IBM DataPower Gateway firmware support lifecycle

IBM® DataPower® Gateway is a purpose-built gateway that provides security, traffic control, mediation, and optimized access to a full range of mobile, web, application programming interface (API), service-oriented architecture (SOA), B2B, and cloud workloads. It supports multi-cloud deployment and is available in Docker container, Linux application, VMware virtual machine, and physical appliance form factors.

IBM provides flexible support options to meet the needs of your business and minimize any business impact. The IBM DataPower Gateway end-of-service support policy applies differently between hardware and firmware.

Hardware

DataPower physical appliances are supported for a minimum of five years, starting at the General Availability (GA) date of the new product. Beginning with the 8436 models, standard appliance service and support is available for five years from the end-of-marketing (EOM) date as described in the IBM Appliance Support Guide.

End-of-service information for appliances is available on the Lifecycle dates for the DataPower appliances page.

Firmware

Businesses are building modernized digital platforms to drive innovation and disruption within the industry. IBM DataPower Gateways are a core component in these platforms and it needs to deliver new business functions to keep pace with business innovation.

Effective with version 7.6, the firmware delivery model for the DataPower Gateway introduces a Continuous Delivery (CD) model to accelerate delivery of new capabilities to meet market demand. As part of the CD model, the product has two release delivery models: a CD model for rapidly delivering new functions and a Long-Term Support (LTS or LTSR) model for delivering key security updates and defect fixes.

CD release

• Provides incremental new functions on a regular cadence. CD update packages are intended for customers that want to use the newest features and capabilities and can update the product frequently.
• Released approximately one time per quarter.
• Only the most recent update package is supported at a specific time until this release stream is promoted to an LTS release. After promotion, no previous CD update packages are supported. There is no extended support plan available for any CD update package.
• New functions, defect fixes, and security updates are all made available through a CD update package. Product fixes, as determined by IBM, are provided through individual product fixes only on the most recent CD update package.

LTS release

• In the initial release, includes the functions introduced in previous CD update packages and new functions that were not in these CD update packages.
• Provides defect fixes and security updates but does not add new functions in fix packs. LTS releases are intended for customers that require the highest levels of stability.
• Released approximately one time per year.
• Supported for a minimum of 2 years. There is no extended support plan available for any LTS release. IBM publishes a notice of support discontinuance (end-of-service) for an LTS release at least 12 months before the effective date.

Note: DataPower Gateway customers can use the following table to track how long their version and release of a particular firmware level is supported. By using the information in this table, customers can effectively plan their firmware investment without gaps in support.

Notes:

• Information about current DataPower firmware versions is available on the Supported firmware versions and recommended levels for IBM DataPower Gateways products page.
• Refer to the Contacting Support page for how to reach IBM DataPower Gateways Support.
• Customers are responsible for completing migration activities to currently supported levels before a release level reaches end-of-support.
• Short duration support extensions are available on a case-by-case basis, for an extra fee, immediately following the end-of-support for a specific firmware level. Extensions would be for a limited time period with limited terms and conditions. An extension is intended to provide support while customers complete their migration to a supported release.