Firmware version lifecycle statuses

The following table lists version lifecycle statuses for the firmware in the devices.
Status
Description
None
The lifecycle status is not available for the device.
Preferred
Applies to Active and Active Mature software products covered by Software Policy and firmware of catalog numbered products as follows:
  • Major software and firmware versions, when the firmware is coordinated with software (that is, V release and Logix Designer), that are less than three years old
  • Current firmware version of catalog numbered product (applies to latest firmware of each series), that is, 1756 I/O
  • Current software version of catalog numbered products with no major release in the last three years
A new minor or sub-minor release inherits the major version status, that is, Preferred, and the previous minor or sub-minor version transitions to Limited or Retired version lifecycle state.
Attributes of software and firmware versions in the Preferred version lifecycle state:
  • Available for download on PCDC.
  • Phone and self-assist product support available.
  • Support for Windows OS established by policy at release: no new Windows OS support should be expected.
  • Prioritized for product and security anomaly resolution and patch qualification on supported recommended Windows OS.
  • Security vulnerabilities are disclosed following policies and procedures established by the Rockwell Automation OPSS and PSIRT.
By proactively planning for and periodically migrating their Rockwell Automation systems software and firmware forward, to maintain a Preferred version lifecycle state, customers can be assured that their system is compatible with current operating system, and that product anomalies and security vulnerabilities are aggressively resolved.
Managed
Applies to Active and Active Mature software products covered by Software Policy and firmware of catalog numbered products as follows:
  • May be used for software and firmware versions following Preferred state for one of the following reasons:
    • Maintain support of Active or active Mature hardware products.
    • Maintain compatibility support with Preferred support software versions.
    • Meet specific market needs or at the business’ discretion.
Includes a defined transition date to Limited state; aligned with the associated product lifecycle status when applicable.
A new minor or sub-minor release inherits the major version status, that is, Managed, and the previous minor or sub-minor version transitions to Limited or Retired version lifecycle state.
Attributes of software/firmware versions in the Manager version lifecycle state:
  • Available for download on PCDC.
  • Phone and self-assist product support available.
  • Maintain compatibility with at least one supported Windows operating system security update documentation on Recommended windows operating system.
  • Prioritize product security anomaly resolution for anomalies with CVSS score of Med, or higher, when feasible, for two years following transition from Preferred to Managed.
  • Security vulnerabilities are disclosed following policies and procedures established by the Rockwell Automation OPSS and PSIRT.
Limited
Attributes of software and firmware versions in the Limited version lifecycle state:
  • Available for download from PCDC.
  • Phone and self-assist product support available.
  • Anomaly fixes and OS security update documentation are not a priority, and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • New OS support should not be expected; it is possible that all compatible OS are not currently supported by Microsoft.
Retired
Attributes of software and firmware versions in the Retired version lifecycle state:
  • Remains visible on the customer facing PCDC at discretion of product management. Compatibility information is maintained, as needed.
  • Phone and self-assists product support available.
  • Not available for download from customer-facing PCDC. Version DRM is still manageable from the PCDC maintenance tool.
  • No anomaly fixes or OS security update documentation are available.
  • New OS support should not be expected; it is possible that all compatible OS are not currently supported by Microsoft.
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