Important Update on Nimbus Free Subscriptions ############################################# Announcement published on **October 15, 2024**. Over the past nine years, we have been honored to offer free access to the Open edX platform as a service. This initiative was born out of our drive for innovation and our deep commitment to quality education worldwide, with the goal of empowering individuals and organizations to explore the possibilities of online learning at no cost. Over the years, more than 25 thousand individuals signed up for this free service and were able to explore what the Open edX platform has to offer. We have witnessed incredible examples of creativity and a wide variety of explorations and learning offerings, many of which ended up being valuable stepping stones to now well established online learning initiatives. At the same time, the Open edX project has been evolving and consolidating and has developed a number of strategies to drive global adoption, so we are nothing short of excited about what will come next for the Open edX project. **Introducing the Open edX Community Sandbox** For those of you interested to test the platform and learn about it from a hands on perspective, we are excited to share that as a result of an initiative started by edunext, the Open edX project now has a Community `Sandbox `_, a fantastic resource that allows anyone to try out the latest version of the platform LMS and Studio and learn about its capabilities in a free and open environment. This sandbox provides the perfect space for exploration, experimentation, and learning without any associated costs. **Hosting online courses with Open edX at low cost.** For those interested in a low cost option to be able to build and host real courses in the platform, Our Nimbus SaaS offering is still the best choice. As we refocus our energy, innovation, technical expertise and support to enhance the services we provide to our paid customers, we can continue to deliver exceptional value and support to those who rely on us for their online learning needs. **Transitioning from a Nimbus Free account.** We want to extend a special invitation to our current free subscribers to upgrade to one of our paid subscriptions. By upgrading, you'll not only continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to the platform but also benefit from our full range of premium services and support. To help with this transition, we're offering a 30-day grace period, during which your account will remain active. If you choose not to upgrade within this period, your account will be suspended. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your online learning initiatives with edunext. Our team is ready to assist you in selecting the plan that best fits your needs. Nimbus Free End of Life Information ################################### Nimbus Free will reach its end of life on **November 30, 2024**. ================================= ==================================== Milestones Definition ================================= ==================================== Until November 30, 2024 Existing customers can use the account normally until November 30. On December 1, 2024 the account will be frozen and you cannot create or edit existing content. You can upgrade to a paid subscription with edunext or export your course files. As of November 1, 2024 End of new account set up under Nimbus Free. Edunext will stop Nimbus Free accounts. Edunext will offer a 30-day grace period to upgrade to a paid subscription plan. As of December 1, 2024 Auto update expiration and end of life date. Edunext stops supporting the Nimbus Free account. Customer will have view only access. On December 31, 2024 End of Nimbus Free. The Nimbus Free service is shut down, and all account information will be deleted. You and your users can no longer save or open a course or access the Nimbus Free account. ================================= ==================================== **Can I use the account after the expiration date?** On December 1, 2024, your account will be put in **view-only** mode. You and your users can no longer create or edit a course file from the Nimbus Free account. You can export your course files until Decmber 31, 2024. There will be no access to account after December 31, 2024. Prepare for Nimbus Free, which is Going Away ############################################ Nimbus Free is winding down in December 2024. This article explains how to prepare and transition to an edunext paid subscription or to the Open edX Community Sandbox. **Timeline for the Nimbus Free to wind down.** ================================= ==================================== Milestones Definition ================================= ==================================== Until November 30, 2024 Existing customers can use the account normally until November 30. On December 1, 2024 the account will be frozen and you cannot create or edit existing content. You can upgrade to a paid subscription with edunext or export your course files. Starting on December 1, 2024. The Nimbus Free acount will become view-only. You’ll no longer be able to create new or edit existing course files in your Nimbus Free account. You will be able to export your course files for your records until December 31, 2024, as we will not be saving course files in the cloud. Learn more about the Nimbus Free end-of-life. After December 31, 2024. You will no longer be able to access the Nimbus Free account or your course files. ================================= ==================================== What You Need to Do ******************* To prepare your organization for the wind down: 1. **Before December 31, 2024:** Download your course files. `Learn how to download course files `_. 2. **Starting today:** Begin to evaluate our paid subscription plan `solutions `_ for your organization using the guidelines below. If you need assistance with selecting the best paid plan fo ryour organization, you may request assistance from `support@edunext.co `_. 3. If you choose not to upgrade to a paid subscription plan with edunext and take advantage of our 30-day grace period to upgrade, you may wish to explore creating a new free account in the Open edX Community `Sandbox `_.