Understand the Timebase Historian license and business model
The Need is Real and the Mission is Clear
At Timebase, our mission is to deliver a robust, accessible, and engineer-focused time series historian that empowers industry with seamless data solutions.
Timebase has been developed and supported by a dedicated team within Flow Software Inc., a US-based company that exists to empower engineers and help manufacturers make better decisions.
The business model is simple and straightforward. You will never be required to install or purchase other solutions from Flow Software to use the Timebase Historian solution set. In addition to that toolset, modules that provide analytics, data ops, and reporting may be purchased after verifying they provide value to your business through complimentary trials.
We have seen an unsettling trend of historians becoming overly complicated with increased licensing costs, while trapping users and their data into platform lock. We desire to clarify the role of the site-based time series historian and reshape the landscape. Our experience has taught us the best solution is one that meets the following requirements:
- Owned and managed by Operations
- Securely and reliably stores time series data for as long as you require
- Can be queried via standard industry protocols for easy data access
- Self-service trending and diagnostic tools
Our Pledge to You
We recognize you can only build solutions on products you trust, requiring relationships you can count on in both the immediate and the long term. To that end, we promise you the following core values will never change.
- The Timebase Historian solution set will remain free indefinitely.
- We will not place licensing limits or restrictions on how you use the solution set.
- We will not remove, restrict, or place existing functionality behind a paywall.
- We will continue to develop and support the Timebase Historian solution set into the foreseeable future.
- Basic support of the Timebase Historian solution set will be timely and remain complimentary.
How to Join Us
Will you join the Timebase movement? We are incredibly excited about the journey that we are on, and we welcome you to join us in reshaping the future of data management. Your involvement and enthusiasm can make a significant impact, and there are many ways to contribute to the Timebase mission.
Test and Provide Feedback
Participate in testing our release candidates and help us refine the platform with your valuable feedback. Your insights will guide improvements and ensure that Timebase meets the highest standards of reliability and performance.
Develop and Innovate
Use our open-source Data Collector to develop custom plug-ins that extend Timebase’s capabilities. By contributing your solutions, you help build a richer ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
Deploy and Use
Install and use Timebase whenever it fits your needs. Whether you’re running a small operation or a large-scale facility, using Timebase in your work demonstrates its value and encourages further adoption.
Become an Evangelist
Spread the word about Timebase within your professional circles, communities, and networks. Your voice helps amplify our mission and invites more users to experience the freedom and empowerment that Timebase provides.
Subscribe to New Features
When new modules for analytics, data ops, and reporting become available in 2025, consider subscribing. Your financial support fuels continued development, sustains our commitment to keeping Timebase free, and ensures the product evolves to meet future needs.
Join us in redefining what it means to harness your data effectively. Be a part of an open, empowering movement where your contributions shape the platform’s growth and success. Together, we are building a future where data-driven decisions are accessible to everyone.