Streams for Apache Kafka Supported Lifecycles

Solution Verified - Updated

Environment

  • Streams for Apache Kafka non-LTS releases
  • Streams for Apache Kafka LTS releases

Issue

  • How long are individual minor releases of Streams for Apache Kafka supported?
  • How long are non-LTS releases of Streams for Apache Kafka supported?

Resolution

Streams for Apache Kafka Lifecycle Overview

Streams for Apache Kafka provides the lifecycle support at the major version (i.e.: 2.x). Support for the major version is facilitated in the form of minor releases (i.e.: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc.). A minor release is fully supported, in accordance to the major product lifecycle, until the next minor release becomes available. Red Hat will provide a grace period following a new release to allow customers time to upgrade. During this time the previous version will be covered by commercially reasonable support. Red Hat will troubleshoot, offer workarounds, and provide migration assistance, however fixes, including CVEs, will not be provided on the previous version.

For customers that require a more stable release version, Streams for Apache Kafka offers Long Term Support (LTS) versions that provide extended support for designated minor versions. For more information on LTS versions please see the Streams for Apache Kafka LTS Support Policy.

The following outlines the differences between the non-LTS and LTS releases:

Non-LTS
  • Designed for customers to quickly adopt new features and mirror the upstream distribution release cycles
  • Incorporates new features, bugs, and CVE fixes
  • Support lifecycle is limited to the next minor release
LTS
  • Designed for customers that are risk adverse to new features and require longer support life
  • Based on a stable minor version
  • Receives only bug and CVE fixes
  • Support is provided for 1 year and 6 months*

*Support for a LTS is facilitated in the form of micro releases. Customers must stay current with micro releases to remain in a supportable configuration.

FAQ

  • Will support be provided for an old non-LTS releases?
    Yes, however the level of support provided is limited to commercially reasonable support.

  • How long will support be provided for an old non-LTS release?
    If the version has not reached its end of life and you have a valid support subscription, commercially reasonable support will continue to be provided to help troubleshoot, provide a workaround, or assist with an upgrade.

  • How long is the grace period to upgrade to a current release?
    Red Hat does not want to limit the time allowed to upgrade as we understand business requirements can affect everyone differently. Red Hat endeavors to make our customers successful and will continue to assist customers through the upgrade process. If you require a more stable version, we would advise adopting a LTS release. While customers are still required to remain current with LTS micro releases, these releases are focused on specific bug fixes and reduce the amount of change introduced into a production environment.

  • Is it possible to get a fix on an old non-LTS release?
    Generally it is not possible to provide fixes on older non-LTS releases. If a fix has already been provided in a newer release, customers must upgrade to latest release that contains the fix.

  • Can I adopt any 2.x release and continue to receive support based on the 2.x lifecycle?
    Only the latest minor or micro release is considered a fully supported configuration. All non-current minor or micro versions will continue to receive commercially reasonable support. Minor and micro releases will continue to be made available during the 2.x lifecycle and customers must remain current with these releases to remain in a supportable configuration.

  • Is it possible to purchase an ELS subscription for a specific minor?
    An option to purchase an ELS subscription for a specific minor version has to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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