General Page
What is changing?
To expedite delivery of critical fixes, including security updates there will be 2 types of IBM App Connect Enterprise delivery vehicle for IBM App Connect Enterprise version 12: fix packs, and mod releases.
Mod releases continue to be produced in order to deliver new capability and general fixes, in keeping with previous practices.
Fix packs will be produced for the most recent mod release containing additional cumulative security updates and critical defect fixes. The schedule for fix pack deliveries will be governed by availability of security updates for each release and is expected no more frequent than once per month. Where there is no subsequent mod release planned fix packs may additionally contain IBM “APAR” fixes.
IBM App Connect Enterprise continues to use the “V.R.M.F” version identifier format. See IBM Software Product Versioning Explained for more information. A mod release is indicated by an increase in the value of the “M” digit of the identifier. For example 12.0.2.0 is the 2nd mod release of version 12. A fix pack is designated by an increment in the “F” digit of the identifier for a specific mod release. For example 12.0.10.2 is the 2nd fixpack of the 10th mod release for IBM App Connect Enterprise version 12
The following diagram illustrates the relationship between mod releases and fixpacks. Here as new mod releases are made available the x digit increments and each mod release receives up to 2 fixpacks before the next mod release. This sequence repeats until the final mod release of version 12 shown in the diagram below as 12.0.y.0 at which point only fixpacks will be made available for the remainder of the support period.
What is the difference between mod releases and a fix pack?
A mod release is the existing regularly scheduled maintenance update for App Connect Enterprise v12 and enhances App Connect Enterprise with additional features, IBM “APAR” code fixes and security updates. While a release is still being enhanced with new features mod releases are planned at a quarterly cadence.
Fix packs are an additional release in between mod releases allowing expedited delivery of security updates and critical IBM APAR fixes only. Where a release is no longer being enhanced with new features fix packs may additionally contain IBM “APAR” fixes.
Which platforms does this process apply to?
This process applies to all platforms.
Do security fix packs contain older fixes?
Yes, maintenance deliveries are always cumulative for the release so applying the latest maintenance level also addresses issues fixed in earlier maintenance for that release.
Do fixpacks and mod releases need to be applied sequentially?
No, all maintenance releases are cumulative and address all issues fixed in earlier maintenance releases. It is possible to apply the latest fix pack for a mod release without applying the initial mod release.
For example:
If the target system is running on an example mod release with number 12.0.30.0 then by applying fixpack 12.0.31.2 the resulting system will contain all the new features added in mod release 12.0.31.0 and all critical fixes and security issues contained in fixpacks 12.0.31.1 and 12.0.31.2.
How often will fixpack maintenance be released?
Fix packs will be scheduled based on the availability of security fixes and are expected to be made no more than once per month.
Do I need to apply the same level to all my Integration Nodes and Integration Servers?
No, while IBM recommends always updating to the most recent maintenance level there is no requirement for all installations to be maintained at the same level. Multiple maintenance levels may co-exist on the same machine and an individual deployment may use any maintenance level without a migration step.
How do I know where to apply security updates across my estate?
As part of this enhanced process, IBM will provide additional information through IBM App Connect Enterprise security bulletins and fix lists, to identify which installable components or deliverables are affected by security updates.
Can security fixes be built on an earlier release?
IBM strongly recommends applying the latest available maintenance deliverable as your preventive maintenance strategy. IBM cannot guarantee that all fixes can be made available against earlier maintenance levels. For more information, refer to IBM Support General Guidelines and Limitations.
How do I know what fixes are contained in a mod release or fix pack?
IBM App Connect Enterprise publishes a fix list containing a list of the fixes contained in each maintenance delivery. For more information refer to Recommended fixes for IBM App Connect Enterprise.
Will fix packs be made available for older mod releases?
No, fix packs will only be released for the most recent mod release.
Why is the maintenance strategy changing?
We are making additional maintenance deliveries available in order to provide updates to security issues and the most critical defects in a more timely manner.
How can I find out the planned schedule for maintenance deliveries.
See the scheduled maintenance page IBM App Connect Enterprise planned maintenance release dates page for further details.
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Document Information
Modified date:
13 May 2024
UID
ibm17067993