Also note that this the numbering policy is documented here: Time-based Support Policy (Effective for Releases from September 1, 2011 to present)<http://www.bmc.com/support/prod-support-policy-time-based.html> BMC Software uses a three-level numbering scheme with formats VV.RR.SP (formerly VV.RR.MM) or YY.YY.RR For VV.RR.SP: VV=major version, RR=minor release, and SP = Service Pack
3rd level - Service Pack A cumulative maintenance deliverable (SP) of a BMC Software product to resolve a specific set of defects and/or release new features to improve the quality, usability and performance of the product. Service Packs (formerly Maintenance Releases) are typically released 1-3 times per year. Installation of Service Packs is highly recommended, to improve product performance and stability. GA Patch A deliverable for cumulative critical fixes that cannot wait for a major/minor/maintenance/SP release. Patches are applicable to products designated as Full or Limited support only. GA Patches will be included in future releases of the product. Customer Support may direct customers to upgrade. -David J. Easter Manager of Product Management, AR System BSM & Atrium Solutions Management BMC Software, Inc. The opinions, statements, and/or suggested courses of action expressed in this E-mail do not necessarily reflect those of BMC Software, Inc. My voluntary participation in this forum is not intended to convey a role as a spokesperson, liaison or public relations representative for BMC Software, Inc. From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of vaibhav wadekar Sent: Monday, February 18, 2013 11:09 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Service Packs and Patches ** Hello Rishi, This new process started with 8.0 will continue with next releases. The patch install will be on top of the GA build or Service Packs. The patch installer requires that the product already be installed at the appropriate version and Service Pack level for that particular patch. The patch installer only includes items (files and defs) that were fixed in that patch and is not a complete install of the products. The patch install checks for the correctly installed versions. Service Packs will be roll-ups of patches and will generally include all the fixes from the prior patches.The Service Pack install is a complete install and the GA build does not have to be installed first. In general, a Service Pack should always be applied with the installer rather than trying to do a file by file install. If a customer wants to do an initial install of say 8.0 Patch 2, he must: 1. Install 8.0 2. Install Patch 2 3. Same goes with any subsequent patches; the Hotfixes should only be built off the latest patch unless a significant business case arises. Once a Service Pack comes out, then the hotfixes will be based on that until its first patch comes out. Service Packs, Patches, and Hotfixes are cumulative. They contain all the fixes that were built prior to its release. Hope this helps. Regards/Vaibhav On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 9:47 AM, Rishi R <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: ** Hi List, With 7.6.xx, the BMC product updates were "Service Packs" instead of "Patches" - presumably for compliance etc. (new functionality can be added in "Service Packs" and not "Patches" - I am told) Come 8.0, it seems "Patches" are back - does anyone know if the policy has changed back to pre-7.6.xx era? Or there could be 8.0 Service Packs and Patches as well? Thanks, _ARSlist: "Where the Answers Are" and have been for 20 years_ _ARSlist: "Where the Answers Are" and have been for 20 years_ _______________________________________________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at www.arslist.org "Where the Answers Are, and have been for 20 years"
