I was working in industrial control and automation at the time, there were sweeping changes to what could and could not be done and by whom at every level.

Old drives of all manufacturers that sat unused were audited and had to be brought up-to-date before any sale or change of hands could occur, serials were noted etc etc.

Never felt like a manufacturer decision since it occurred in unison almost globally.

I think that project was way beyond the "really need" stage.