OM System (formerly Olympus) has released the newest version of its OMDS software for dictation and transcription management.

While you can still use ODMS R7 with any license you’ve purchased, now might be a good time to upgrade to R8 to make sure you have all the best features and functionality offered by the software. Over the next few months, both sales and support for R7 will be wound down, so it’s always recommended you get ahead and upgrade before that happens.

Why upgrade

As with most software, upgrades mean having the latest features. However, another reason to upgrade is to ensure smooth and efficient functionality.

Additionally, OM System has recently released its latest hardware options:

• DS-9100 digital voice recorder
• DS-2700 digital voice recorder
• RS-28N foot pedal
• RS-31N foot pedal 

These new devices are not backwards compatible to software, meaning they will only work on ODMS R8 and OM System’s latest cloud solution, ODMS Cloud. Older hardware, such as the DS-9000 and DS-9500 digital voice recorders, and the RS-28H and RS-31H foot pedals, will work with ODMS R8.

You may find even older hardware needs replacing due to natural degradation from use, and the new foot pedal or voice recorder may need ODMS R8 to function. Another scenarios is your hardware not being supported on newer operating systems Windows 11, requiring a complete update of both hardware and software.

To see what hardware and software is compatible, take a look at this comprehensive compatibility chart.

How to upgrade

If you’re using ODMS R6 or older versions, you will need to purchase a full ODMS R8 License, either the Dictation Module for authors/users of digital voice recorders, or the Transcription Module for typists.

Upgrading is easy if you already have ODMS R7 installed on a PC with a valid license key, by using an upgrade license key.

Once purchased, you’ll receive your upgrade license key and a download link for the ODMS R8 installer. During the install, wizard will search for a valid version of ODMS R7 on your PC. It will confirm you’re upgrading and migrate all of your settings from ODMS R7, including files, onto your install of ODMS R8.

Continue with the installation, where you’ll then be prompted to enter your name, organisation details and your upgrade license key. Dictation Module keys begin with RD8-, and Transcription Module keys begin with RT8-.

If you’re not sure which version of ODMS software you have, you can find your License Key number by going to Help > About Dictation/Transcription Module in your current version.