Release Notes for Enterprise Service Management and Digital Workspace Platform 12.1 [Technical Release]
About this Release
If you are updating from a previous version, make sure to understand any important or breaking changes, database schema changes and known issues of this release.
Product maintenance for versions 11.0 and 12.0 is affected! Please carefully read information in chapter Product Maintenance.
Functional Changes
This release provides a couple of functional changes - new features and improvements :
Legacy Empirum Connector Removal
Updating the system to version 12.1.0 will remove all artifacts associated with the Legacy Empirum Connector, including its configuration settings. To prevent the loss of important configuration data, please complete the Empirum Connector migration before initiating the System Update to version 12.1.0.
Unified Search activated in Service Desk / Service Catalog
For users, who use Classic Look, Unified Search will be activated by default in the applications for all navigation items in the mentioned applications.
In New Look, Unified Search is activate for Home pages only.
In case, you are willing to go back to previous mode, just deactivate Unified Search in Administration -> Service Desk/Service Catalog application settings
Microsoft Entra ID / Microsoft 365 data provider
Now data provider name is changed to Microsoft Entra ID in product and documentation
Parametrized Filter Expressions
The ability to filter using plain ASQL Where Expressions for the generic data access API can be disabled in the Global System Settings. This is controlled by the option Enable less secure filtering methods for data in REST API requests (not recommended) found in the Security section. For security reasons, it is strongly recommended to ensure that all layouts use only secure filtering methods and to deactivate the deprecated filtering method.
Beginning with version 12.1.0, the "unsafe" filtering method is disabled by default for new installations.
System Prerequisites for Install & Update
For new installations and system updates to v.12.1.0 the minimum required prerequisites are:
- OS: Windows Server 2016 64-bit Operating System or higher
- SQL Server: Microsoft SQL Server 2016 SP3, 2017 or higher.
Prerequisite components that must be updated to 64Bit Windows-compatible components:
- Office System Driver Data Connectivity Component: The system update requires a newer version of the Office System Driver Data Connectivity Component for processing Text and Excel file imports. Previously to process such GDIE processes, the 32-bit Windows system-compatible version was suggested during system installation, but as of v.12.1.0 the Setup & Runtime Redistributables folder has a 64Bit Windows compatible component.
- AccessDatabaseEngine: Starting from DWP v.12.1.0, the system update will not proceed if the 64Bit Windows-compatible component is not installed. In such case, it is necessary to uninstall the component that is compatible with 32-bit Windows systems and install from the redistributable an AccessDatabaseEngine component compatible with 64Bit Windows. It can be found in Setup & Runtime Redistributables → Office System Driver Data Connectivity Components folder.
Keyword search update
Global & Keyword search uses now Display String when searching dataquery with no keyword columns defined. Before the change, all columns were considered during search, what resulted to performance issues.
Action: review all dataqueries without keyword columns defined, and set needed.
Powershell Setup Directives for Packages
The current Configuration Package (Extensions) setup allows for the inclusion of Powershell scripts that are executed during the installation or uninstallation of an Extension. However, due to the significant security risks associated with this feature, it has been decided to gradually phase out support for Powershell scripts. The deprecation will follow these stages:
| 12.1.0 | Powershell script controls will be removed from the Configuration Project dialog. Existing Powershell scripts tied to Configuration Project objects will remain intact and will continue to be included when the package is exported. |
| 12.1.1 | Installing Extensions with Powershell setup directives will be disabled in M42Cloud |
| 12.1.2 | The Configuration Project export will no longer include Powershell scripts in the package. Powershell scripts will also be ignored during the installation of Extensions. |
Obsolete Components Removal
In version 12.1.0, we made a comprehensive cleanup of obsolete and deprecated components. Please review the table below to ensure that your System(-s) are not impacted by these changes.
| Component | Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AppFabric Workflow Engine |
The discontinued Workflow Execution Engine based on Microsoft AppFabric will be removed. Update to 12.1.0 will not be available on a System with active AppFabric Workflow and Workflow Instances. Follow the guide on Workflows Migration to prepare your Matrix42 Systems for the update. | ||||
| Hostcommon Workflow Engine |
The first Workflow Engine hosted in the HostCommon process. |
||||
|
DTS Connector Framework |
The first version of the Connector Framework was later fully replaced with Data Provider Connector Framework. The clean up includes also removal of the "M42Staging" database. |
||||
| Matrix42 Engine Common X86 (Windows Service) |
The Windows Service “HostCommon x86” is installed on Application Server, and designed to execute tasks which require x86 windows components, like DTS or ODBC connectors. | ||||
| Matrix42.Packaging | Legacy technology for delivering the customizations. Not supported starting from the version 9.0. Related Powershell Cmdlets
WmInstalledPackages, WmInstalledPackages are removed. |
||||
| Database |
|
Legacy tables have been removed from the database. Old versions of the SchemaViewer component may interrupt the update to 12.1.0. To avoid issues, please ensure SchemaViewer is updated to the latest version.
Display Expression for Person
The display expression for Person shown in the UUX changed to "<FirstName> <Lastname>"
Controls marked ad Obsolete
"Prominent Search" and "Search" controls are discontinued and not supported anymore. "Global Search Manager" is recommended for use instead of these controls. In layouts where they are used, they are automatically replaced with "Global Search Manager". No additional changes are required.
Security Enhancements with NuGet Packages Update
As part of our ongoing commitment to software security and reliability, we are pleased to announce an update of NuGet packages to latest and greatest version. This update focuses primarily on enhancing security measures to safeguard against emerging vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with the latest security standards.
We've upgraded dependencies to their more secure, latest versions as a preventive measure against known security flaws.
These updates contribute to a more secure environment for our products and provide our users with peace of mind when deploying and managing their applications. We strongly encourage all users to update to the latest package version to benefit from these enhancements.
Packages updated:
- System.IdentityModel.Tokens.Jwt 4.0.40306.1554 -> 6.35.0.0
- Microsoft.IdentityModel.Tokens -> 6.35.0.0
- Newtonsoft.Json 13.0.2.0 -> 13.0.3.0
- Microsoft.Web.Infrastructure 1.0.0.0 -> 2.0.0.0
- System.Memory 4.0.1.1 -> 4.5.5
- StackExchange.Redis 2.2.50 -> 2.7.33
- Matrix42.STS 1.0.0.27 -> 24.0.1.0
- Microsoft.Owin 3.1.0.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.Owin.Security 3.1.0.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.Owin.Security.OAuth 3.1.0.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.Owin.Host.SystemWeb 3.1.0.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.Owin.Security.Cookies 3.1.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.Owin.Security.Jwt 3.1.0 -> 4.2.2.0
- Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi 5.2.3.0 -> 5.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.Client 5.2.3.0 -> 5.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.Core 5.2.3 -> 5.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.WebHost 5.2.3 -> 5.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.Mvc 5.2.3 -> 5.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.WebPages 3.2.3 -> 3.2.9
- Microsoft.AspNet.Razor 3.2.3 -> 3.2.9
- log4net 2.0.7 -> 2.0.17
New packages added by dependencies:
- Microsoft.Bcl.AsyncInterfaces 1.1.0
- Microsoft.IdentityModel.Abstraction 6.35.0
- Microsoft.IdentityModel.JsonWebToken 6.35.0
- Microsoft.IdentityModel.Logging 6.35.0
- System.Buffers 4.5.1
- System.Numerics.Vectors 4.5.0
- System.Runtime.CompilerServices.Unsafe 4.7.1
- System.Text.Encoding 4.3.0
- System.Text.Encodings.Web 4.7.2
- System.Text.Json 4.7.2
- System.Threading.Tasks.Extensions 4.5.4
- System.ValueTuple 4.5.0
Removed dlls:
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraChart.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraGauge.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebCalcManager.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebGrid.DocumentExport.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebGrid.ExcelExport.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebGrid.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebListbar.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebMenu.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebTab.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebToolbar.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.UltraWebTree.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebCombo.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebDataInput.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebDateChooser.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebHtmlEditor.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebNavBar.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebSchedule.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebScheduleDataProvider.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.WebSpellChecker.v10.2.Design.dll
- Infragistics35.Web.Design.v10.2.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.Design.v10.2.dll
- Infragistics35.WebUI.Misc.v10.2.Design.dll
Azure AD becomes Microsoft Entra ID
Azure AD is renamed to Microsoft Entra ID in product and documentation
Self Service Portal landing
With the release 12.0.5, new landing page for Self Service Portal get introduced. It is automatically set for new instances, and during update, when there were no changes made to standard one. We highly recommend to switch to new landing for better user experience as described.
For better User Experience we suggest moving announcement's embedded image to dedicated field, introduced in this update.
New Look
This release provides a couple of functional changes for New Look user interface, that behave differently that in the past:
- The behaviour for opening views from Landing, Dashboards or Tiles gets changed: they are opened Full Screen. In case, you prefer previous experience you can swich back in settings
- Global Search modernized
- Keyboard Hotkeys
- Greeting user by name at landing
See functional changes for other improvements details
Action Required: Adopt the "New Look"
We encourage all users to familiarize themselves with the "New Look" at your earliest convenience. The updated interface is designed to enhance usability and streamline your workflows. We understand that changes in software can require adjustments, and we are here to support you during this transition.
We Need Your Feedback
Your feedback is crucial to us. As you integrate the "New Look" into your daily operations, please share any feedback or issues that might hinder your use of the product in production environments. Your insights are invaluable in helping us refine and improve our offerings. Please direct your comments and concerns to product@matrix42.com. Thank you for your attention to this update and for your continued support as we strive to serve you better. We look forward to your feedback and to assisting you in this transition to a more modern and efficient interface.
License Usage
In this release, we've implemented License Usage Report, an-app comprehensive report, that is designed to help tracking license utilization and identify over-usage effortlessly is available in the administration area.
In addition, System diagnostics rules has been reviewed for letting administrator be aware of overusage.
We suggest marking application usage purpose in the administration settings by specifying the correct Environment Type: Production, Test or Development. Selecting the correct value is crucial for accurately calculating license utilization and determining any potential overusage.
This information will be considered in License Usage Report
Data Telemetry
In 12.0.3 release, we've implemented data telemetry to capture anonymous usage metrics of our software. This feature strictly collects non-personal data related to the usage and performance of the software, ensuring user privacy is fully respected. This will aid in enhancing future updates and overall user experience.
See the "Supplementary data protection information on the transmission of so-called telemetry data"
System Metering
Since 12.0.1 System Metering engine can not be deactivated. In case of been deactivated in the past, System Metering will be automatically turned on during update.
Secure Token Service as a default mechanism for authentication
The Secure Token Service is the only available option for authentication. STS will be automatically enabled for existing installations. There will be no possibility to deactivate the option. In addition, Force SSL option will be set. It means that when someone opens the console or the portal with the HTTP URL, they will be redirected to the HTTPS URL.
New Workflow Engine
Matrix42 introduced a new Workflow Engine to execute the Workflows to replace Microsoft AppFabric. Workflows don't have to be adjusted and the migration will happen automatically in the background. For more details please check Workflow Engine.
Workflow activity "Export to SQL Lite" does NOT support Worker technology but AppFabric. This activity is declared as deprecated and will be removed with next release.
The new Technology is based on the Matrix42 Worker Technology. A free subset of the Matrix42 Worker Technology is automatically be made available to all customers with and without the Digital Workspace Platform (DWP) Subscription with the Q3/2021 Release.
No additional license certificates have to be installed.
For Customers with the Digital Workspace Platform (DWP) Subscription additional features are available beyond the ones based on the soon to be discontinued technology.
|
Q1/2020 |
(Technical Preview) Migration of the Custom Workflows and Custom Workflow Activities should be started. See the Workflows Migration help article for a step-by-step guide. |
|
Q2/2020 |
The new Workflow Engine can be used for Production Systems for Customers with a Digital Workspace Platform (DWP) Subscription. |
| Q4/2020 (10.0.3) |
All Workflow Activities provided with the standard Matrix42 products are fully compatible with the Worker Technology. |
| Q3/2021 (10.1.1) |
The Matrix42 Worker Technology is effectively the standard execution engine for all Workflows. All Workflows that have compatible Worker Workflow Activities are automatically running on the new Technology for all Customers with and without the Digital Workspace Platform (DWP) Subscription. Workflows containing incompatible Activities are highlighted in the administrative area, the System Diagnostics, and in the Setup Wizard. Microsoft AppFabric will be still used to execute them as a fallback. See the Workflows Migration help article for a step-by-step guide in case a Workflow is highlighted to you containing Workflow Activities that are not compatible with the new Worker Technology. For new installations, Microsoft AppFabric is no longer required. |
|
Q3/2022 |
The Workflow Execution Engine based on Microsoft AppFabric is being discontinued and no more supported. |
| Q3/2024 |
The discontinued Workflow Execution Engine based on Microsoft AppFabric will be removed. All non-compatible custom Workflow Activities have to be migrated to the Worker Technology before running an update. Workflows containing incompatible Activities are highlighted in the Setup Wizard. Follow the guide on Workflows Migration to prepare your Matrix42 Systems for the update. |
Updating from previous versions
Important and breaking changes
Please review important or breaking changes that have been made since your currently installed version has been released.
Solved Problems
Please check solved problems that are relevant to you since your currently installed version has been released.
Known Errors
Known issues that will be fixed with first hotfix:
1. (Bug 476382) Data query error for Service Catalog manager in New Service Catalog dashboards
Workaround: Set Audience for Data Queries "Order Article", "Service Booking Per Month" to be available for Service Catalog manager
VSA Basic Extension reporting missing license
The VSA Basix extension might report a missing license after updating to version 12.0.4.
This issue can be resolved by re-installing the extension.
For any further known errors from previous versions check known errors that are relevant to you since your currently installed version has been released.
Database Schema Changes
Please check database schema changes that have been made since your currently installed version has been released.
Supported Versions
The setup program can be used to update existing installations of product version 8.0.2 or higher.
Please refer to this article for more information about support status of previous product versions.
Dependencies with Add-ons
If you have any add-ons from Matrix42 Marketplace installed, please check compatibility with the corresponding publisher before installing this version.
License Management Background Processing
The legacy background processing for license management for license requirements and entitlement will be removed as of next release (12.0.1) and new background processing will be applied to all systems as the only option. The new background processing is based on workflows, is available as an option since 2020 and performs much faster.
Product Maintenance
Product maintenance for versions 11.0 and 12.0 is affected! Please carefully read information below.
With this release we align our product maintenance and support practice with the business terms we introduced a few years ago without officially implementing them.
What is changing?
Previously, we provided maintenance for both, the current version of our software and the previous version. Moving forward, we will now fully align with our business terms and only offer product maintenance for:
- The current version of our software (i.e. 12.1)
- Any older versions only within a period of 18 months after their release
Why is this change happening?
This adjustment helps us ensure that we are offering the most secure, efficient, and up-to-date solutions for your business. By focusing our resources on the most recent versions, we can better support you with new features, security updates, and faster issue resolution.
We understand that this may represent a shift, and we are here to assist you during this transition.
What is the new maintenance status of previous versions?
|
Version |
Released |
Maintenance Status (availability of fixes) |
Support Status (availability of helpdesk assistance) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11.0 |
February 2022 |
Expired as of October 2024 (no further fixes available) |
Active until April 2025 |
|
12.0 |
May 2023 |
Active until April 2025* |
Active until October 2025 |
* According to business terms, maintenance would normally expire as of 11/2024. We extend this deadline as a goodwill gesture, due to the short-term notification of this change.
Is there any impact on the long-term support version (LTSB)?
This change does not apply to LTSB. Customers with a premium support subscriptions may continue to use version 11.0.2 and will receive fixes on request.
Next steps
If you are currently using version 11.0 or 12.0, we recommend upgrading to the latest version 12.1 early enough so that you continue receiving full support.
General Information and Resources
Available information and resources about the product:
Technical Information
- System Requirements
- Hardware Sizing Recommendations
- Installation and Configuration Instructions
- Product Download (Matrix42 Marketplace)
Make sure to install latest available version, available on product download page on Matrix42 Marketplace (see above)
Help and Training
- Online Help Software Asset Management
- Online Help Service Management
- Online Help SolutionBuilder
- Training Material (Matrix42 Campus)
- User Forum
Support
If you experience any problems regarding this version, please contact our support team:
Matrix42 Help Desk
Web: https://support.matrix42.com
Mail: helpdesk@matrix42.com
Phone: +49 (69) 667 738 222
General information about Matrix42 support services can be found here: https://www.matrix42.com/en/customer-success/support
Other Resources
- Product Improvement Community (Matrix42 Idea Portal)
- Guideline for Product Usage incl. Maintenance Status (Matrix42 Website)