XenServer Administration Handbook

Chapter 8. Planning for Upgrades

The XenServer release cycle consists of a major release, various hotfixes, and optionally at least one service pack. A major release is one where the installation media is generated and doesn’t require a major version number to change. After the release, hotfixes are often generated for issues discovered in the wild and to address any security issues discovered.

Depending upon the release cycle, one or more service packs can be created. A service pack will usually contain all previous hotfixes for that version and may also contain new functionality. When a service pack is created, there will be a stated period under which hotfixes will be created for both the major release and the service pack. Once that stated period expires, hotfixes will only be generated for the service pack.

Regardless of whether the upgrade is due to a major release, hotfix, or service pack, the upgrade will include detailed documentation and installation media. It is important as a XenServer administrator to understand where to obtain these updates and how to apply them.

HCL and Upgrades

If you are upgrading to a new XenServer version, please read the section “Upgrades, Support, and Hardware” in Chapter 13. At each XenServer version, Citrix updates its HCL in partnership with the hardware vendors. Performing an upgrade in advance of the HCL indicating hardware compatibility could impact your eligibility for support from Citrix and your hardware vendor.

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