Last week, the software distributor Asknet announced that it would be closing the “Lower Saxony Software Portal for Research and Teaching” (available at gwdg.asknet.de) on 30 June 2026.
The announcement of the portal’s closure at short notice came as a surprise to all participating institutions. Several institutions are in contact with Asknet and are seeking clarification and confirmation of the information. Given the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are currently only able to provide basic information at this stage.
In a brief message to all registered users, Asknet had asked them to take the following steps:
- Log in to the shop and download all files and materials associated with your orders (e.g. licence keys, serial numbers).
- Save these locally or on a drive to which you have permanent access.
- Check that all downloads are complete and accessible.
According to Asknet, it will no longer be possible to download files after 30 June. Any enquiries received after this date regarding missing downloads may not be processed by Asknet.
Enquiries regarding quotes and orders can still be made after 30 June; however, Asknet requests that these be sent by email to vertrieb@asknet.com.
We are currently able to endorse Asknet’s recommendation regarding data backup, and are in contact with Asknet and other universities in Lower Saxony to clarify the situation. Subject to receiving further information, LUIS will issue a news update next week setting out the next steps regarding the closure of the portal and the processing of orders.