Infor has updated its Product Lifecycle Policy for SunSystems, reflecting a structured approach to support and maintenance that aids customers in managing upgrades and understanding service changes throughout the software’s lifespan. This update is crucial for businesses that utilise SunSystems and Q&A for financial management, reporting and related processes.
Key Highlights of the Updated Lifecycle Policy
- Lifecycle Stages
Infor categorises the lifecycle of its products into three main stages: Mainstream Maintenance, Extended Maintenance, and Sustaining Maintenance. Each stage is designed to support different phases of a product’s maturity:
- Mainstream Maintenance: This stage provides the most comprehensive support, including access to new releases, updates, fixes, and regulatory enhancements. The policy underscores the importance of staying current with updates to reduce business risks and leverage new functionalities.
- Extended Maintenance: Available after Mainstream Maintenance concludes, this stage offers limited updates, primarily focusing on critical fixes. It is a paid extension that continues some, but not all, benefits of the Mainstream stage.
- Sustaining Maintenance: This final stage offers support for existing fixes and continues access to essential support resources. However, it does not include new updates or fixes, marking a phase where customers should consider transitioning to newer versions or solutions.
- Transitional Support
Infor introduces a concept of Transitional Support to aid customers moving from an existing on-premises license to a new subscription or product offering. This support is available for a temporary period at a reduced fee, facilitating a smoother transition while maintaining access to critical support services.
- Product Compatibility and Classification
On September 27, 2024, Infor plans to end Extended Maintenance for:
- SunSystems 5 - All versions
- SunSystems 4 - All versions
- Query & Analysis 10 – All versions
- DataLink Studio / EIF Studio
In addition, on September 27, 2024, Infor plans to end Extended Maintenance and Sustaining Maintenance for:
- Query & Analysis 11 versions 11.1 and 11.2
- Query & Analysis Evolve versions 1.1 and 1.2
- Query & Analysis Context versions 1.2.0 and 1.3.0
On December 31, 2025, Infor will end Extended Maintenance for SunSystems 6 for versions 6.1, 6.1.1, 6.2 and 6.3 only. SunSystems 6.4 and Query & Analysis 11.3 will remain on Extended Maintenance.
Upon expiration of Extended Maintenance, the above affected products will move to Sustaining Maintenance.
Customers with on-premises licenses may continue to use any of the above versions of SunSystems and Query & Analysis in accordance with their current license grant, regardless of the support level available.
- Support for Continuous Update Products
For products identified as continuous update products, specifically SunSystems 6.4 and Query & Analysis 11.3, Infor adopts a regular cadence of updates. These updates are supported under Mainstream Maintenance until superseded by newer updates, ensuring that customers always have access to the latest enhancements and fixes.
Implications for Users
This structured approach to the product lifecycle enables SunSystems users to plan their upgrade paths and budget for maintenance costs more effectively. By understanding the specific timelines and support available at each stage, businesses can make informed decisions about when to upgrade and what kind of support they will require over the lifecycle of their product.
Conclusion
Infor’s updated Product Lifecycle Policy for SunSystems is designed to provide transparency and predictability, helping businesses to manage their software investments wisely. As SunSystems continues to evolve, staying informed about these policies will be crucial for users to maximise their software utility and strategic value. Customers are encouraged to reach out to their PA Account Manager or email enquiries@pa.com.au to discuss this change in policy, their specific needs and plan their upgrade strategies accordingly.
