In general, Active Support Mode for given software product is provided from initial release until availability of the next Major Release. Maintenance Mode Maintenance Mode is the first step in retiring a product. A software product in Maintenance Support Mode is supported with patches. No new feature support will be added. Publications are not updated, with the exception of critical information associated with a patch.
Critical service is provided as contracted.
In general, Maintenance Support Mode for a given software product continues for at least 18 to 24 months. However, the duration of the Maintenance Support Mode period can vary greatly from product to product or from platform to platform. Retired Mode A software product in Retired Support Mode is not supported with patches or updates of any kind. No new features, updated publications, or training is provided. Critical problem support can be negotiated by special contract, in which case reasonable effort consultation can be provided.