An image forming system comprises a request analysis section which analyzes an input image forming process request and specifies a peripheral device for use in executing an image forming process and a judgment section to judge whether or not a version upgrade is performed in the peripheral device. A process execution control section executes the process when it is judged that no version upgrade is being performed in the peripheral device, and instructs an input/output section to display, via a report section, a message indicating a version upgrade being performed when it is judged that a version upgrade is being performed. In this manner, user convenience during version upgrade time is enhanced.