XenServer lifecycle

In the past, we used to deliver what we called Current Releases (CRs). Customers were obligated to update from one CR to the next within a specified period of time, in order to remain in a supported configuration. As a result, there were multiple CRs being supported at any given time which often caused confusion. 

The structure will be replaced with a new, simpler release stream concept. This stream will receive ongoing updates, in a similar approach to how your web browser is updated today by Microsoft or Google. Once this Preview phase is successfully completed, we expect to be able to declare General Availability (GA) shortly afterwards. At that stage, XenServer 8 will be ready for production and be fully supported. 

Although we are currently in Preview mode, the intent is that customers will be able to move into a fully supported state, simply by applying the latest updates required for GA.