SDL Product Release Policy

November 2017

SDL Product Release Policy
Summary

Product Definitions
Products
Inter-product dependency
Modules
Extensions

4455566

Product dependencies

6Impact of New Releases

6Release Types
Version Releases
Cumulative Updates
Hot Fixes
Frequency of Release

Language Technology and Content Alignment
Product Lifecycle Support Stages
Fully Supported
Limited Support
Extended Support
RetiredProduct Support Statement
Content Products
Language Technology Products
Appendix: 1aContent Products
Language Technology Products

77788888888109`9110110110

Appendix: 1bStatement on Recent Product Name Changes
Appendix: 2Tridion 2013 SP1 HR1 Product Support Parameters

About SDL

1112

3SDL Product Release Policy

Summary
The Product Release Policy specifies the length of time support will be available for SDL perpetualsoftware (see Appendix 1). For all hosted, managed and SaaS based SDL software, the SDL ServiceCatalog will apply. Please consult your SDL representative to obtain the SDL Service Catalog.
To ensure you get the greatest value from your support and maintenance contract, we recommend
you keep your software updated / upgraded to the most current release where possible.

4SDL Product Release Policy

This section describes the manner in which SDL defines software products. SDL creates andmaintains a number of products; for a detailed listing of our products to which this policy applies,
see Appendix 1. Please consult our Web site for a full listing of our products, www.sdl.com.
SDL uses the following terms:
ooo

Product: a number of modules that fit together and are implemented together
Module: individual piece of functionality that forms the basis of a Product
Extension: functionality that is built on top of a Product, which could be referred to ascustomization (under a Professional Services engagement) or add-ins

SDL Product A
Module A

Module D

Module B

Module E

Product B

Product CExtension

Extension

Module C

Module F

Figure 1: Example of Products, Modules
and Extensions

Products
Each Product has its own release lifecycle and is developed, tested and released independently toother Products.

Inter-product dependency
Inter-product dependencies may exist between different SDL Products and are typically bound tospecific versions of Products. When a new version of a SDL Product is released, compatibility withdependent Products may be affected. SDL will determine when and whether to update dependent
products in order to maintain the interfaces. The inter-product dependencies of a Product aredescribed in the Release Notes of the relevant Product. Please check the release notes for moredetailed information.

5SDL Product Release Policy

ModulesA Module is a part of a product that offers a distinct piece of functionality and may be priced andlicensed separately. Modules are not released separately. Consequently, Modules do not haveversions. Since Modules are part of a Product, a new release of a Product contains updated andcompatible Modules where relevant.

Extensions
Each Extension has its own release cycle and is developed, tested and released independently fromother Products or Extensions. Extensions may be developed for a particular customer or market, or
may be simple add-ons to existing Products or Modules enabling a particular business requirement.
Extensions may be delivered with or without maintenance, update and support services and fees.

Product Dependencies
Extensions have dependencies on Products (specific versions). These dependencies are described in
the Release Notes of the affected Extension. Please check the release notes for more detailed
information.

Impact of New Releases
In order to innovate, SDL must make changes to the way in which Products function from time totime. To minimize impact on our customers, SDL endeavors to maintain backwards compatibility.
This allows customers to upgrade to new versions of a Product without immediately needing to
make changes to their implementations.
When considering an upgrade to the software we encourage customers to read the Product Release
Notes.
To ensure getting the greatest value from new features and functions of the software as well as theability to receive ongoing support, it is essential to keep the software updated to a fully supported
release, where possible.
The Release Notes of a Product will specify whether modifications to implementations are necessaryand how SDL supports its customers in this process.
When a Product evolves, new functionality may be added or removed. When functionality isremoved, a deprecation notice is provided at least one release prior to the version in which theremoval will occur, ensuring that customers can react and adapt to the changing functionality

6SDL Product Release Policy

This section defines the manner in which SDL defines Product release types. Releases, as deliveredby SDL, affect only Products. Each Product has its own release lifecycle, that is: each Product isdeveloped, tested and released independently to other Products.
There are three release types:oooVersion Release (Major and Minor)
Cumulative Update
Hot Fix

Version Releases
ooooooo

Are identified by the Release Name, which is made up of the SDL Product name followedby the Version Release
Include enhancements in Product functionality and capabilities
Include issue fixes
Are typically self-contained for installation purposes i.e. they do not require any
previous Version Release to be installed. Exceptions to this will be identified in theRelease Notes
May contain enhancements that require adaptations of customers’ implementations
and/or customizations
May contain updates to platform support
May deprecate functionality or platform support

Cumulative Updates
oooooooo

Are identified by a sequential number after the corresponding release and minor version
number (e.g. 7.1.2. – where 7 identifies the major version, 1 identifies the minor version
and 2 identifies the Cumulative Update level).
Contain all Hot Fixes released since the previous Cumulative Update or Version Release(if no previous Cumulative Update has been released).
Can be self-contained for installation purposes, however may require a previous
Cumulative Update to be installed. Exceptions to this will be identified in the Release
Notes.
In general do not include new functionality or functionality enhancements. If minor
functional changes are included these will be identified in the Release Notes.
Do not contain significant changes, so typically do not require adaptations of customers’implementations.
Do not deprecate functionality or platform support.
May contain additions to platform support.
Opposed to individual hotfixes, go through a full regression test cycle like versions.

Cumulative Updates may also sometimes be referred to as “Hotfix Rollups”.

7SDL Product Release Policy

Hot Fixes
Hot Fixes make critical updates available. Customers may request a Hot Fix for a specific critical issue
at any time; however, SDL will make the final decision on whether a Hot Fix is released, based ontechnical complexity, customer business requirements, available workarounds and schedules.
The installation of a Hot Fix requires the latest Cumulative Update for the specific Version Release tobe installed.
Hot Fixes:oooooo

Do not go through a full regression test cycle and are taken at customer’s risk.
Are identified by a number associated with the issue fixed by the Hot Fix.
Are only considered for the correction of blocking issues and are only made available if
the issue has not been fixed in a supported Version Release or Cumulative Update.
Are sometimes built and tested only for a particular customer's environment.
Includes and relevant security updates
Are shipped with a README file that describes dependencies, purpose and installation
details of the Hot Fix.

Frequency of Release
For on-premise products SDL aims to have a predictable frequency for releasing Version Releases
and Cumulative Updates in order to assist customers in planning their SDL product release upgrades.
SDL aims at the following release frequency:ooo

Version Release (Major or Minor):● Content Products: Major releases every 18 to 24 months, minor releases
every 9-12 months● Language Technology: Major releases every 18 to 24 months, minorreleases every 6-12 months
Cumulative Update: released every 6 to 9 months (subject to need)
Hot Fix: on demand and subject to explicit decision

Note: Both major and minor are considered version releases and could contain platform updates,
functional changes, architectural changes, etc. We do not differentiate in what can be in there. The
difference is determined by the potential customer impact (determined by Product Management):o Minor Version: Small impact, “easy” upgradeo Major Version: API changes, a lot of functionality added. Significant amount ofregression expected
This frequency is subject to change at SDL’s discretion.

8SDL Product Release Policy

Product Lifecycle Support Stages
SDL Products advance through the following stages during their Product release lifecycle:

Fully Supported
These releases are actively sold, fully supported and are upgraded through Cumulative
Updates on a regular basis and Hot Fixes are provided when necessary.
Version Releases (for example Release 8.5) will be in this stage for a duration of 2 years fromrelease date.

Limited Support
A versioned release enters Limited Support when a new version is released. In this support
stage, SDL will continue issuing Hot Fixes for defects, and – if required – Cumulative
Updates. SDL will not accept product enhancement requests anymore, and the platform
support matrix will not be changed.
Versions Releases will remain in this stage for a duration of at least 2 years. Subject to SDL’s
discretion SDL may continue the term of the Limited Support Stage.

Extended Support
No further Service Patches or general Hot Fixes will be issued. Support will be given on abest effort basis. Note: Access to this stage will require an additional support agreement
between SDL customer support and the customer to be have been agreed.

RetiredRetired products are no longer supported directly by SDL, ONLY Community Support isavailable.

9SDL Product Release Policy

Type of Support

Fully
SupportedLimitedSupport

Extended Support*(optional)

Retired

Access to online
Knowledgebase andDocumentation (whereavailable)
Security-related updates
Open support tickets
Defects/Hot Fixes
Request to change
product design andfeatures*Extended Support applies to SDL’s Content Products (ONLY) and offers a “best effort” class of service in relation to any of the support types checkmarked in the table above.

Product Support Statement
SDL reserves the right to further continue support. SDL will provide the customer with a 6 monthnotice period of any future changes to support status for its products.

Content Products
Release Status
Active Release
Mature Release
Mature Release
Abated Release
Retired Release

Release Version
Current Major Release
Current Major Release - 1
Current Major Release - 2
Current Major Release - 3
Current Major Release - 4

Support Statement
Fully Supported
Limited Support
Limited Support
Extended Support
End of Life

Note: For SDL Tridion 2013 support statement parameters, refer to Appendix 2.

Language Technology ProductsRelease Status
Active Release
Mature Release
Retired Release

Release Version
Current major release
Current major Release - 1
Current major Release - 210Support Statement
Fully Supported
Limited Support
End of LifeSDL Product Release Policy

Appendix: 1aContent ProductsSDL Web (8.1.1 & 8.5): Web Content Management Solution WCM)
Knowledge Center: Component Content Management Solution (CCMS)

Language Technology Products
Translation Management Solutions (TMS 2011 SP6 – TMS 11.x) and World
Server (WS 10.4.X – WS 11.X)

Appendix: 1b
Statement on Product Name Change(s): SDL Web 8.5 has been renamed SDL Tridion Sites
8.5 and SDL Knowledge Center 13 has been renamed SDL Tridion Docs 13 and is now part ofthe broader SDL Tridion DX suite, which combines the best of Web Content Management(WCM), with DITA-based Structured Content Management to power personalized digital
experiences on a global scale.

11SDL Product Release Policy

Appendix: 2MilestoneStandard Support

Extended Support

RetiredSDL will continue issuing Hot Fixes for defects. SDL
will not accept Product enhancement requests on thisrelease. The platform support matrix will not bechanged nor will updates be made to these platforms.
Access to customer support + SDL Community +online product documentation is included.
No further Service Patches or general Hot Fixes will beissued. Support will be given on a best effort basis.
Note: Access to this stage will require an additional
support agreement between SDL customer support
and the customer to be have been agreed.
Retired products that are no longer supported by theSDL Support Organization ONLY Community Support isavailable.

Tridion 2013 SP1 HR1* Product Support Parameters* SDL reserves the right to further continue support on this release.

12SDL Product Release Policy

SDL (LSE: SDL) is the global innovator in language translation
technology, services and content management. For more than 20years, SDL has transformed business results by enabling nuanced
digital experiences with customers across the globe so they can create
personalized connections anywhere and on any device. Are you in theknow? Find out more at SDL.com.

Copyright © 2017 SDL plc. All Rights Reserved. All company product or service
names referenced herein are properties of their respective owners.

13SDL Product Release Policy