Products that support IBM Spectrum Virtualize software follow a continuous
development release model, beginning with IBM Spectrum Virtualize 8.4.0.
You can choose from the long-term support (LTS) model that remains stable and only receive
security and defect fixes with no incremental functional enhancements. The other option is the
non-long term support offering that receives regular updates with fixes and new features. Each
update incrementally delivers new capability and defect fixes.
Long-term support (LTS) LTS users demand the highest levels of stability with updates
during the support period containing fixes to identified problems and vulnerabilities. LTS users
prefer stability and a longer horizon. LTS updates provide PTFs for security and defect fixes, but
do not provide new functionality. LTS releases will be offered approximately every 1 - 2 years.
Non-long term support Non-LTS users prefer to receive the new functions as they are made
available throughout the year. Non-LTS users prefer to exploit the latest features and capabilities
of IBM Spectrum Virtualize without waiting for the
next LTS release cycle. Non-LTS releases are offered approximately every few months.
Important: After you move to a new Non-LTS release, you are unable to move back to a previous
release.
This figure describes a
continuous development model with both options. Figure 1. Release
types
