Frends Legacy Agent Nearing End-of-Life

We want to inform our customers that the Frends Legacy Agent, based on the Microsoft .NET Framework, is officially nearing its End-of-Life (EOL). As of January 2026, Frends will no longer provide updates, security patches, or technical support for the Legacy Agent. While the agents will remain operational after this date, they will no longer receive updates or technical assistance from Frends.

This decision aligns with Microsoft's transition away from the .NET Framework. While Microsoft has not announced an official end-of-life date for the .NET Framework, it is widely expected to happen within the next few years. This shift is driven by Microsoft’s focus on the more modern .NET platform (including .NET Core, now .NET 5+), which provides significant performance improvements, cross-platform compatibility, and a streamlined development experience.

Why is the .NET Framework being phased out?

• Modernization: The .NET platform, which includes .NET 5, 6, 7, and beyond, offers enhanced performance, scalability, and cross-platform capabilities. It allows developers to build modern applications that are not tied to Windows environments.
• Security: Microsoft focuses on platforms that can receive timely security updates to protect users from vulnerabilities. The .NET Framework, being an older technology, is increasingly difficult to secure in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What does this mean for Frends Legacy Agent users?

If you are currently using the Frends Legacy Agent, it is crucial to start planning for a migration. The .NET Framework's incompatibility with modern versions like .NET 5, 6, and beyond, used by Frends and other third-party libraries, means that future updates, features, and security patches cannot be applied to the Legacy Agent.

• After January 2026, you cannot upgrade the Frends and keep old Legacy Agents running.

How to identify if I have a Legacy Agent

• Check if any processes target anything other than .Net Standard 2.0. or Net6+. If they do, you have Legacy Agent.

Next steps if Legacy Agents exist in your installation

If your environment includes the Legacy Agent, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Assess your current environment: Identify all instances where the Frends Legacy Agent is in use.

2. Plan migration to the modern Frends Agent: Begin planning the migration process to the modern Frends Agent based on the latest .NET platform. This migration ensures your processes remain secure, supported, and future-proof.

3. Consult Frends Support: Our team is available to help with your migration strategy, offering guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition.

4. Timeline for migration: To avoid service disruptions or vulnerabilities, ensure all Legacy Agents are replaced or upgraded well before January 2026.