1
OpenVMS Software Installation and Upgrade
Release Notes
This chapter contains information that you must know before installing or
upgrading to OpenVMS Version 8.4. Topics of interest to both Alpha and
Integrity server users are covered first. Later sections group notes of interest to
users of specific platforms.
HP recommends that you read the following manuals before installing or
upgrading OpenVMS Version 8.4:
• HP OpenVMS Version 8.4 Release Notes (this manual)
• HP OpenVMS Version 8.4 New Features and Documentation Overview
• HP OpenVMS Version 8.4 Upgrade and Installation Manual
For more information about associated products, see Chapter 2 and for hardware
release notes, see Chapter 6.
1.1 HP Software Technical Support Policy
HP provides software technical support for OpenVMS operating system software
for the latest, currently shipping version and the immediate prior version of the
product. Each version is supported for 24 months from its release date, or until
the release of the second subsequent version, whichever is greater. ‘‘Version’’ is
defined as a release containing new features and enhancements. Patch kits and
maintenance-only releases do not meet the definition of ‘‘version’’ in the context of
this support policy.
Current version-level support (Standard Support or SS) and Prior Version
Support (PVS) for OpenVMS operating system software is provided for OpenVMS
versions in accordance with these guidelines. The current level of support for
recent versions of OpenVMS Integrity servers, OpenVMS Alpha, and OpenVMS
VAX is kept up to date at:
http://h71000.www7.hp.com/openvms/openvms_supportchart.html
The Operating System Support Policy applies to all OpenVMS major releases,
new feature releases, and enhancement releases, which are defined as follows:
• Major Releases for OpenVMS contain substantial new functionality. The
version number increases to the next integer (for example, from 8.3-1H1 to
8.4).
Application impact: OpenVMS internal interfaces have changed. Although
binary compatibility will be maintained for the majority of applications,
independent software vendors (ISVs) should test on the new version and may
need to release a new application kit. Some application partners may want
to release a new application kit to take advantage of new features in the
operating system.
OpenVMS Software Installation and Upgrade Release Notes 1–1
