A new paid version of bwCloud-OS

The bwCloud-OS offers researchers and students the use of so-called virtual machines to run web applications or perform complex calculations independently of their own operating system or hardware. On August 31, 2026, the application's old infrastructure platform will be migrated to the new paid version Gen3 of the bwCloud-OS.

A key user test phase in March/April will be followed by a transition phase from May to August. During this transition phase, new users will only be registered for the paid Gen3 infrastructure, and existing projects in Gen2 can continue to be operated there until the end of August. End users who switch from Gen2 to the new Gen3 infrastructure must move their existing projects themselves. In order to continue using the bwCloud-OS (Gen3) state service, the University of Mannheim must sign the declaration of use by mid-August. This will be addressed as part of the ‘bwCloud 3’ project – i.e., no action is required on the part of end users in Mannheim.

In order to migrate existing projects to bwCloud-OS (Gen3), end users must clarify with their supervisors/cost center managers which usage entitlement is required and apply for this entitlement from IT support in good time.

Starting August 31, 2026, the Gen2 infrastructure of bwCloud-OS will be completely decommissioned and any remaining projects will be deleted. Information on the current status of the cost model and further details can be found on the bwCloud-OS website and in the website news section.