The following products reached the end of their lifetime and will not be supported any longer by us:

VIScontrol Version 5 (5.0, 5.1, 5.2)
VIScontrol DLO VISbase (all versions)
VIScontrol Version 4 (4.0, 4.1, 4.2; DOS and WINDOWS)
VIScontrol Version 3.0 (DOS)
VIScontrol Version 2.0 (DOS)
VIScontrol Version 1 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6; DOS)
VIScontrol Communication Driver Saia S-Bus (all versions)
VIScontrol Communication Driver Infranet (all versions)
VIScontrol Communication Driver RSLINX (all versions)
VIScontrol Communication Driver TCPIP (all versions)
VIScontrol Communication Driver TCPIPA (all versions)
VIScontrol Communication Driver ModemDrv (all versions)
VIScontrol DDE Client and Server (all versions)

Why are products discontinued or not supported any longer?
Besides implementation of new functions, new product versions always include adaptations to the up-to-date software and hardware environments. Faster computers and new operating systems require modifications of our programmes time and again. In order to be able to concentrate our efforts, we have to limit software maintenance to a single version. Only this way we will be able to provide functional upgrading of our products also in the future.

The VIScontrol version for MS-DOS also raises the problem that it becomes increasingly difficult to guarantee safe functioning of the operating system MS-DOS on new computers. That is why MS-DOS is not a stable platform for applications on modern and customary hardware. Furthermore, the end of the lifetime of MS-DOS has been reached, because Microsoft does not support this operating system any longer.

When introducing a new version, we normally maintain the previous version for a certain period of time; in the case of VIScontrol version 5 this will be two years after introduction of version 6.

What does the discontinuation mean?
Discontinuation of a VIScontrol version is no reason to panic! This has no effect on plants that are operated today. Plants that are operated with VIScontrol versions that are discontinued or no longer supported can still be used without limitations.

It is needless to say that you can furthermore buy VIScontrol licenses for these versions with us. This means that you will be further able to deliver products that were realised on the basis of an older VIScontrol version.

We only make limitations with support. Versions that are no longer supported do not entitle you to receive free Technical Support from us. Furthermore, we do not carry out free error corrections with versions that are no longer supported. These two services end for discontinued products at the stated date.

What are the alternatives?
We do not see any immediate call for action with existing plants or series production. In case changes of the existing plants are intended, we recommend to allow for porting:

VIScontrol versions
With VIScontrol it is possible to transfer the main part of your work automatically to the newest version – even with very old VIScontrol versions. We are pleased to assist you with manual adjustments. Please contact us.

Communication driver Saia S-Bus
Powerful OPC servers are available for this communication. Besides many other improvements, an OPC server will support you with useful functions at commissioning and when checking the connection. You will find further information concerning OPC servers for control of Saia with us or on the website of Saia-Burgess.

Communication driver Infranet
A powerful OPC server, which was developed by VISCOM Visual Communications itself, is available for this communication. It takes over the complete Infranet log logic and provides to you the data points of the plant at the OPC interface. Here you will find further information on the Infranet OPC server.

Communication driver TCPIP / TCPIPA
Today, the communication driver TCPIPB is the current driver for all TCP/IP connections between VIScontrol stations, or from VIScontrol to other devices. All registered users of the TCP/IP driver can freely download this driver for the versions 4, 5 and 6 of VIScontrol.

Communication driver RSLINX
A powerful OPC server of Rockwell Software is available for this communication. Here you will find more information.

Communication Driver ModemDrv
This driver served for the connections of VIScontrol work stations over the public telefone network, as well as external access to the applications.
The spreading of the InterNet offers today new and comfortable solutions.

Data base DLO VISbase
The DBASE IV data base VISbase does not correspond to today’s state of the art. We recommend to check porting to WINbase with existing plants. This will provide to your applications the whole functional range of powerful data base servers (e.g. Microsoft SQL server). Please contact us so that we can help you with this!

DDE Client and Server
This communication mechanism from the Windows 3.1 era increasingly loses its