Since Paratext 8 and Paratext 9 can run on the same computer, and Paratext 8 users and Paratext 9 users can work together in the same shared project. We would encourage consultants to upgrade to the new version, but if you stay on 8, you will be able to continue consulting with teams who are using Paratext 9. In the same way, you can continue to consult for a team using 8 after you upgrade to 9.