Soft Launch of the bwCloud-OS Generation 3 – Period: June 15, 2026 – September 15, 2026

bwCloud-OS Generation 3 is currently in the soft launch phase. The service is currently available to authorized end users and institutions.

During summer 2026, the service will gradually transition into regular operation (General Availability).

bwCloud 3: Soft Launch - Roadmap

Important information for bwCloud-OS (Gen2) users

Existing projects on the Gen2 infrastructure can continue to be used without changes and at no additional cost until September 14, 2026, or until they are migrated.

Migration instructions for moving projects to Gen3 are available in the bwCloud-OS User Wiki.

Projects that have not been migrated will be deleted after September 14, 2026.

Access during the soft launch phase

Conditions

My home institution is confirmed as “Gen3-ready”:
bwCloud-OS Local Support has been appointed.
Local IdP adjustments have been completed.
I have a valid bwIDM account provided by my home institution.

Rollout Phases and Timeline

Phase	Timeframe	Scope	Target Group	Status
0 – Preparation	Jan – Apr 2026	Hardware setup, network configuration, OpenStack deployment	Operations team, internal	completed
0 – Preparation	April / May 2026	Key user testing	Pilot users, selected projects	completed
1 – Soft Launch 0	May 15, 2026 – Jun 15, 2026	Preparation of the production environment	Operations team, internal	completed
1 – Soft Launch 1	Jun 15, 2026 – Sep 14, 2026	Migration of VMs/projects (standard quota flavor)	End users (institution confirmed as Gen3-ready)	active
1 – Soft Launch 2	Jul 1, 2026 – Sep 14, 2026	Migration of VMs/projects (custom quota flavor)	End users (institution confirmed as Gen3-ready)	active
2 – End of Gen2 Operations	Sep 15, 2026	Shutdown	Operations team, internal	announced
3 – Gen3 Production Operation	Sep 15, 2026 – Nov 30, 2026	Stabilization phase/Consolidation phase	All user groups	planned
3 – Gen3 Production Operation	From Dec 2026	Full service	All user groups	planned
4 – Gen2 Decommissioning	Sep 15, 2026 – Dec 15, 2026	Decommissioning	Operations team, internal	planned