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Here is a practical, current-state guide to help you navigate IBM Rational ClearQuest (CQ) support in late 2025.
The information is based on our accumulated knowledge in supporting ClearQuest customers over decades, as well as IBM’s “Software Product Compatibility Reports” for recent updates (link is below).
What ClearQuest releases are currently supported?
IBM’s active ClearQuest streams today are 10.0.x and 9.1.0.x. The newest generally available release is ClearQuest 10.0.8 (GA on August 21, 2025). The 9.1 stream is still maintained; the latest fix pack there is 9.1.0.9 (also August 21, 2025). If you’re back on 9.0.1, note that IBM marked that stream effectively end‑of‑support in 2021 (final FP was 9.0.1.14)
What operating systems are currently supported by ClearQuest?
ClearQuest server and clients are supported on Windows and Linux. IBM’s explicit de‑support note (2020) removed older OS families, which effectively sets today’s minimums as follows:
- Windows (server): Windows Server 2016 and newer: Windows Server 2019 and 2022. Windows 2012/2012 R2 are discontinued.
IBM also discusses TLS/cipher posture for Windows Server 2019 and 2022, indicating active support on those platforms. - Windows clients (desktop): Windows 11 (64-bit).
Windows 10 (64‑bit) remains the baseline; earlier Windows 7/8/8.1 are discontinued. (The de‑support note also calls out 32‑bit Windows 10 as dropped, which implies 64‑bit only going forward.) - Linux (server/desktop): RHEL 8 and 9 are in scope; RHEL 9 is supported from CQ 10.0.3 onward (with specific OS packages required). IBM’s 2020 notice explicitly discontinues support for RHEL 5/6 and early RHEL 7 (7.0 – 7.1), so plan on RHEL 8+ or 9.
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15 SPx (x86_64)
What databases are currently supported?
ClearQuest supports Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM Db2 as vendor databases (with Microsoft Access allowed for samples/test).
The following versions are supported:
- Db2 11.5 or newer
- SQL Server 2017 or newer
- Oracle 12cR2/18c/19c or newer
What clients are currently supported?
IBM’s current focus for ClearQuest is on two primary clients:
- the browser‑based ClearQuest Web client
- ClearQuest rich client (Eclipse‑based).
What browsers are currently supported?
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
Use the most current MS Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox; don’t use IE
What WebSphere Application Server (WAS) levels are supported?
ClearQuest Web is deployed on IBM WebSphere Application Server (traditional).
Current IBM bulletins for CQ reference WAS 9.0 (9.0.5.x fixpacks); you should track IBM security advisories and apply the corresponding WAS iFix/APAR levels (e.g., guidance around 9.0.5.19 SSL plug‑in keystore and security CVEs).
ALM Toolbox is a certified IBM partner that’s specialized in ClearQuest and ClearCase.
Our company helps clients maintain and support ClearQuest. Services include managed services, creating upgrade plans, providing hands-on issue resolution, managing migrations to and from ClearQuest, and integrating the software with third-party applications via API.
Contact us: clearquest@almtoolbox.com or call us: 866-503-1471 (USA / Canada)
