What is End of Availability?

End of Availability is the point when the given product or version will no longer be available. The product line may still be supported; however, older versions will no longer be available for download.

What products or versions are about to reach End of Availability?

The versions of the following products are approaching End of Availability and will be removed in May 2010. Once these are removed, only the latest update to the major release of these products will be available for download.

VMware Virtual Infrastructure products being removed by May 2010:

• ESX 3.5 versions 3.5 GA, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3 and Update 4
• ESX 3.0 versions 3.0 GA, 3.0.1, 3.0.2 and 3.0.3
• ESX 2.x versions 2.5.0 GA, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.1.3, 2.5.3, 2.0.2, 2.1.2 and 2.5.4
• VirtualCenter 2.5 GA, 2.5 Update 1, 2.5 Update 2, 2.5 Update 3, 2.5 Update 4 and 2.5 Update 5
• VirtualCenter 2.0

VMware Virtual Infrastructure products remaining for Extended Support:

These versions will be the baseline for ongoing support during the Extended Support phase. All subsequent patches issued will be based solely upon the releases below.

• ESX 3.5 Update 5 will remain throughout the duration of Extended Support
• ESX 3.0.3 Update 1 will remain throughout the duration of Extended Support
• VirtualCenter 2.5 Update 6 expected in early 2010

As described, the latest releases of each of these products will be available for download. Additionally, any applicable patch releases and critical bug fixes will be made available online in accordance with our published support policy.

 

By removing older releases, VMware is taking proactive steps to create a more sustainable product maintenance line as our older ESX product lines enter the extended support life cycle phase. This measure enables us to baseline all patches and critical fix releases against the latest available products available to users. This translates to faster customer turn-around and greater product stability during the extended support phase.

Are customers forced to upgrade immediately to the baseline release version?

Customers may stay at a prior version, however VMware’s patch release program during Extended Support will be continued with the condition that all subsequent patches will be based on the latest baseline. In some cases where there are release dependencies, prior update content may be included with patches.

How long will customers be able to access the baseline versions?

Baseline versions are being made available now and over the next 1-2 months in the Download center. These baselines will be available through the remainder of the Support Lifecycle.

Can customer access prior versions of these code lines?

No, starting in May 2010, prior released versions, updates and patches will no longer be available for download from VMware.com.

What if customers need access to prior versions?

VMware encourages customers who may need access to prior versions, to download and store backup copies prior to May 2010.

Will customers still be able to access Technical Support for the prior versions?

Yes, VMware will provide technical guidance for the prior versions in accordance with our published support policy.