|
Problem(Abstract) |
What is the Java™ SDK upgrade policy for the IBM®
WebSphere® Application Server? |
|
|
|
Cause |
Updating to the latest compatible Java SDK could help you
resolve problems more quickly. |
|
|
Resolving the
problem |
The IBM WebSphere Application Server Java SDK can be
upgraded only to a fix release level of the same Java SDK version. In
other words, all three digits must match.
For example, Java SDK 1.3.0 is not the same version as Java SDK 1.3.1. You
cannot install Java SDK 1.3.1 on an Application Server that originally
shipped with Java SDK 1.3.0.
In cases where a version of the Java SDK is no longer supported, such as
Java SDK 1.3.0 that shipped with the IBM WebSphere Application Server
V4.0.2, the Application Server must be upgraded to a compatible version
before upgrading the Java SDK. Installing WebSphere Application Server fix
pack 3 upgrades the Java SDK to 1.3.1.
List
of WebSphere Application Server fix packs and the corresponding Java SDK
versions
Policy Summary by WebSphere Application Server release:
WebSphere Application Server V6.1
Any V6.1 fix pack can upgrade to the latest Java SDK 1.5 service
release packaged for WebSphere Application Server.
WebSphere Application Server V6.0
Any V6.0 fix pack can upgrade to the latest Java SDK 1.4.2 service
release packaged for WebSphere Application Server.
WebSphere Application Server V5.1
Any V5.1 fix pack can upgrade to the latest Java SDK 1.4.1 and any V5.1.1
can be upgraded to the latest Java SDK 1.4.2 service release packaged for
WebSphere Application Server.
WebSphere Application Server V5.0
Any V5.0 fix pack can upgrade to the latest Java SDK 1.3.1 service
release packaged for WebSphere Application Server.
WebSphere Application Server V4.0
V4.0 must be upgraded to at least Fix Pack 3 (V4.0.3) or higher to
apply the latest 1.3.1 Java SDK.
Note: WebSphere Application Server V4.0, V4.0.1, and V4.0.2
shipped with Java SDK 1.3.0. Java SDK 1.3.0 is no longer supported and you
must be at WebSphere Application Server V4.0.3 or above to apply the
latest Java SDK 1.3.1 build.
Details of Java SDK Upgrade Policy
WebSphere Application Server leverages the Java SDK as a base component.
This results in unique support issues, including:
- Matching Java SDK service releases to Application Server
releases and fix packs
- Delivering updates and fixes associated with the Java SDK
on any given Application Server release.
In an effort to resolve customer Java SDK situations as quickly as
possible, WebSphere Application Server Support has done a
quickest-path-to-resolution analysis, determining the most direct way to
collect problem information.
In some cases, problem resolution might include finding shortcuts to
resolve symptoms. One shortcut is an immediate upgrade to a newer
compatible Java SDK service release, before gathering detailed problem
determination data.
There are multiple advantages to performing an immediate Java SDK upgrade
as a quicker path to resolution over a full Problem Determination (PD)
process:
- There is a continuous stream of fixes going into the Java SDK. Many
problems encountered by customers are resolved by these fixes.
- When a new problem is encountered, applying the latest Java SDK is a
quick way to determine if related fixes change the symptoms or correct the
problem.
- Many documented Java SDK fixes have common symptoms. Frequently,
limited PD data does not isolate the problem to a single root cause.
These factors highlight the advantage of applying a newer Java SDK before
working through a full PD cycle.
Java SDK and WebSphere Application Server software are updated frequently.
To avoid compatibility issues for customers, WebSphere Application Server
Support maintains this Java SDK Upgrade Policy.
Identifying compatibility limitations between WebSphere Application Server
releases and Java SDK service releases that have not been tested together
reduces risk.
Important: Using a Java SDK not specifically packaged with
WebSphere Application Server and supplied by IBM, or in violation of the
Java SDK Upgrade Policy, is not supported by IBM WebSphere Application
Server Support for Java SDK problems. |
|
|
|