Modern Security, Future Confidence — How OpenEdge 13.0 Reinforces Enterprise Protection

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by Jessica (Malakian) Newton Posted on February 27, 2026

Supporting a New Era of Secure Modernization

Progress® OpenEdge® 13.0 marks a pivotal moment for OpenEdge customers—introducing the first release in the 13 series and setting the stage for continuous innovation, modernization and security leading up to the next Long-Term Support (LTS) milestone.

As organizations navigate evolving business, regulatory and technical demands, OpenEdge 13.0 helps you modernize confidently, comply with ease and prepare your applications for a secure, AI and cloud-driven future.

Strengthening the OpenEdge Security Posture

Every release of OpenEdge builds on a commitment to protecting mission-critical applications, and version 13.0 takes that even further. Key enhancements include:

  • Foundational FIPS 140-3 enablement for the OpenEdge Database and PAS for OpenEdge, helping organizations move toward compliance with U.S. government and regulated industry requirements.
  • Updated cryptographic libraries aligned with the latest industry standards to defend against known exploits and emerging threats.
  • External Security Administration Manager (ESAM) policy enhancements that strengthen the configuration and management of OpenEdge installations.
  • Modernized ABL cryptography functions powered by these new libraries for stronger, faster, more reliable encryption.

Why Updated Cryptography Matters

It’s easy to assume that encrypted data is automatically safe, but outdated cryptography often hides significant risks. Older algorithms and libraries can contain publicly reported vulnerabilities, leaving even encrypted information susceptible to compromise.

OpenEdge 13.0 eliminates this gap by adopting the latest cryptography standards, improving:

  • Data confidentiality and integrity
  • Application performance and reliability
  • Compliance readiness for regional, national, and industry mandates

With today’s distributed and cloud-connected architectures, robust encryption isn’t optional. It’s a fundamental requirement for maintaining trust and resilience.

The Value of FIPS 140-3 Enablement

FIPS 140-3 is a U.S. government standard for cryptographic modules, a rigorous benchmark for how encryption technologies are implemented and validated. It’s required for any organization that handles sensitive or classified information for federal agencies, the Department of Defense and security-conscious sectors such as healthcare and financial services.

But FIPS 140-3 doesn’t just matter in the U.S… Its influence extends globally. Around the world, regulatory bodies and enterprises view FIPS certification as proof of strong security maturity and cryptographic integrity. Many international frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 19790 and the EU’s cybersecurity standards, align with or reference FIPS requirements, making adherence a powerful differentiator across regions and industries.

By implementing foundational FIPS 140-3 support in OpenEdge 13.0, Progress gives customers a head start toward compliance and a pathway to stronger market credibility. This advancement helps organizations not only protect data but also capitalize on new growth opportunities worldwide.

Key business advantages include:

  • Access to government and regulated contracts – A prerequisite for defense, healthcare and public-sector engagements in the U.S. and other regions adopting equivalent security criteria.
  • Competitive differentiation – Demonstrates that your solution meets globally recognized government-grade encryption standards, setting you apart in crowded RFP and vendor-assessment processes.
  • Customer trust and audit confidence – FIPS 140-3 validation signals to enterprise buyers, auditors and regulators that your applications are built on certified cryptography standards.
  • Global market expansion potential – FIPS-compliant solutions are often fast-tracked for acceptance in international procurement, enabling you to pursue business with global enterprises and governments that respect FIPS-integrated frameworks.

For many organizations, FIPS 140-3 support represents a strategic accelerator, driving up to more addressable market opportunity, supporting premium pricing models for verified secure applications and enhancing cross-border credibility with customers who demand high security assurance, wherever they operate.

A Foundation for What’s Next

OpenEdge 13.0 delivers more than just compliance, it delivers confidence. By adopting modern cryptography and introducing foundational FIPS 140-3 capabilities, it supports that your applications are not just protected against today’s threats, but ready for tomorrow’s requirements.

Security innovation doesn’t stop here, the 13 series is built to continually advance protection, modernization, and performance. With OpenEdge 13.0, you’re not only future-ready, you’re future-secure.

Learn more about the OpenEdge 13.0 release.


Jessica Malakian
Jessica (Malakian) Newton

Jessica (Malakian)  Newton is a Senior Product Marketing Specialist at Progress, focused on the Progress OpenEdge product. Jessica started her career at Progress as an intern in 2020 and has since developed into a full-time marketer, dedicated to guiding customers on how to maximize the value of their OpenEdge solutions. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys reading and writing.

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Progress OpenEdge 13.0: The Future of Secure, Modern and AI-Ready Applications
Progress OpenEdge 13.0 introduces the first innovation release in the 13 series, delivering stronger security (including initial FIPS 140‑3 support), modernization and performance improvements, and a foundation for future AI‑ready innovation with minimal risk or disruption.
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