How do I get Tableau V7.0?

Tableau are all set to release Version 7 of their software suite sometime in Mid-January. You may have questions about whether you are entitled to install the new version, and how you go about preparing for an upgrade?  And what are the implications?

Firstly, you need to be sure you are entitled to upgrade – this requires that you have a valid maintenance contract with Tableau.  Whoever is responsible for purchasing Tableau in your organisation should know this.

If you have had Tableau in your organisation for less than a year, you will automatically be covered by maintenance and thus can upgrade as soon as the software is available.

How will I know Version 7 has been released?

Keep an eye on Tableau’s website here, they are likely to advertise it on their home page.  The expected date is Mid January 2012.

Alternatively, follow #tableau on twitter here – there will be lots of conversation using this hashtag as the release date approaches.

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will let you know by email as soon as we know.

How do I get the new versions?

You can download the software from either of two locations:

1.  Your Tableau account centre here: 

http://myaccount.tableausoftware.com/

To do this, you’ll need a username and password which will have been provided by Tableau to the individual responsible for making the software purchase.

2.  You can also download the software directly from the Tableau website as if you were requesting a trial.  This is the exact same version of the software, the only difference is the license key used to activate the software.

Get Tableau Desktop here

Get Tableau Server here

Get Tableau Reader here

DESKTOP Upgrade questions

1.  Can I continue running older versions of Tableau desktop alongside Version 7?

Yes.  They will simply appear as different applications on your system. 

Watch out though, as the Tableau files types such as .TWB and .TWBX will be associated to the latest version of Tableau you install (likely to be version 7) so double-clicking a Tableau report will open into this version of Tableau (which maybe what you want!).

2.  Can I use reports I have created in V6.x with version 7?

Yes.  Reports are FORWARDS compatible, but not backwards compatible. 

When you open a 6.x report in V7.0, Tableau will inform you that once you SAVE the report, it won’t be possible to view this in 6.x.

3.  My report viewers use Tableau Reader, do they need to upgrade at the same time?

Yes.  Reports created in Tableau V7.0 cannot be opened in Tableau Reader 6.x.

4.  Where can I get more information about upgrading Tableau Desktop?

http://kb.tableausoftware.com/articles/knowledgebase/upgrading-tableau-desktop

SERVER upgrade questions

1.  Do I need to upgrade Tableau Server at the same time as Tableau Desktop?

No.  It is typical either to upgrade the server first, or upgrade both at the same time.  This is because Tableau 6.1 can publish to a 7.0 server, but not the other way around.

2.  Will my existing Tableau Server content be preserved during an upgrade? 

Yes.  If you follow the steps in the article below.

3.  Where can I get more information about upgrading Tableau Server?

http://kb.tableausoftware.com/articles/knowledgebase/upgrading-tableau-server