Deprecated, stabilized, superseded, and removed features

If you are migrating from an earlier release of WebSphere® Application Server, you should be aware of the various features that have been deprecated, stabilized, and removed since Version 6.x.

Deprecated features
WebSphere Application Server uses the V.R.M.F naming scheme, where
  • V = version
  • R = release
  • M = modification
  • F = fix pack
For example, 8.5.0.1 refers to version 8, release 5, modification 0, and fix-pack 1. It is also common to use "version" to prefix a particular release, modification, or fix pack—"version 8.5" when referring to a release, for example, or "version 8.5.0.1" when referring to a fix pack.

If a feature is listed in Deprecated features as deprecated, IBM® might remove this capability in a subsequent release of the product. Future investment will be focused on the strategic function listed under Recommended Migration Actions. Typically, a feature is not deprecated unless an equivalent alternative is provided. A feature is not removed until at least two full years from the release in which that feature is deprecated. In rare cases, it might become necessary to remove features sooner; such cases are indicated clearly and explicitly in the descriptions of these removed features in Removed features.

For information on features that have been deprecated in this and earlier releases of WebSphere Application Server, read Deprecated features.

Stabilized features

If a feature is listed as stabilized, IBM does not currently plan to deprecate or remove this capability in a subsequent release of the product; but future investment will be focused on the alternative function listed under Strategic Alternative in Stabilized features. You do not need to change any of your existing applications and scripts that use a stabilized function; but you should consider using the strategic alternative for new applications.

For information on features that have been stabilized in this release of WebSphere Application Server, read Stabilized features.

Superseded features
Stating that a feature is superseded indicates that a new feature or combination of features might provide an advantage over using the superseded feature. For example, new features might be used in place of the superseded feature in order to reduce the server footprint by excluding content that might not be necessary. The new feature or features might not completely replace the function of the superseded feature; therefore, you must consider your specific needs before deciding whether to change your configuration. Superseded features remain supported and valid for use in your configuration; the superseded label simply provides an indication that you might be able to improve your configuration.

For information on features that have been superseded in this release of WebSphere Application Server, read Superseded features.

Removed features

For information on features that have been removed in this and earlier releases of WebSphere Application Server, read Removed features.