Microsoft announces VBScript deprecation – how will this impact your Oracle HFM application?

In October 2023, Microsoft announced it is retiring VBScript for Windows, the language that underpins the vast majority of HFM's custom consolidation, translation, and calculation rules.

What is VBScript?

Introduced by Microsoft in 1996, Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript) is a scripting language that has long been included as part of the Windows operating system. Over the years, it has been widely adopted to automate repetitive processes and interact with Windows applications. 

As the technology landscape has evolved, however, newer scripting languages and automation frameworks have emerged, offering greater flexibility, improved security and enhanced performance. As a result, VBScript has reached the end of its lifecycle and is being phased out in favour of more modern alternatives.

Why is VBScript being deprecated?

As software development and IT automation have evolved, more capable scripting languages such as JavaScript and PowerShell have become the preferred choice. These modern alternatives provide greater functionality, stronger security, and improved compatibility with today's applications and automation requirements. 

Consequently, VBScript is no longer considered suitable for many contemporary use cases, leading Microsoft to retire it in favour of technologies that better support modern computing environments.

What impact will this have on our HFM application?

For organisations running Oracle Hyperion Financial Management (HFM), Microsoft's decision to deprecate VBScript does not create an immediate risk, but it does signal the need to plan ahead. 

Many HFM environments rely on VBScript for administrative tasks, automation, custom integrations and supporting utilities. As Microsoft gradually removes support from future versions of Windows, these scripts may become more difficult to maintain or execute, potentially affecting operational processes and increasing support costs. 

From a business perspective, organisations should begin assessing where VBScript is used within their HFM estate and consider a migration strategy to minimise future disruption and ensure continued supportability. 

Update: January 2025 – Oracle have announced they are introducing a new native scripting language for HFM called BSL. Click here to read our article on migrating from VBScript to BSL.

What is the timeline for VBScript depreciation?

Microsoft has shared a phased timeline for retiring VBScript:

• Phase 1 – VBScript will be pre-installed on all Windows 11, version 24h2 and on by default as a feature-on-demand (FOD).
• Phase 2 – from around 2027, VBScript will no longer be enabled as default.
• Phase 3 – VBScript will be retired and removed from future versions of Windows. The timeline for this is currently unknown.

Click here for a full breakdown of what to expect in each phase of VBScript deprecation.

Next steps

At Concentric Solutions, we have been supporting Oracle HFM customer environments across the UK and Europe for over 20 years. Speak to us about whether you will be affected by VBScript deprecation and what this means for your HFM roadmap.