Development and deployment version levels

When you try to determine the version levels of IBM Business Automation Workflow or IBM Business Automation Workflow that you need in your environment, your decision depends on the version levels that were used when your applications were developed.

Various actions are supported when version mismatches exist between the development tools (IBM Process Designer and IBM Integration Designer) and the runtime servers.

Note:
  • The term earlier supported versions refers to applications and artifacts that were generated in an earlier product that has runtime migration or upgrade support to this product version.
  • For snapshots from earlier supported versions, it is recommended that you update the system toolkits to the latest levels. To use new features or apply defect fixes, you must update the toolkits.
  • For EAR applications from earlier supported versions, it is recommended that you migrate your project interchange files (PIs) to the latest version of Integration Designer and regenerate your EAR files. For more information, see Migrating IBM Integration Designer artifacts.

Snapshot content and Process Designer

Version levels for snapshot content:
  • Each IBM Workflow Center version level (including cumulative fix levels) has a specific Process Designer version level that it supports. This required version can be downloaded from the version of Workflow Center that supports it. Version mismatches between Workflow Center and Process Designer are not supported.
    Note: See the development tools section of the IBM Business Automation Workflow detailed system requirements to determine the specific Process Designer version associated with a particular Business Automation Workflow or IBM Business Automation Workflow version.
  • Version 8.5.0 and later versions of IBM Process Center as well as Workflow Center can connect to an online IBM Workflow Server at the current version level.
  • Workflow Center at the current version level cannot connect to a Workflow Server at an earlier version level (including cumulative fix levels).
  • You can import and deploy snapshots from earlier supported product versions to IBM Business Automation Workflow servers at the current product version level.
  • You can't import or deploy snapshots from Workflow Center at the current version level to IBM Business Automation Workflow servers from earlier product version levels (including cumulative fix levels).

Advanced content and Integration Designer

Version levels for advanced content:
  • To connect to Workflow Center, Integration Designer must meet the IBM Business Automation Workflow detailed system requirements.
  • EAR applications originally created on earlier supported versions can continue running on or be deployed to the current version.
    Note: You must use version 7.0 or later of WebSphere Adapters.
  • EAR applications that are generated in the current versions of Integration Designer or IBM Business Automation Workflow are not supported for deployment to earlier server levels that do not support the same Integration Designer level.
  • PI files from earlier supported versions can be imported into the current version of Integration Designer.
  • PI files that are created in the currently supported Integration Designer version cannot be imported into earlier Integration Designer versions.