The naming conventions for the different types of releases
have been changed slightly to clarify the type of release being
discussed. The terms used to describe or refer to the releases are:
Mainline Release
A mainline release involves the recompilization and reintegration of
all software release components (FOS, SLT, and SUBSYS tapes). The release
number is changed (for example, 6.0 or 6.5) and the update "UU" field of
the V.UU.FF is changed. There are two types of mainline releases:
Platform and Non-Platform.
Platform Release
A platform release (previously also known as a "core" release) is a
subset of a mainline release. Typically, the release number ends with a
"0" such as 6.0. Platform releases are
automatically distributed to all customers with support
contracts.
Non-Platform Release
A non-platform release (previously known as a "major" release) is a
subset of the mainline release. The release number typically ends with a
"5" such as 6.5. Non-platform releases must be
explicitly ordered by customers.
Both platform and non-platform releases can be referred to as
mainline releases when not discussing distribution or
extended support life.
The following matrix provides information on the supported
Commercial Systems MPE/iX mainline releases. It lists the currently
supported releases and the SPUs they are supported on. The matrix
also provides all known factory support termination dates. When a
mainline release becomes unsupported, the factory will not provide
any support services for that release. Online calls are not accepted
and patches are not created; customers are advised to roll to a
supported release.
In general, HP will support the two most recent mainline
releases.
In order to facilitate customers moving to new releases, we will
support the oldest release for at least six months after the new
release ships. In other words, Release "N-2" will still be supported
for at least six months after Release "N" ships.
The release of an Express Release or a Powerpatch on any
particular release does not extend its support life.
Given the rate with which we ship releases, this new strategy
implies that any particular release will be supported for at least
three years, and in most cases, most releases will be supported
for a significantly longer period of time.
This new strategy is effective now. This implies that Release
5.5 will become obsolete as early as six months after Release 6.5 ships.
Table 8-2 Supported System Release Matrix