PC4500 end of software support policy

Important information affecting PC4500 software customers

Please note that effective 31 October 2026, PC4500 Oxford Instruments software platform will reach its End of Software Support (EOSS) date.

Please note that this notification does not apply to IonFab or FlexAl systems.

Important Notes on Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology's End of Software Support (EOSS) Policy 

Oxford Instruments is committed to advising customers about the lifecycle status of our products (including software). We carefully manage our products and software throughout their lifecycles and aim to provide customers with a clear support roadmap wherever feasible. 

End of Software Support (EOSS) marks the point at which a software platform exits its supported lifecycle. Following EOSS, Oxford Instruments will no longer provide software modifications, feature enhancements, major version upgrades, or custom software development activities for the affected software platforms. 

As part of our software lifecycle policy, Oxford Instruments will no longer provide:

·       installation or deployment of SECS/GEM functionality on affected systems.

·       major software revisions or functionality changes.

·       custom software development activities.

·       upgrades intended to extend or alter the functionality of affected systems. 

Customers are encouraged to migrate to the latest version of our PTIQ software to remain on a supported software platform. Most legacy systems can be considered for migration to PTIQ, subject to technical feasibility and system architecture review.

This notification also applies to renewing an existing or buying a new Service Support contract (including software support, preventative maintenance, breakdown, and spare parts).  

Regulatory Considerations

For customers operating systems within the European Union (EU), evolving cybersecurity regulations may affect the long-term supportability of our legacy software systems. In particular, the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) introduces new cybersecurity and vulnerability-management obligations for products with digital elements.

The CRA is being implemented on a phased basis, with its principal cybersecurity, vulnerability-management and compliance requirements applying from 11 December 2027. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, these requirements further reinforce the importance of transitioning to supported software platforms that can continue to receive cybersecurity updates and ongoing development.

While regulatory requirements are not the primary reason for this end-of-support decision, they reinforce the need to transition to supported platforms that can continue to receive security updates and ongoing development.

Additional regulatory requirements may emerge in the future and will be communicated as further guidance becomes available.

Contact your local customer service sales team for availability. Enquiries will be subject to an internal Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology review and any offers might be subject to technical feasibility and your acceptance of the following conditions:

·        key upgrades (including PLC upgrades) 

·        replacement of obsolete parts 

·        availability of necessary parts needed for upgrade

Next steps for customers affected by this notification: 

Option 1 

Upgrade to PTIQ where applicable. PTIQ, our state-of-the-art software solution, is continuously updated to incorporate the latest leading-edge technologies. For more information on our upgrade path and feasibility, or to discuss any potential concerns, please refer to our website or contact your local sales team. 

Option 2 

This EOSS notification will not affect the use of your product but if you take no further action, then you will be operating your system at your own commercial, compliance and security risk. 

If you have any questions, then please start a conversation with us or contact your local service sales support team. 

On behalf of Oxford Instruments

19 October 2026