This one's been rumored for a while. Supposedly they're remaking it in Totori/Meruru style. Which, of course, means they're likely not going to be using the old, stricter Atelier formula anymore in future games. That may alienate a part of the Japanese fanbase.
That said, I'm okay with this. Rorona is my favorite of the three Arland heroines and the game has my favorite party member set. I'm looking forward to seeing the new models.
Cross Saves between versions is really nice,no complaints here, but I'm not sure I'd use them. NG+ bored me in the Arland series, because most of the time management is gone.