Enhanced security & user experience with recent eDelivery product updates

eDelivery sample products have evolved a lot in 2023. In our quest for better serving our users, here's a summary of the recent developments in the eDelivery product suite. 

Domibus: making upgrades & operations safer

Starting with Domibus, one of the main improvements introduced in version 5.1.1 is the way we handle database upgrade scripts, which are essential for smooth version upgrades. In the past, the process for fixing bugs in upgrade scripts was such that it was not always clear to users which scripts they should use. We changed the process to address this issue. 

The upgrade scripts are now independent from the Domibus releases, having their own lifecycle and respective versioning. This means that users benefit from better clarity and support when things go wrong. This also makes the scripts more easily maintainable. 

We have also been busy with fortifying security. Releases such as Domibus 5.0.7 (out in November) and 5.1.2 (planned for 18 December) address an ActiveMQ vulnerability. Note that before releasing both patch versions, we had guided our community on the necessary precautions related to the reported ActiveMQ vulnerability. 

In the pipeline for Q2 2024, we are working to prepare the release of Domibus 5.2. This update will be largely a technically focused one, introducing Java 11 support, improving performance and preparing the group for upcoming cryptography changes. 

DomiSMP: revamped interface and expanded functionality

DomiSMP has introduced version 5.0 in June. This major release addresses security vulnerabilities and introduces a new user interface. This update also adds more functionality for administrators, such as better control over record updates and delegation of rights. Moreover, version 5.0 supports more document types, ensuring compatibility and flexibility for different use cases. 

To showcase these changes, we will publish a video in early 2024 as part of an upcoming series of similar presentation videos. 

We are already working on DomiSMP 5.1, planned for late 2024. It will include more features and enhancements based on your feedback and industry trends. Some of the features we are planning to add are the docs-as-code approach to documentation, more integrations with third-party applications and services, and more customisation options. 

DomiSML: focused maintenance and future aspirations

In the realm of DomiSML, the version 4.3, released in October 2023, brings a maintenance-oriented update, bolstering validation support and incorporating new cryptographic elements. 

The roadmap ahead, specifically targeting DomiSML 5.0 for 2025, anticipates compliance with an updated BDXL standard, presenting both technical and business-oriented features. 

Towards a more accessible future 

Our eDelivery sample products are continuously evolving to meet the community's needs. We aim to maintain a good balance between features, security and quality, all the while catering to a growing and more demanding ecosystem. 

Here is a visualisation of our roadmap for the eDelivery sample products:

For a detailed roadmap, see Release calendar of eDelivery sample software. 

Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us, and we look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and eager to learn more about how we can serve you better.