Qlik Sense repository database version change from 9.3 to 9.6

The Qlik Sense Repository Database uses PostgreSQL.  Qlik does not make PostgreSQL.  Like most software, PostgreSQL also goes through version evolution.  Qlik Sense 3.x shipped with PostgreSQL 9.3, and the next version of Qlik Sense, called June 2017 (informally referred to as 4.0), will ship with PostgreSQL 9.6.

You can upgrade from Qlik Sense 3.1 SR2 or later to Qlik Sense June 2017 using the Qlik Sense setup program. When upgrading, the previous version is completely replaced by the new version.  Upgrading from any version of Qlik Sense earlier than 3.1 SR2 to Qlik Sense June 2017 cannot be done using the setup program.  If you upgrade in place without uninstalling Qlik Sense the Qlik Sense Repository Database is upgraded to PostgreSQL version 9.6 and your data, and standard settings are carried forward. If you have made custom configurations to your PostgreSQL installation, those must be recreated in the PostgreSQL after upgrade. The PostgreSQL installation included in the Qlik Sense June 2017 setup does not include pgAdmin tools.

If you have PostgreSQL running on a machine separate from the other Sense machines (referred to as having a separate Shared Persistence layer), then the upgrade process will not touch the PostgreSQL database.  You have two options:

• Manually upgrade PostgreSQL to 9.6: Documentation can be found on PostgreSQL's website.  PostgreSQL never has in-place upgrades, so a backup must be taken, old version removed, new version installed, backup db restored to the new version.  RISK: plenty of chances to break something during this multi-step process.
  • See June 2017 Upgrade - How to upgrade standalone PostgreSQL for guidance in this regard
• Leave PostgreSQL at 9.3.  Product Management has said that Qlik Sense June 2017 will work with PostgreSQL 9.3.  RISK: a future version of Sense beyond June 2017, could take advantage of features in 9.6 that are not present in 9.3.

See: https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/June2017/Subsystems/PlanningQlikSenseDeployments/Content/Deployment/Upgrading.htm