates. When a new version of an unmanaged package is released, each organization that has installed it needs to manually update it. This manual update process involves org administrators having to manually install the update and apply any necessary changes or fixes. This manual intervention means that organizations using unmanaged packages have more control over when and how updates are applied, but it also requires more effort and time on their part.

Therefore, the main difference between managed and unmanaged packages in terms of upgrades is that managed packages support automatic upgrades while unmanaged packages require manual updates. Organizations need to consider their preferences for automated vs. manual updates, control over the upgrade process, and resources available for managing package upgrades when choosing between managed and unmanaged packages in Salesforce.