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IBM Cloud Pak for Data Software Support Lifecycle Addendum

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IBM Cloud Pak for Data will transition to a non-standard support lifecycle. Using the VRMF definition, “R” (releases) will be treated as a continuation of their parent “V” (version) lifecycle and will not have their own separate 2+1 lifecycle. As such, the 2+1 CD support policy will reset only when a new version is released. This change will be in effect starting this release for 4.5.
Starting with version 4.0.0, Cloud Pak for Data uses a continuous delivery support policy to provide new functions and enhancements more frequently, along with security updates and defect fixes on a monthly basis. 
  
Policy details
IBM Support is provided for all Cloud Pak for Data updates that are less than 2 years old. If you report a problem and you are using an update that is more than 2 years old, you are advised to move to a more recent update to obtain support. Support for a version means that, with that version, clients are eligible to receive the deliverables described by Passport Advantage. It does not mean that IBM will deliver fixes for every version that is currently supported. 
Security and defect fixes are delivered via monthly updates ("M" in V.R.M). Thus, customers seeking to obtain these fixes are  required to update to the latest monthly update. As such, we advise customers to use the newest version of Cloud Pak for Data that is available. 
   
   
What kinds of releases does CPD have?
Release Type Numbering Format What Frequency
Major ("Major release") V.R.M (i.e. 4.0.0) Significant functional changes. May involve migration. Restarts IBM's 2+1 support cycle. Roughly every 2 years
Minor ("Minor release") V.R.M (i.e. 4.5.0) New functionality. Does not reset support lifecycle. Roughly twice a year (unless there is a major release scheduled instead)
Monthly ("Monthly update") V.R.M (i.e. 4.0.1) Defect and security fixes only. Every month
The most important thing to note here is that minor releases (V.R.M) do not reset the support cycle for Cloud Pak for Data. We consider minor releases as part of the same code stream as the previous major release (e.g. 4.5.0 is on the same code stream as 4.0.0). After 4.5.0 is released, there will not be any more 4.0.x monthly releases. Instead, defect and security fixes for the 4.R.M code stream will take the form of 4.5.X. Along those lines, 4.5.x goes out of support at the same time as 4.0.x. 

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 June 2022

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ibm16593147

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