Product Support Lifecycle
Long-life software for long-life manufacturing equipment
Manufacturing systems often remain in service for many years. Predator Software maintains a clear product-support lifecycle so customers can understand which releases receive technical support, which release receives updates and security patches, and when an upgrade should be planned.
This page explains Predator Software's public support stages. Exact support status can depend on the product, release, operating system, database platform and third-party components used in a particular installation.
Predator Software Support Policy
Current Version
The current major version receives full technical support and is the version for which Predator develops software updates, bug fixes and security patches. For example, where v12 is the current release, updates and patches are produced for v12.
Immediately Previous Version
Predator also provides normal technical support for the immediately previous major version. For example, where v12 is current, v11 remains supported for technical assistance. However, new updates, bug fixes and security patches are not normally produced for the previous version. Where a software correction is required, customers will generally need to upgrade to the current version.
Older Versions
Versions older than the current and immediately previous major releases are outside normal technical support. Predator may still be able to assist with upgrade planning, migration or historical product knowledge, but customers should not rely on these releases for ongoing corrections or security updates.
Operating system support matters too
Predator operating system support is aligned with Microsoft's support lifecycle. When Microsoft ends support for a Windows version, Predator does not treat that operating system as a supported platform for current installations. Customers should avoid keeping unsupported Windows systems on the corporate domain or depending on legacy SMB/file-share connectivity. For suitable Windows-based CNC controls, Predator Secure DNC can help remove the need for FTP or SMB-based CNC program transfer.
Updates and Security Patches
- Updates, bug fixes and security patches are produced for the current major version.
- The immediately previous major version remains eligible for technical support, but does not normally receive new software patches.
- If an issue affecting a previous version requires a software change, the supported resolution may be to upgrade to the current release.
- Published security advisories will identify affected versions and the available update, mitigation or upgrade path where appropriate.
- Customers should maintain an inventory of installed Predator versions so affected systems can be identified quickly.
Planning an Upgrade
Do not wait until a production-critical system is already unsupported. Upgrade planning should consider the Predator application, Windows version, SQL Server version, CNC communication method, licensing, interfaces and any custom integration used at the site.
- Identify the exact Predator product and build currently installed.
- Check Windows and SQL Server support status at the same time.
- Review legacy CNC communication dependencies before replacing or hardening servers.
- Test upgrades before deployment to production systems where practical.
- Retain backups of databases, configuration and critical CNC program data before making changes.
Need to confirm whether your version is supported?
Contact Predator Software with the product name and exact version or build number. We can confirm the current support position and advise on an appropriate upgrade path.
