Resolution | How to interpret RSA Archer software version strings
In various locations in the product, Archer software version strings such as 6.4.10100.1051 may be seen. In other locations such as Product Documentation and RSA Link Knowledge Base Articles, a different notation is used such as 6.4 SP1 P1 which shows software Major & Minor version, Service Pack Version and Patch version.
Example of Archer Software Version Strings:
When you check the Archer logs you may see something like this 6.4.10100.1051:<AssemblyVersion> 6.4.10100.1051</AssemblyVersion> 
In order to interpret this in Major & Minor version, Service Pack Version and Patch version notation, the string needs to be broken down into the following components:
6.4.10100.1051 6 = Major 4 = Minor 1 = Service Pack (SP) 01 = Cumulative Patch Release (CPR) 00 = Hotfix (HF) 1051 = Build
In the above example, the version is Archer 6.4 SP1 P1
When you login to Archer User Interface using a Web browser, you will see the version of Archer at the bottom of the page. In the example screenshot below, it shows as version 6.4 SP1 P1
What is the difference between Archer Software Cumulative Patch Releases (CPR) and Service Packs
For example, what is the difference between Archer 6.4 P3 and 6.4 SP1? Patch Releases are used to correct existing issues (for example correcting an existing functionality which is not working as expected due to a software defect). Cumulative Patch Releases (CPR) are released monthly and contain only bug fixes and no enhancements. Service Packs deliver new functionality to a software version as well as include bug fixes. So while waiting for new functionality to be delivered in 6.4.1, customer may apply SP1 to 6.4 in the meantime.
Service Packs and Software Patches can be considered independent releases (they are maintained as separate code branches). As a result, you can't assume that SP1 was released after SP0+P3. So customers sometimes need to choose when upgrading whether new functionality or fixing an existing issue is the priority. If seeking correction of an existing issue, always refer to the release notes of either the Service Pack or Software Patch to see what is included. |