Product Readmes
Abstract
IBM Business Automation Workflow and IBM Integration Designer adhere to a Single Stream Continuous Delivery (SSCD) Software Support Lifecycle Addendum.
Content
Available and future Single Stream Continuous Delivery updates
Single code stream
Business Automation Workflow (BAW) and IBM Integration Designer (IID) are published using a Single Stream Continuous Delivery model, meaning a single version is offered with an indeterminate amount of future updates by way of frequent SSCD update releases. This means that cases can be opened for any SSCD update on this single stream that is not more than two (2) years old or supported LTSR releases.
If you are on a non-LTSR update level that is more than two years old or an LTSR release which has reached end of support, you must move to a more current update to request IBM Support to investigate a problem that you report. There will be no End of Support (EOS) Announcements for specific versions since each update level ages out of support automatically.
If the offering itself is withdrawn, IBM will announce (formally) the EOS at least 12 months in advance and may offer a Support Extension. For any specific SSCD though, you may consult the table below for its end of support date.
SSCD Updates
A Single Stream Continuous Delivery (SSCD) update is used to deliver new product features as well as defect fixes (APARs). Business Automation Workflow 22.0.1 and earlier were supported with new fixes until two releases were available. Beginning with Business Automation Workflow 22.0.2, each SSCD update will be eligible to receive Interim Fixes for newly discovered issues for 7 months from release. The SSCD updates are delivered as a single package and are usually released two times a year. To stay current, avoid being impacted by known defects and security vulnerabilities, and take advantage of the latest product features, upgrade to the latest SSCD update or an active LTSR.
An SSCD update is installed as a single update package. The profile and database update steps are automated as part of installing the product and starting the server, though you must verify installation success. Manual steps will be necessary when there are database schema changes between the source level of the current update and the target update. For more information, see the technical documents that accompany each release.
IBM Business Automation Workflow 23.0.2 is a SSCD update which will have a custom support lifecycle which will differ from prior releases. (see table below for details on specific dates for all releases). IBM is currently planning a new lifecycle policy to start in June 2024.
Interim Fixes
Interim fixes between SSCD updates are released only for critical defects, and are provided as an installable fix on top of a specific update. Beginning with Business Automation Workflow 22.0.2, new interim fix builds for eligible critical defects will be provided only on SSCD updates less than 7 months old or any active LTSR, and you are always expected to upgrade to one of these to ensure you are eligible to receive interim fixes for critical defects. Interim fixes are included in and replaced by the next scheduled SSCD update when it is released.
- The only scenarios in which an interim fix is either published officially on Fix Central or can be requested from IBM Support are:
- Defects that have a critical business impact
- Regressions introduced by a former interim fix or SSCD update
- Security vulnerabilities
- Both interim fixes solving regressions and security vulnerabilities are proactively published by IBM Support on Fix Central, and all recommended fixes should be applied to ensure a stable and secure environment.
- All non-critical fixes will be included in the next available SSCD update once the fix has been completed.
- IBM Support might offer an interim test fix to customers to verify that a code fix is working and solving the problem. Do not install interim test fixes on production environments. The final official interim fix is included in the next SSCD update.
Note: New functional updates are not made available for previously released SSCD update packages and LTSRs, only defects can be back ported.
Single Stream Continuous Delivery update roadmap and availability
When an SSCD update is published, it includes all the features and fixes from previously published updates. Older updates are removed and announced on a regular interval basis.
Under this addendum
- Beginning with Business Automation Workflow 22.0.2, SSCD updates that are not declared as an LTSR will be fully supported for a period of seven months after release. This means that they are eligible for interim fixes, security updates, and other proactive maintenance packages.
- After seven months of full support, there will be a period of 18 months with continuing support where only usage and known defect assistance are provided. During this 18 month period, interim fixes, security fixes, and proactive maintenance are not provided.
- There is no option for paid extended support for non-LTSR SSCD update packages.
- Interim fixes published on Fix Central and the Live Repository are not removed and remain officially available to be downloaded.
The following are reasons and characteristics for offering an LTSR:
- Frequent releases might not be suitable for all customers. This the primary reason for offering an LTSR option.
- An LTSR is supported for a longer period of time to help customers when frequent functional updates might not be practical and a longer-term deployment is more suitable.
- IBM plans to declare LTSRs approximately every two years.
- LTSR releases will be fully supported for a period of three years after their release date. Interim fixes, security updates, and other proactive maintenance packages are available during this time.
- Following three years of full support, one year of extended support (ES1) is provided at no additional charge. During this time, critical reactive interim fixes are available, but not any proactive maintenance packages or proactive security updates. (This does NOT apply to 20.0.0.2 or earlier LTSRs)
- Following ES1, one additional year of optional paid extended support (ES2) may be offered at IBM's discretion. Only critical reactive interim fixes would be provided during this phase of the lifecycle. There will not be any proactive monthly maintenance packages or monthly proactive security updates.
- During ES1 and ES2, critical reactive interim fixes are provided for defects that have a critical business impact or regressions introduced by a former interim fix or SSCD update.
- There will be a one-year period of overlap where two LTSR releases are fully supported.
- Full Support: Support cases can be opened. Interim fixes for defects, security updates, and other proactive maintenance packages are available.
- Continuing Support: Support cases can be opened to receive assistance with usage and known defects. However, interim fixes, security updates, and other proactive maintenance packages are not available.
- Extended Support: Support cases can be opened. Critical reactive interim fixes are available. Proactive maintenance packages and security updates are not provided. This is available only for LTSR releases, with one year of ES1 extended support provided at no additional charge and potentially an additional paid year of ES2 extended support which may be available at IBM's discretion.
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IBM Business Automation Workflow
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Publish date | Usage support expires | New fix builds for critical defects available until | Update or LTSR | Comment |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 23.0.2 | 2023-12-15 | Critical defect fixes will be available for at least two years (with an announcement to be published at least one year before termination). | Update | ||
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 23.0.1 | 2023-06-23 | 2025-06-23 | No (7 months) Ended: 2024-01-23 |
Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 22.0.2 | 2022-12-16 | 2024-12-16 | No (7 months) Ended 2023-07-16 |
Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 22.0.1 | 2022-06-24 | 2024-06-24 | No (2 releases) Ended 2023-06-24 |
Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 21.0.3 | 2021-12-17 | 2025-12-17 | Yes Proactive: 2024-12-17 On request: 2025-12-17 |
LTSR | Complimentary service extension through 2025-12-17 included. Also applies to Recommended Security Update: IBM Business Automation Workflow 21.0.3.1). |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 21.0.2 | 2021-06-25 | 2024-12-17 (See Comment) |
No (2 releases) Ended 2022-06-25 |
Update | Usage and known defect support extended through 2024-12-17 (No service extension is available.) |
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IBM Business Automation Workflow
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Publish date | Usage support expires | New fix builds for critical defects available until | Update or LTSR | Comment |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 20.0.0.2 | 2020-12-18 | 2023-04-30 | No Ended 2023-04-30 (except with extended support.) |
LTSR | Paid support extensions available through 2024-04-30. |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 20.0.0.1 | 2020-06-26 | 2023-04-30 | No Ended 2021-06-25 |
Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 19.0.0.3 | 2019-12-12 | 2022-10-31 | No (extended support option expired 2023-10-31) |
LTSR | Paid support extensions available through 2023-10-31. |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 19.0.0.2 | 2019-06-27 | 2021-06-27 | No | Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 19.0.0.1 | 2019-04-04 | 2021-04-04 | No | Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 18.0.0.2 | 2018-12-13 | 2020-12-13 | No | Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 18.0.0.1 | 2018-07-06 | 2020-07-06 | No | Update | |
| IBM Business Automation Workflow 18.0.0.0 | 2018-03-23 | 2020-03-23 |
No
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Update |
An IBM Integration Designer SSCD update might accompany a new SSCD update for IBM Business Automation Workflow. This table shows all SSCD updates for IBM Integration Designer:
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IBM Integration Designer
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Publish date | Usage support expires | New fix builds for critical defects available until | Update or LTSR | Comment |
| IBM Integration Designer 23.0.2 | 2023-12-15 | Critical defect fixes will be available for at least two years (with an announcement to be published at least one year before termination). | |||
| IBM Integration Designer 23.0.1 | 2023-06-23 | 2025-06-23 | No (7 months) Ended: 2024-01-23 |
Update | |
| IBM Integration Designer 22.0.2 | 2022-12-16 | 2024-12-16 |
No
ended 2023-06 |
Update | |
| IBM Integration Designer 22.0.1 | 2022-06-24 | 2024-06-24 |
No
ended 2023-06 |
Update | |
| IBM Integration Designer 21.0.3 | 2021-12-17 | 2024-12-17 | Yes Proactive: 2024-12-17 On request: 2025-12-17 |
LTSR | |
| IBM Integration Designer 21.0.2 | 2021-06-25 | 2023-06-25 | No | Update |
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IBM Integration Designer
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Publish date | End of support (full+continuing) |
Eligible for new interim fixes | Update or LTSR | Comment |
| IBM Integration Designer 20.0.0.2 | 2020-12-18 | 2023-12-14 (2024-12-14 with Extended support option) | No (since 2023-04-30, without paid extension) |
LTSR | Paid support extensions available through 2024-04-30. |
| IBM Integration Designer 20.0.0.1 | 2020-06-26 | 2022-06-26 | No | Update | |
| IBM Integration Designer 19.0.0.2 | 2019-06-27 | 2023-03-31 | No (since 2023-03-31; without paid extension)) |
LTSR | |
| IBM Integration Designer 18.0.0.2 | 2018-12-13 | 2020-12-13 | No | Update | |
| IBM Integration Designer 18.0.0.1 | 2018-09-21 | 2020-09-21 | No | Update |
End of Support for Desktop Process Designer
Business Automation Workflow packages the 8.5.7 desktop Process Designer, however the support lifecycle of desktop Process Designer is not tied to the support lifecycle of Business Automation Workflow. The support lifecycle for desktop Process Designer is instead covered by IBM Business Process Manager Tools and Add-Ons 8.5.x. For more information about End of Support (EOS) date announcements, see the linked software lifecycle page.
The EOS date for IBM Business Process Manager Tools and Add-Ons was 30 April 2021, meaning that a support extension is required for assistance with the desktop Process Designer. Customers are recommended to migrate to using the web based Process Designer. For recommendations when migrating to use of the web Process Designer, see: Converting from desktop Process Designer to web-based Process Designer .
IBM reserves the right to modify this addendum at any time and will communicate any modification and exceptions with a product announcement, a general addendum announcement, a support flash, or other form of IBM announcement. For additional information about the product-level support lifecycle, such as the end-of-support date, see the links at the bottom of this page prefixed by "Software lifecycle".
Business Automation Workflow and IBM Integration Designer Software Support Lifecycle Addendum (here)
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Modified date:
05 March 2024
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ibm10871252