Clarification about "Require users to update the client" and Meeting SDK

[andrew.sosna (Andrew)]

Our team is facing an issue with the “Require users to update the client”

One of our clients has the “Require users to update the client” setting enabled for their account, and our software which is utilizing Zoom macOS SDK v5.7.6.1333 cannot connect to a meeting anymore, getting an error ZoomSDKMeetingError_ClientIncompatible. When that client temporary disables that setting our application connects successfully, so it looks like this setting affects both Zoom client applications and applications using Zoom SDK.
We will update Zoom SDK to the latest version, but because SDK and Zoom client application releases are not simultaneous we may be become blocked again until Zoom SDK is updated, and the client cannot keep "“Require users to update the client” disabled for security reasons

What’s the process for companies like ours utilizing Zoom SDKs to update their software in a timely manner and avoid service disruption when a new version of SDK is released? Is there a way to know in advance when current SDK will become deprecated so that we can prepare and switch to the latest SDK?

Which Desktop Meeting SDK version?
Meeting SDK for macOS v5.7.6.1333

[jon.zoom (Jon)]

Hi @andrew.sosna,

As of SDK version 5.9.0, we are closely aligned with the Zoom client’s versioning. This means that whenever a new client version is published, you can expect the SDK to push out a new version. In the event of a version of the SDK no longer being supported, we will send out advance warning to all developers using our SDK. You should also take the 9 month release window (currently on hold until further notice) into account, as it will have a significant impact on SDK apps when it goes into effect in the future.

Thanks!

[andrew.sosna (Andrew)]

Hi @jon.zoom, thank you for the answer, I have some questions to follow up:

1. When the 9-month rule is applied, will it be affected by the “Require users to update the client” setting SDK, in other words will users be able to opt-out of this rule?
2. Currently, with the 9-month rule on hold, when “Require users to update the client” is enabled and no specific version is set, then only the latest client and the latest SDK are allowed to join, and that is what happened for our application: we still use SDK 5.7.6.1333 so we can’t join meetings that belong to such accounts, right?
3. When a new client application and the SDK are released, does this release immediately affects “Require users to update the client” and applications using Zoom SDK are blocked immediately, or maybe there is a delay to allow developers to update the SDK, test and release an updated application, which may take days?
4. Are there beta-releases of Zoom SDK so that developers can download it in advance, test new features and be prepared to update the SDK as soon as it is released to minimize disruptions or their applications?
5. You said “we will send out advance warning to all developers using our SDK”, how will this warning be distributed? I guess via an email, sent to the address from our application’s " Developer Contact Information", right?

Thanks, Andrew.

[jon.zoom (Jon)]

Hi @andrew.sosna,

When the 9-month rule is applied, will it be affected by the “Require users to update the client” setting SDK, in other words will users be able to opt-out of this rule?

Unless something changes in how the 9 month window will be implemented, it will not be possible to opt out. The setting you are referring to could further the limitation of which versions can join a meeting, but the limitations imposed by the 9 month window will be global.

Currently, with the 9-month rule on hold, when “Require users to update the client” is enabled and no specific version is set, then only the latest client and the latest SDK are allowed to join, and that is what happened for our application: we still use SDK 5.7.6.1333 so we can’t join meetings that belong to such accounts, right?

If there is no specific version set for a given platform (i.e. this setting is set to no limitation), then that platform is exempt from this account setting. As mentioned above, global requirements still will apply no matter what.

When a new client application and the SDK are released, does this release immediately affects “Require users to update the client” and applications using Zoom SDK are blocked immediately, or maybe there is a delay to allow developers to update the SDK, test and release an updated application, which may take days?

This setting is not automatically updated, so the scenario you are describing would exist if the user changes this setting to require the latest version.

Are there beta-releases of Zoom SDK so that developers can download it in advance, test new features and be prepared to update the SDK as soon as it is released to minimize disruptions or their applications?

We do not have a public beta program for the Meeting SDK at this time.

You said “we will send out advance warning to all developers using our SDK”, how will this warning be distributed? I guess via an email, sent to the address from our application’s " Developer Contact Information", right?

That is correct. In addition to the email we will send to the email associated with your developer account, we have an announcements page on our documentation site.

Thanks!