Chris Warticki's Blog - Oracle Support

Today's topic: the recently revised Database, FMW, and OCS Software Error Correction Support Policy Version 2.0 MetaLink Note:209768.1

I'll admit, this recent revision almost got by me.  It's been 4 years since it's been updated and it needed to be.  It's a
must read.  This clarifies why Support
often requests customers to apply the latest patchset, or why a certain fix
cannot be backported.

The HOT sections of this document
Which Patch Sets Will Oracle Create New Fixes On?

Patch Sets Only For Supported Releases

Not All Patch Sets Ported

Critical Patch Updates Only For Supported Patch Sets

Criteria For Considering Interim Patch Requests

Which Patch Sets Are Eligible For Interim Patches?

Typically, we don't review 'Policies' until there's some sort of emergency like DeSupport/Obsolescence, Patch problems, Product defects or whatever.  Who really reads this stuff before the contracts are signed anyway? Right?

Oracle's Lifetime Support Policy is a must read. Understand it and review frequently because it changes often.
Oracle Support's - Technical Support Policies provides the details of the whos-whats-wheres, and hows of Oracle Support delivery.

Don't get me wrong. These aren't short documents and they can seem confusing. Allow the Customer Support Management team help bring clarity or answer any questions.

For our EBusiness Applications customers:
Oracle Applications Patching FAQ for Release 11i  Doc ID:  Note:457566.1
Oracle Applications Patching FAQ for Release 12 Doc ID:  Note:459156.1