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Software Release Definitions and Entitlements for Solaris OS

 

This information guides you through the terminology used for Solaris Operating System (OS) releases, updates, and related entitlements based on Solaris OS Software licenses' and Sun Service Plans' (Solaris Subscriptions or SunSpectrum Service Plans) terms and conditions.

 
 
Definitions
  • Solaris Named Releases:
    Named Releases include significant functionality changes. Although Named Releases may have kernel improvements, no changes are made to the Solaris Application Binary Interface. Solaris Named Releases have a number change such as Solaris 9 to Solaris 10. These releases occur approximately every 2 to 3 years.
  • Solaris Updates:
    For each Solaris Named Release, Sun may offer several Solaris Updates; these are designed to provide new functionality in a controlled manner. Although new functionality may be present, no interface changes or major changes to any existing feature code are included. The result of these controls is binary compatibility between Solaris Updates of the same Named Release. Solaris Updates contain the software packages included in a Named Release, and may include Software Updates. Solaris Updates may also contain new software. A licensee can use a Solaris Update to install the Solaris OS on a new system or to upgrade a system that is already running an older Named Release. In either case a license and entitlement must be obtained from Sun. Solaris Updates are identified by a date after the related release number, e. g. Solaris 9 9/05 OS.
  • Software Updates:
    Formerly referred to as patches, these include fixes and features for Solaris in the form of Security Updates, New Hardware Driver Updates, Data Corruption Updates, Availability Updates, Non-Critical Updates and Feature Updates. These are updates that fix (or patch) existing software components by revising or adding a new feature.

Note: In the Service Lists the Software Enhancement Releases and the Maintenance Releases refer to Solaris Named Releases and Solaris Updates, respectively.

 
 
Entitlement

The Solaris OS Software License Agreement (SLA for Solaris 10) and the Solaris OS Binary Code License (BCL for Solaris 8 and 9) when combined with the appropriate entitlement documents entitle the customer to use the Solaris OS software (and the related Solaris Updates, where appropriate) under the respective terms of the licenses. Neither the SLA nor the BCL entitle a Customer to use subsequent Solaris Named Releases or Software Updates for the Solaris OS. Rather, a Sun Service Plan or other license is required in order to use Solaris Named Releases and Software Updates for the Solaris OS. The right to use Solaris Named Releases for Solaris 10 OS may be obtained by registering the system with Sun.

Customers with a current Sun Service Plan (e.g., SunSpectrum Service Plan, Solaris Subscriptions, or Sun Software Service Plan) are entitled to use Solaris Named Releases and Software Updates for the Solaris OS to the extent of the Service Plan (i.e., only for covered systems). For further information on the features of Sun's Service Plans including a description of the Technical Support deliverables, visit Sun Software Service Plans and SunSpectrum Service Plans.

 
 
Purchasing a Sun Service Plan

Sun Service Plans may be purchased via one of the following:

Overview Table
Software
Applicable License*
Entitlement Obtained From
Source for Software
Solaris 10 (Named Release)
Software License Agreement for Solaris 10
Available for no charge (registration required). Upgrades from previous Solaris Named Releases to Solaris 10 OS are included as part of your Sun Service Plan.

Included as a preinstall for certain systems.

Media available via download from the Sun Download Center

Media kits may be purchased from the SunStore, the Sun Catalog, Sun Sales, and certified Sun Partners.

Solaris 8 and 9 (Named Release)
Binary Code License or Software License Agreement
May be purchased as part of a system or as a stand alone product. Upgrades from previous Solaris Named Releases to Solaris 8 OS or Solaris 9 OS are included as part of your Sun Service Plan.

Media kits may be purchased from the SunStore, the Sun Catalog, Sun Sales, and certified Sun Partners.
Solaris Updates
Related Solaris OS license
Original SLA or BCL
As stated above
Software Updates for the Solaris OS
Based on related Solaris OS license and granted through a related Sun Service Plan.

Requires the purchase of a:

  • Solaris Subscription
  • SunSpectrum Service Plan
(with the exception of Security Updates, Data Corruption Updates, and select Hardware Driver Updates that are available without a Sun Service Plan)
Sun Update Connection or SunSolve
 
 
 

* Some users may have a custom license agreement. Please check your specific license to confirm your rights and obligations related to the Software.

For more information regarding Solaris Subscriptions, please contact your local Sun Sales representative or registered partner.

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