Feature Releases
A feature release (formerly "service pack") is a collection of new features, enhancements to existing features, and enhancements for product stabilization. Each feature release also contains a cumulative set of hotfixes that were released after the previous feature release version. Feature releases are available in a 90-day cycle. Every feature release undergoes full regression testing prior to release.
To keep your CommCell environment up to date, we recommend that you update the feature release every 1 to 2 years.
Commvault fully supports customers on the five most recent feature releases. For more information on the feature release lifecycle support policy, see Obsolescence Policy.
The documentation web site is updated whenever a feature release is released. The updates to the documentation web site include revisions, corrections, and new feature documentation.
Note
You are not required to have the latest feature release installed in order to raise or escalate a Ticket Request (TR) with Customer Support. In some cases, Customer Support might request that you install the latest feature release if the feature release contains a fix, or if it helps in the diagnostic process.
Maintenance Releases
A maintenance release (formerly "hotfix pack") is a collection of hotfixes that are targeted at resolving specific critical issues that might cause major disruptions to operations.
A new maintenance release is available every month.
To keep your CommCell environment up to date, we recommend that you update the maintenance release every 2 to 3 months.
Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases
Starting with Service Pack 16, every fourth release will be an LTS release, entitled to extended LTS support. This LTS support will include critical stability bug fixes only and will not include any new features or other enhancements.
LTS releases will have a support life time of up to five (5) years. New features and other valuable enhancements will continue to be made available at quarterly cadence through the feature releases, and will not be backported to prior LTS releases. All feature releases go through rigorous test cycles and are released only after they meet the high quality expectations of Commvault.
Commvault recommends installing the most recent Long-Term Support (LTS) release.