Re: error correction desupport?

Susan Lam wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> We are using 8.1.7 rdbms and we need to make a decision of whether to
> upgrade to 9i. Version desupport is one of our concern. According to
> oracle, 8.1.7 "error correction" will be desupported in dec 31, 2003.
> What exactly does that mean? Does it mean they won't release patch to
> fix error but we can still get general tech support? And what is the
> difference between "Extended Assistance Support" and "Extended
> Maintenance Support"? Thanks.
>
> Product Version(s): 8.1.7 (8i) & 8.1.7.x (8i)
> Desupport End Dates:
> Error Correction Support (ECS): 31-DEC-2003
> Extended Assistance Support (EAS): 31-DEC-2006
> Extended Maintenance Support (EMS): 31-DEC-2005
>
> Susan

When a product is first released you get ECS - ie, find a bug and Oracle will fix it either by including it in a patchset or a specific patch for you if the need is significant enough.

After a while, this becomes EAS, you can phone and get help, advice etc, but if you find a bug, then oracle are under no obligation to fix it unless you can reproduce it in a later version which is still under ECS (ie you have to upgrade).

If you've got money to burn, you can pay oracle to extend the ECS for just you (this is EMS). For another 'n' months/years, you can still get that bug fixed in your current release. In my opinion, this is money wasted.

hth
connor Received on Wed Feb 12 2003 - 02:14:35 CST