Upgrade Paths and Support Policies

Waveset Upgrade Paths

To determine the upgrade path you must follow when upgrading to Waveset, see Oracle Waveset Upgrade Paths in Oracle Waveset 8.1.1 Release Notes. Generally, use the latest available patch or service pack for the version to which you are upgrading.

Using nonstandard upgrade techniques is strongly discouraged because serious, nonobvious consequences can result.

The standard upgrade process performs steps that are necessary to convert existing repository objects into the format that the newer version of Waveset expects. In particular, the updater programs that are shipped with this version of Waveset contain special logic that preserves the original meaning and behavior of these objects. Each updater program updates a specific type of configuration object, and each updater is invoked by an ImportCommand within update.xml or within a file that update.xml includes. Updated versions of preexisting objects often use slightly different mechanisms than those used in the sample objects that ship with the new Waveset version.

If you are upgrading Waveset, you must follow the required upgrade path noted in Software Support and Software Deprecation Policies in Oracle Waveset 8.1.1 Release Notes. The updater programs that are shipped with each version of Identity Manager and Waveset work only with that version.

Simply comparing the objects that are produced by importing the new init.xml file with the objects that are produced by importing the old init.xml file is not a sufficient way to detect the changes that must be made in order to upgrade existing repository objects. Comparing these two sets of objects is a quick way to estimate the effort associated with an upgrade, but the standard upgrade path is the best way to achieve a safe and complete upgrade.

End of Service Life for Software Support

For details about the End of Service Life (EOSL) policy for Waveset software see End of Service Life for Software Support in Oracle Waveset 8.1.1 Release Notes.

Waveset Deprecation Policy

For details about the deprecation policy for Waveset software see Oracle Waveset Deprecation Policy in Oracle Waveset 8.1.1 Release Notes.

Deprecations are announced in Chapter 6, Deprecated APIs, in Oracle Waveset 8.1.1 Release Notes.

When upgrading, always check the Release Notes for the new Waveset version to get the latest information about deprecated features.