There are two types of TIBCO Spotfire releases: Mainstream (MS) and Long-Term Support (LTS). As a Spotfire administrator, it is very important that you understand the differences before you choose what type is best suited for you and your users.
Mainstream releases are frequent; currently approximately every 3 months, and were introduced to accelerate the availability of new features for customers that want access to the latest improvements and enhancements as quickly as possible. Hotfixes and Service Packs are only released for the latest Mainstream version, so Mainstream users should plan to always upgrade to each new Mainstream version as soon as it is released.
Long-Term Support releases are less frequent; approximately every 12-18 months, and they are supported with Hotfixes and Service Packs for one year after the next Long-Term Support release is made. This approach provides an option more suited for strictly regulated environments, or for customers who prefer a fully supported environment for an extended period of time, without the need for upgrades.
No matter what type of release, upgrades are incremental and backwards compatible. If you are on the Mainstream track, it doesn’t really matter if a new version is LTS or Mainstream. The upgrade process is the same, and you will simply continue your standard process of upgrading to the latest version as it becomes available.
The following table highlights the various differences between Mainstream and Long-Term Support versions.
Note: What is described here in terms of time intervals are typical cases but there may be variations. Hotfixes and Service Packs are always provided at TIBCO discretion.
|
Mainstream versions |
LTS versions |
Release frequency |
A new Mainstream version is released approximately every 3 months. Release frequency is expected to increase in the future. |
A new LTS version is released approximately every 12 - 18 months. |
Support (access to open support cases) |
Mainstream versions continue to be supported for at least 12 months after the next version (either LTS or Mainstream) becomes available. |
LTS versions continue to be supported for at least 12 months after the next LTS version becomes available. |
Extended support (access to open support cases, past End-of-Support date) |
Extended support is not available. |
Extended support for an LTS version can be purchased. Note: Hotfixes and Service Packs are not created for versions in extended support. |
Hotfixes and Service Packs (provided at TIBCO discretion) |
Hotfixes and Service Packs are provided for the latest Mainstream version only. They may instead be released as part of the next Mainstream version if that release is imminent. |
Hotfixes and Service Packs are provided for the latest LTS version, as well as for the previous one for 12 months after a new one has been released. |
Upgrades |
Mainstream versions can be upgraded from one version to the next. |
LTS versions can be upgraded from one LTS version to the next LTS version. It is also supported to upgrade the latest LTS version to any subsequent Mainstream version. |
Downloads |
Only the latest Mainstream version is generally available for download from the TIBCO eDelivery site. Access to older versions can be requested on the eDelivery site. |
Only the latest LTS version is generally available for download from the TIBCO eDelivery site. Access to older versions can be requested on the eDelivery site. |
Versions Status
TIBCO Spotfire® 7.11 LTS was the first version of the software to be designated a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, and TIBCO Spotfire® 7.12 was the first Mainstream version. For information about versions from before the introduction of LTS and Mainstream (i.e., before version 7.11), please refer to the TIBCO Support Guide.
Version |
Release date |
Type |
Currently supported with Hotfixes and Service Packs |
Can open support cases |
7.11 |
November 2017 |
LTS |
Yes |
Yes |
7.12 |
March 2018 |
Mainstream |
No |
Yes (until September 2019) |
7.13 |
June 2018 |
Mainstream |
No |
Yes (until September 2019) |
7.14 |
August 2018 |
Mainstream |
No |
Yes |
10.0 |
November 2018 |
Mainstream |
Yes |
Yes |
Last updated: 11-21-2018