Macromedia has released an updater for ColdFusion MX 6.1. When talks first surfaced about updates to ColdFusion, it was expected that ColdFusion MX 6.1 Updater would be a minor release, resolving bugs and security flaws. This is not the case with the updater Macromedia decided to release. Included are not only software and security fixes; but components that the company says will improve the application's functionality on a number of levels.

Tim Buntel, Product Manager for ColdFusion, recommends all ColdFusion MX 6.1 users install the updater. He said, "Updating is the best way to get your CFMX 6.1 installations up to date and many of the included fixes have not been available elsewhere. We do recommend that all ColdFusion MX 6.1 customers install the Updater as it should enhance the performance, stability, and security of your ColdFusion applications."

There are a number of programming bugs that the release addresses. For added convenience, fixes for these bugs that have been available separately, as well as all security patches released since July, are bundled together in one offering. New releases of DataDirect JDBC drivers and JIntegra COM support are here as well, along with JRun Updater 3 (for ColdFusion server configurations only).

It should be noted that the updates are available only for ColdFusion MX 6.1. Macromedia is advising all ColdFusion MX owners who have not upgraded to 6.1, to do so. This upgrade, as well as the MX 6.1 Updater, is free and can be downloaded from Macromedia's Web site.