Sun's Patch Process

Beginning with the release of Identity Manager 7.1 Update 1, updates containing major and critical customer-reported bug fixes are now delivered through a patch process, which replaces the older hot-fix process.

Patches are developed, tested, and released in six-week intervals. These patches have a GUI installer as well as a manual installation option, and they update the files in /WEB-INF/lib . Instructions for installing the patch will be included in the patch Release Notes, which are distributed in PDF format. Any fixes to the Gateway or to Password Sync will be described in the Release Notes and will require updating with the installation of the patch.

Identity Manager patches are cumulative, so you can expect fewer problems with unique fixes. You should plan to update to the latest patch level when installing or upgrading to a major or minor release. For example, if patch 3 is available when you install or upgrade to 8.1, you should apply patch 3 after installing or upgrading to 8.1. You would not be required to install patches 1 and 2 because patch 3 contains all the functionality in the previous patches.

The patch process also makes it easier for you to track a fix by its actual bug number. However, it is still possible that a fix made against an older version may not yet be available in a newer version. Regardless of which process your current version of Identity Manager follows, you must confirm that the new, target Identity Manager version contains all of the bug fixes that you need.

When a new patch is released, an announcement is sent to all of customer support. Patches are available through customer support. Please contact Sun customer support at http://www.sun.com/service/online/us for the latest patch available.