Product Life Cycle Strategy
For more than 30 years, WINSYSTEMS has partnered with our customers and suppliers to extend product availability and provide migration options when components are discontinued. The challenges of providing products over an extended life cycle start at the design phase. WINSYSTEMS selects multi-sourced components wherever possible and singlesource items with long-life guarantees. WINSYSTEMS regularly communicates with suppliers on component availability and review end-of-life items as required.
Definition of “Not Recommended for New Designs” Status
As a proactive measure, WINSYSTEMS may label a product “Not Recommended for New Designs” when availability beyond a two-year window is uncertain. This website designation does not indicate end-of-life (EOL) status and the product may be available for many years. Always contact your Applications Engineer for complete details.
End-of-Life Policy
When it becomes necessary to obsolete a product, WINSYSTEMS will notify customers, recommend product migration options, and coordinate Last-Time Buy (LTB) purchases through these steps:
1. Based on the notification provided by our supplier(s), WINSYSTEMS will establish a time period for placing a LTB order.
2. A Product Change Notice (PCN) is issued for the product(s) affected. The PCN contains: a. Product(s) affected. b. Migration options. c. Last Time Buy schedule. d. Last Time Ship schedule.
3. The PCN is posted to the website and distributed by email and/or selective postal mail to all customers known to use the product. WINSYSTEMS attempts to send out the EOL notification at least six months before the LTB date, unless otherwise restricted.
4. To ensure product availability, customers are required to place purchase orders by the established LTB date. WINSYSTEMS will consider orders after the LTB date based on product availability. All orders for discontinued product are Non-Cancellable / Non-Returnable (NCNR) and can be blanketed over a period not to exceed 18 months from purchase order(s) acceptance. WINSYSTEMS, Inc 2 of 2 Policy Statement - EOL Original Release 121129 5. WINSYSTEMS will honor standard warranty terms and conditions, including repair service, unless otherwise stated in the PCN.
Customized Replacement Options
WINSYSTEMS attempts to provide a migration path for discontinued products with a replacement similar in form-factor and functionality. Unfortunately, due to technology advancements, certain features may no longer be supported. WINSYSTEMS works with many customers to provide customized upgrade solutions. Please contact your Applications Engineer to discuss specific requirements.