In the rapidly evolving world of enterprise cloud computing, keeping your systems up-to-date with the latest software releases can be daunting. However, understanding the different types of release cycles offered by Nutanix for its Acropolis Operating System (AOS) can help you make more informed decisions about upgrading and maintaining your IT infrastructure. Nutanix offers three main types of releases: Long Term Support (LTS), Short Term Support (STS), and Extended Short Term Support (eSTS), each designed to meet different operational needs and stability requirements.
Long-term Support (LTS): This is the cornerstone for customers looking for stability and minimal disruption. These releases are primarily focused on bug fixes with minimal introduction of new features. An LTS release is maintained for a longer duration, typically between 12 and 15 months, with three months of maintenance following the release date of the next LTS upgrade. This cycle is ideal for customers who prefer a release family with an extended support cycle and are cautious about frequent system changes.
Short Term Support (STS): Designed for environments that value cutting-edge features over long-term stability. STS releases have a 3- to 6-month cadence, including new features and bug fixes. These are maintained until the next release, which qualifies as an upgrade, followed by three months of support from the end of maintenance. STS is suitable for customers who are keen on adopting new features quickly and are comfortable with upgrading their systems multiple times a year.
Extended Short Term Support (eSTS): This offers a middle ground between LTS and STS. It is a One-time release that provides new features and is maintained for 12 months following the release date, with an additional three months of support after the maintenance period ends. eSTS is tailored for customers who desire new features but prefer not to upgrade as frequently as STS requires.
Choosing the Right Release Type
The choice between LTS, STS, and eSTS depends on your organization’s needs for stability, access to new features, and the frequency at which you can perform upgrades. For instance:
- LTS is best suited for organizations that require robust stability and longer intervals between upgrades. This option minimizes the risks associated with frequent changes while ensuring long-term support for critical systems.
- STS is ideal for those who need to stay on the cutting edge of technology with regular updates and improvements. This option allows organizations to leverage new capabilities as soon as they become available.
- eSTS offers a compromise, providing newer features with a slightly longer support term than STS. It suits those who want new features but don’t want to upgrade multiple times yearly.
| Type | Release Cadence | Support Cycle | Current AOS Release | Upgrade Paths* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTS | 12 to 15 months | Maintenance until the next release is an upgrade & 3 months of support from the end of maintenance | 6.5.x | To the next STS-supported upgrade path OR To the next LTS-supported upgrade path |
| STS | 3 to 6 months | Maintenance until the next release is an upgrade & 3 months of support from the end of maintenance | 6.7 | To the next STS-supported upgrade path OR the next LTS-supported upgrade path |
| eSTS | One-time release | To the next STS-supported upgrade path OR the next LTS-supported upgrade path | 6.8 | To the next STS-supported upgrade path OR the next LTS-supported upgrade path |
Summary: Navigating the complexities of software updates and choosing the proper release cycle is crucial for maintaining an efficient, secure, and stable IT environment. Nutanix’s diversified approach to software releases through LTS, STS, and eSTS allows businesses to align their IT infrastructure management with operational requirements and risk tolerance. By understanding the specifics of each release type, organizations can better plan their upgrade strategies and optimize their cloud operations effectively.
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