CPU patch lifetime

Our application (predominantly based on Forms and Reports) uses Oracle Database and OAS/FMW.  We have 2 versions of our app that we consider current, one is based on 10gR2 and the other is based on 11gFMW/11gR2 database.

We routinely certify our application to patchsets and CPU patches applied to both pieces of infrastructure.  We were in the process of preparing for a CPUOct2011 certification only to find that the database patch was pulled and the recommendation was to go with CPUJan2012.  However, OAS 10.1.2.3 isn't available as the Oct was the terminal CPU.

THis put something into focus for me.  Oracle for the last few product versions will release the terminal patchset for a major version without including F&R.  Those who manage lifecycles clock on the patchset, not on the product content, so Forms gets a much shorter working lifetime.  They have already done this for 11gR1, so our customers that are moving to that version will also experience this all too soon.