---
title: Release notes
description: PingIDM (IDM) software provides centralized, simple management and synchronization of identities for users, devices, and things. IDM software is highly flexible and therefore able to fit almost any use case and workflow.
component: pingidm
version: 8.1
page_id: pingidm:release-notes:preface
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingidm/8.1/release-notes/preface.html
keywords: ["Deployment", "Identities", "Compatibility", "Security"]
page_aliases: ["index.adoc", "_@pingidm::index.adoc"]
---

# Release notes

PingIDM (IDM) software provides centralized, simple management and synchronization of identities for users, devices, and things. IDM software is highly flexible and therefore able to fit almost any use case and workflow.

These release notes are written for anyone using the IDM 8.1 release. Read these notes before you install or upgrade IDM software.

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#### [What's New](whats-new.html)

New features and improvements.

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#### [Prepare for Deployment](before-you-install.html)

The requirements for running IDM software in production.

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#### [Compatibility](changed-functionality.html)

Key changes and compatibility with previous deployments.

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#### [Bug Fixes](fixes.html)

Bug fixes, limitations, and open issues.

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#### [Deprecation](deprecated-functionality.html)

Functionality marked for future removal.

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#### [Discontinued](removed-functionality.html)

Removed functionality.