Java ES System Release Types

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:

Feature Release

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

Maintenance Release

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