IBM Engineering Requirements Management DOORS

IBM DOORS (also called DOORS Classic) is the original, client-server requirements management platform — mature, powerful, and widely deployed in high-compliance programs. IBM DOORS Next is the modern, web-based version of IBM's requirements management offering, built on the OSLC open standard. Both are part of the IBM Engineering Requirements Management family. DOORS Classic is still actively maintained and used on programs where its depth of capability, scripting flexibility (DXL), and audit trail maturity are required. Not sure which one fits your situation? Contact our team and we'll help you evaluate.

IBM DOORS offers three license types and multiple ownership models and the right combination depends on your team size, usage patterns, and project duration.

License types:

• Authorized user license. Tied to a specific named person. That individual can use the license anywhere, 24/7. Transferable to another user if needed (e.g. a team member leaves or changes role).

• Token-based license. Tokens float across multiple IBM ELM products. Rather than licensing DOORS, Rhapsody, and Quality Manager separately, you buy a token pool and your team draws from it based on what they are actively using. As projects shift from specification to implementation, tokens shift with them.

Ownership models:

• Perpetual (purchase). One-time acquisition with lifelong usage rights. Annual maintenance contracts (~20% of acquisition cost per year) cover updates and support.

• Fixed-term rental. Lower upfront cost, fully tax-deductible in the year purchased, and easy to scale. Costs more than perpetual over many years, but offers maximum flexibility.

• SaaS. Available for DOORS Next only (not DOORS Classic). Includes infrastructure and hosting; fastest path to getting your team operational.

Not sure which model is right for your situation? Contact us via our contact form, our team will help you map your usage scenario to the most cost-effective option.

Yes. SodiusWillert can arrange trial licenses for qualified evaluators. Reach out through our contact form and let us know your use case, team size, and industry. We'll set up the right evaluation environment for you.

IBM DOORS was designed from the ground up for regulated, safety-critical industries. It is widely used in aerospace and defense (DO-178C, ARP 4754A, MIL-STD), automotive (ISO 26262, ASPICE), medical devices (IEC 62304, FDA 21 CFR), and railway (EN 50128). Its audit trail, baseline management, and traceability capabilities make it particularly well-suited for programs where requirements compliance must be demonstrated to certification authorities.

Yes. We offer professional training in English and German, covering IBM DOORS fundamentals, administration, DXL scripting, and integration with IBM ELM tools. Courses are available online and on-site, and can be customized to your team's workflow and experience level. Browse our training catalog.