B&R software product lifecycle definitions
A. Quality and reliability
As a reliable partner to machine manufacturing companies and users of automation products, with a longstanding commitment to long product lifecycles, which we have consistently upheld in the past, B&R gives customer needs top priority. Accordingly, B&R is aware of the great importance of long-term product availability and support. This is reflected in B&R's standardized customer-oriented product lifecycle policy.
All components are carefully selected for the products delivered by B&R. This ensures high standards for technology and quality as well as maximum reliability and long-term availability. Transparency on the current lifecycle phases of our products helps you proactively plan and manage the transitions to more modern technologies, as you need.
B. The B&R lifecycle as a transparent and reliable product standard for planning
The B&R lifecycle refers to the period between entering and exiting the market for any product type and B&R’s related progression and maintenance activities. This standard specifies four phases and explains the framework conditions that apply to the lifecycle of B&R products in detail.
The B&R lifecycle ensures maximal transparency: B&R informs the customer periodically about the current state and planned transitions for the respective product. In addition, the current lifecycle status for each product is always visible to the customer (Website, offers, etc.). Thanks to generous lead times and long notice periods, the customer can take appropriate measures for planning at an early stage - ideal planning reliability becomes a reality in this way.
Note that the policy described in this document constitutes general handling and guarantees B&R offers for all products. Exceptions for individual products are possible – B&R will inform about such exceptions in due time.
C. The four phases of the B&R lifecycle
The B&R lifecycle consists of four consecutive phases („Active”, „Classic”, „Limited”, „Obsolete”). Every B&R product goes through all four phases, although the duration of each phase can vary depending on the product.
The following diagram provides a basic overview of the individual phases and the resulting consequential effects or obligations of B&R and the customer to act.
Note that the periodic customer notifications inform about the product-specific further schedule, and thus precede the general information contained in this document.
1. "Active“ phase
The „Active“ phase begins with the market launch of a B&R product, where customers can place orders for the product. The products therein are released for series production and offered for sale unconditionally, complying with various relevant standards. Many products in this phase, in particular B&R’s own developed software offering and hardware-related firmware, are continuously developed further and new, compatible versions with extended features are provided. High runner products are proudly kept in this phase for decades.
2. "Classic“ phase
Throughout the lifecycle, B&R periodically informs the customer about foreseeable changes i.e. during “Active” about the start of the „Classic“ phase. When the decision for a product to transition from „Active“ is taken, B&R will duly inform about the schedule for all subsequent phases at once. This notification also contains information about successor products or substitutes. In the „Classic“ phase the product is still basically available for series production, offered for sale unconditionally, and maintained according to relevant standards. But it represents the beginning of the phase-out, and no new features will be provided anymore. We recommend not using the product for new long-term projects anymore. To reflect our efforts for parallel maintenance, products will be subject to annual price increases1, except where successor products share the same license with phased-out versions. The “Classic” phase is the last phase where regular orders can be placed for a product, or where a software download for the products is publicly available.
The phase ends with an optional LTB (see below), where final volumes and shipment plans can be pre-arranged.
3. “Limited” phase
In the „Limited“ phase, the product can no longer be ordered for regular shipment or regularly downloaded2, except spare parts3 in lower quantities.
To help customers meet their own SLA4 requirements, B&R will continue to monitor the product and inform about requirements from relevant standards, but no maintenance is provided anymore.
4. “Obsolete” phase
The product has been retired, and it is no longer available for order or download. Documentation can still be requested. B&R ceases to actively monitor the product but will continue to inform about requirements from relevant standards, if applicable.
D. Specifics of software/firmware products
1. Product Definition/Sets/Combinations
Every customer product is represented by a material number.
For many software products, the material to be purchased is the applicable license. However, all software products (and in many cases individual versions) also have individual material numbers with individual lifecycle. Note that the below mentioned lifecycle for SW products refers to those individual versions.
Every other product including sets and combinations follows the same procedure as the hardware product type in terms of lifecycle.
2. Software/Firmware product type
Automation Studio, Automation Runtime, mapp technology
For Automation Studio and Automation Runtime version line 6 and mapp technology packages (all versions), the lifecycle refers to the major version, where any updates will be provided with a new minor version. For Automation Studio and Automation Runtime version line 4, the lifecycle refers to the minor versions, where service packs and maintenance versions have been provided.
Note: The version numbering and release cadence of Automation Studio, Automation Runtime, and mapp technology packages have been harmonized in version line 6.
All software/firmware
The maintenance period for software/firmware products starts with the start of the „Active” phase and lasts until the end of the „Classic” phase.
During the „Active” phase, B&R’s own software products are continuously developed and improved. The delivery for customers typically happens quarterly with a new minor version.
For many purpose-built drivers and tools, updates will only be provided, if needed.
For merchandise, the delivery of updates and version strategy is dependent on the release strategy of the supplier.
During the „Classic” phase, new minor versions will only be provided, if needed. We recommend not using the product for new long-term projects anymore.
The download option on the B&R homepage will generally be available during the „Active” and „Classic” lifecycle phases.
During the „Limited” and „Obsolete” phases, B&R will only grant licenses to customers, who purchased licenses for the same product already earlier.
B&R does not restrict the usage of software products in „Limited” and „Obsolete” phases, however, will take no more responsibility to comply with updated relevant standards – this responsibility will be on the customer side.
EU-specific treatment for software products5
As part of the order process, B&R will inform about the CRA support period for the individual product.
The CRA support period for software products starts with begin of the „Active” phase and ends with the end of the „Classic” phase. Dependent on the severity, security-related updates will generally be provided with a new minor version or a hot fix in-between regular quarterly releases.
E. Pricing mechanics
1. Prices for orders in “Classic”
The prices for volumes in “Classic” are progressively scaled6 per delivery year and made transparent to customers during the order process. The first price increase takes place at the beginning of the next calendar year after transitioning into “Classic”.
2. Prices for orders in “Limited”
Like in “Classic”, the prices for volumes in “Limited” are progressively scaled6 per delivery year and made transparent to customers during the order process.
If the customer purchases B&R products as a set or as a device/configuration, the individual components in them may have different B&R lifecycle states. If an additional component in these combinations moves away from the "Active“ lifecycle status during another component’s “Limited” phase, the prices will be adjusted accordingly.
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1 The price increases will always take effect on the following 1st of January, independent of the date of the actual phase transit
2 Download may require the customer to log in
3 Note that spare parts may have different requirements according to some standards
4 Service Level Agreement
5 Note that for products without CRA compliance the phases after “Active” for orders inside the EU will be shorter
6 Except where successor products share the same license with phased-out versions