Most services packs require support entitlements. Security patches do not require support entitlements. The services packs that require the support entitlement are licensed service packs. If the License Required field is set to yes in the ReadMe file then the service pack is the licensed service pack. When you apply a licensed service pack, the service pack publication date is checked against the SED in the Communication Manager license file.

If the service pack publication date is after the SED, Communication Manager blocks the service pack installation and System Manager displays the following error message:

Command Failed: Service Pack publication date is after the Support End Date in the license file.

If the service pack publication date is on or before the SED, the service pack is allowed and is installed on Communication Manager.

If the License Required field is set to yes in the ReadMe file but there is no SED value in the license file then Communication Manager does not perform the SED or Publication Date check. However, you can apply the service pack. Later, if you want to install the license file with a SED value and the SED is before the publication date, you cannot apply the service pack. Communication Manager blocks the service pack installation. Any previously installed service pack with a publication date after the SED in the newly installed license file will not cause license errors.

If the License Required field is set to no in the ReadMe file, the service pack is not a licensed service pack. A service pack that does not require a license does not have a publication date and no Guardian check of the SED is performed when service pack is applied.