A Java ES release is a consolidation of individual Java ES component releases that are synchronized and collected in a single distribution that can be used for initial installation and upgrade.
The Java ES release model specifies two general types of Java ES releases: feature releases, which can include all levels of component releases, including major and minor releases, and maintenance releases, which can include only update and point-fix releases.
The two types of Java ES releases have the characteristics described below:
The primary purpose of a feature release is to deliver new features and functional capabilities. While specific components within a Java ES feature release might be only update or point-fix releases, the purpose of the release is to deliver major or minor component releases. A Java ES feature release has the following general characteristics:
The release can introduce significant interface changes, new dependencies, and/or incompatibilities with respect to Java ES components
The release requires a longer planning cycle prior to adoption
Upgrade to the release generally requires reconfiguration and/or migration of component data
The release can involve significant impact or risk
The primary purpose of a maintenance release is to fix bugs in the software, so that components work as originally documented. New features are limited in number and highly constrained. A Java ES maintenance release cannot include major or minor component releases, only update and point-fix releases. A Java ES maintenance release has the following general characteristics:
The release cannot introduce significant interface changes, new dependencies, or incompatibilities with respect to Java ES components
The release allows for quick adoption
Upgrade to the release requires no reconfiguration or migration of component data
The release involves minimal impact or risk