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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
This graphic illustrates a sample timeline of LTS and Non-LTS models.