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Erlend_123973's avatar
Erlend_123973
Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
Jan 24, 2016

Can I expect issues to be addressed in version 12.0.0?

Hi,

 

I am wondering if I understand the following correctly. Does the bold text imply that product defects, security fixed, diagnostics and support improvements, and new support wont be addressed in 12.0.0?

 

I am uncertain if I should recommend for a client to wait for the long term stability release 12.1.0 before upgrading.

 

https://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/5000/900/sol5903.html

 

Beginning with BIG-IP 12.0.0, F5 has moved to an alternating Major Release/Long Term Stability Release model.

 

For major releases (x.0.0), the Standard Support phase begins with the first customer ship date of the release and extends until the first maintenance release of the subsequent long term stability release (x.1.1) or 15 months (whichever is shorter). When either of these milestones is reached, the major release has reached its End of Software Development (EoSD) phase. For example, the BIG-IP 12.0.0 Standard Support phase will either end upon the release of 12.1.1 or after 15 months from the release of 12.0.0 (if 12.1.1 has not been released). BIG-IP ASM attack signature files are updated for major releases until the release reaches its EoSD phase.

 

Each x.1.0 release marks the start of the long term stability release. The initial release (x.1.0) contains new features, stability improvements, and new hardware support. Subsequent maintenance releases (x.1.1 to x.1.n) address product defects, security fixes, diagnostic and supportability improvements, and new hardware support. Software Development support activities will occur only on the latest maintenance release of each long term stability release (x.1.latest) while the long term stability release is within the Standard Support phase. The Standard Support phase for the long term stability release begins with the first customer ship date of the x.1.0 release and extends for five years. BIG-IP ASM attack signature files are updated for maintenance releases until the associated long term stability release reaches its EoSD phase.

 

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  • Hannes_Rapp's avatar
    Hannes_Rapp
    Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
    Jan 24, 2016

    12.0 Provides the latest advanced features at the cost of slightly higher risk on stability. If your client requires some of the features only available in 12.0, go for the latest. In other cases, as a default choice, you should generally recommend your clients to pick the latest stable release (11.5.3 HF2 as of today).

     

    Your question: I am wondering if I understand the following correctly. Does the bold text imply that product defects, security fixed, diagnostics and support improvements, and new support wont be addressed in 12.0.0?

     

    Not entirely accurate. Any issues, such as software bugs and vulnerabilities will be addressed in case of short-term releases, however, the duration of continuous development and support is generally less than in case of long-term releases (n.1.x). As of today, end of technical support date is not stated for 12.0, but you can safely expect to receive technical support for 12.0 for at least until 2020.