Support Server support

Maintenance and support life cycles

Canonical provides two different Ubuntu release cycles which bring stability and flexibility to the Ubuntu platform. We release a new version of Ubuntu every six months, as standard, bringing you a dynamic and flexible platform. We also release a long-term support (LTS) version every two years for systems that require greater stability and longer-term support.

Ubuntu life cycles mean that you can perform upgrades on your system at your own pace, without compromising your installation. It also means that you can rest assured that support is available for your system for up to 18 months with every release of Ubuntu, and up to five years on the server and three years on the desktop with every LTS release.

Standard releases

• Our standard six-month release cycle is designed to give you the best of open-source software on a regular basis and on a stable Ubuntu platform.
• Ubuntu's regular releases mean you get new technologies, and the ability to use new devices with Ubuntu, faster than any other operating system.
• Regular releases also ensure your systems stay fresh without the need for regular patches to provide new features.
• All standard release versions are maintained with security updates and bug fixes for up to 18 months.

LTS releases

• Long term support (LTS) versions are released specifically for IT environments that require greater stability, rather than a high refresh rate.
• Ubuntu Server LTS is maintained with security updates and bug fixes for up to 60 months (five years) and Ubuntu Desktop LTS for up to 36 months (three years). However, stability doesn't need to mean stagnant systems.
• Point releases are provided for LTS versions to ensure they remain compatible with new hardware while maintaining the integrity of the release over a long period.
• Point releases are provided in six-month intervals until the next full LTS version becomes available. They include a roll-up of all the maintenance updates for that period.
• Canonical also provides free point release CDs so you can easily install the current LTS onto the latest hardware, without having to wait two years for the next LTS release.

Upgrade support

Canonical provides all maintenance updates for free, in accordance with the Ubuntu promise, and will always provide a seamless upgrade process for users, whether it is between:

• Standard releases
• LTS releases or
• Standard and LTS releases

Upgrade assistance

If you require assistance with upgrades, Canonical also provides technical consulting and support. In the overlap period between releases, our consultants can help you plan the upgrade process, ensuring minimal disruption.

Our consultants and support professionals have access to the Ubuntu Distribution team, so they can request priority for specific bug fixes.

They also have advance knowledge of upcoming releases, which means they can give you advice on deployment plans and system life-cycle road maps, ensuring you always deploy a solution with the lowest possible total cost of ownership.