How to become a railML® Partner

Each partnership type is determined by the size of the company and the type of organisation, following the criteria set by EU Recommendation 2003/361. Each category comes with specific benefits and rights tailored to the level of partnership. For a detailed overview of partnership fees and benefits, please contact the Organisational Team via email.

Strategic - Paid

This category is ideal for partners who have a long-term interest in participating in and influencing the development of the standard. This is the highest paid category, but a partner also enjoys the greatest discounts for some services offered by railML.org and extensive support. 

A few of the extra features offered are:

• Early access to alpha schema releases 
• 3 free certification cycles (additional cycles at 60% discount)
• Status as primary consultant in coordination of scheme development
• Seat in the stakeholders and railML 3 and 2 steering groups
• Marketing at railML events
• One free on-site workshop
• Long-term support for discontinued railML 2.x and 3.x versions (5 years)
• Plus all other features that have thus far been free for everyone

Associated - Paid

This is the second highest category for a partner and it is best suited to partners who have a high current interest in influencing the development of railML (e.g., due to a project, research, etc.). It offers a small discount on some functions that partners often make use of as well. 

A few of the extra features offered are:

• Early access to alpha schema releases 
• 1 free certification cycle (additional at 40% discount)
• Status as secondary consultant in coordination of scheme development
• Seat in the railML 2 steering group
• 40% off of first on-site workshop
• Mid-term support for discontinued railML 2.x and 3.x versions (2 years)
• Plus all other features that have thus far been free for everyone

Basic - Free

This category includes all the benefits and rights that have been available to our Partners since railML.org was founded. These remain 100% free of change and this shall not change in the future. This is the only category that does not require a renewal - once signed up, you will remain a basic partner until you decide otherwise. An upgrade to one of the categories above is possible at any time.

This category offers you:

• Access officially released railML schema versions (no early-access). 
• Read and write to wiki.
• Each certification must be paid in full.
• Write to railML discussion boards for feedback but no dedicated support from specialists (could take longer to obtain an answer).
• And all other features that have always been free for everyone

Developer

railML development partners are companies with long experience in creating railML interfaces and affecting the development of the railML standards – in the Forum, in the Wiki or at the regular railML conferences. A previous partnership as a railML user is essential.

User

railML users are mainly railway companies and operators which have adopted railML interfaces and have some knowledge of the language. Although they don't actively enhance the railML standard, they have extensive experience in the daily operation of the exchange of railML data.

Supporter

railML supporters are partners that agree with and support the goal of a unified data exchange solution using railML interfaces. Usage of interfaces (or deeper railML knowledge) is not required. Think of it as the moral cheerleaders of our users and developers!