There are two types of TIBCO Data Virtualization(TDV) releases: Mainstream (MS) and Long-Term Support (LTS). As a TDV 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 (MS) are frequent; currently approximately every 3-5 months, and were introduced to accelerate the availability of new features for customers who want access to the latest improvements and enhancements as quickly as possible. Hotfixes and Service Packs are released only 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 (LTS) releases are less frequent; typically every 12-18 months, and they are typically supported with Hotfixes and Service Packs for 2 years. 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 does not matter if a new version is LTS or MS. 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.
|
|
Mainstream (MS) versions |
Long-Term Support (LTS) versions |
|
Release frequency |
Approximately every 3-5 months after the previous MS or LTS release. Release frequency may increase in the future. |
Approximately every 12-18 months after the previous LTS release. |
|
Support (access to open support cases) |
MS versions continue to be supported for at least 12 months after the next version (either LTS or MS) becomes available. |
LTS versions are typically supported for at least 2 years. |
|
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 |
Hotfixes and Service Packs are provided for high severity issues, at TIBCO discretion, for the latest MS version only, if the Mainstream version is the latest release. They may instead be released as part of the next LTS version if that release is already out or a part of the next Mainstream/LTS version if that release is imminent. |
Hotfixes and Service Packs are provided for high severity issues, at TIBCO discretion. |
|
Upgrades |
MS versions can be upgraded from one MS 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 MS version. |
Versions Status
TIBCO Data Virtualization 8.5 was the first version of the software to be designated as a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, and TIBCO Data Virtualization 8.6 was the first Mainstream version.
Versions released prior to TIBCO Data Virtualization 8.5 are still governed by their original support (maintenance) rules.
For information about versions from before the introduction of LTS and Mainstream (i.e., before version 8.5), please refer to the TIBCO Support Guide..
|
Version |
Release date |
Type |
Currently supported with Hotfixes and Service Packs |
Can open support cases |
|
8.8 |
October 25, 2023 |
LTS |
Yes |
Yes |
|
8.7 |
April 21, 2023 |
MS |
No |
Yes (until October 25, 2024) |
|
8.6 |
July 19, 2022 |
MS |
No |
Yes (until April 21, 2024) |
|
8.5 |
November 17, 2021 |
LTS |
Yes |
Yes (until Nov 30, 2024) |
|
8.4 |
March 12, 2021 |
Not applicable |
No |
No |
Last updated: 12-12-2023