Service Packs
A service pack is a collection of updates released on a periodic basis to resolve software issues and to enhance software performance. Each service pack contains a cumulative set of hotfixes that were released after the previous service pack version.
We fully support customers on the five most recent service packs. For more information on the service pack lifecycle support policy, see Obsolescence Policy.
Service Pack Release Cycle
Service packs are available in a 90-day cycle. Every service pack undergoes full regression testing prior to release.
In addition, the Documentation web site is updated with every service pack release. The updates to the web site include revisions, corrections, and new feature documentation.
Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases
From time to time, Commvault shall designate certain service packs as LTS releases, 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 5 years. New features and other valuable enhancements will continue to be made available at quarterly cadence through the Service Pack releases, and will not be backported to prior LTS releases. All Service Pack releases go through rigorous test cycles and are released only after they meet the high quality expectations of Commvault.
Service Pack Installation
Refer to the following table for service pack guidelines:
Service Pack |
Release Status |
Relative Age |
Recommendation |
SP17 |
New Release |
New |
SP17 is best aligned for POCs and new customer installations. Hotfix packs will be issued for this release. |
SP16 |
Mainstream release / LTS release |
1 Quarter |
SP16 includes the most recent features and is the recommended target for any new upgrades. Hotfix packs will be issued for this release. SP16 is a designated LTS release. This extended support will provide bug fixes only. LTS will expire for this service pack after 5 years. |
SP15 |
Mainstream release |
2 Quarter |
SP15 is a mainstream release. Upgrading is not required for normal operations, but you can upgrade to take advantage of new features. Hotfix packs will be issued for this release. |
SP14 |
Mainstream release |
3 Quarters |
SP14 is a mainstream release. Upgrading is not required for normal operations, but you can upgrade to take advantage of new features. Hotfix packs will be issued for this release. |
SP13 |
Retiring Release |
4 Quarters |
SP13 is retiring, and it will expire with the SP17 release. All existing users should prepare to upgrade to SP16. Hotfix packs will be issued for this release. |
SP12 |
Expired release |
5 Quarters |
SP12 is expired, and it is classified under deprecated support. No new changes will be issued for this release. All existing users should prepare to upgrade to SP16. |
Service packs and hotfix packs must be installed in the following sequence: first on the CommServe computer, then on MediaAgent, and then on client computers.
Choose how you want to install the service pack in your CommCell environment:
- Configure Automatic Service Pack Installations
Set up a schedule to automatically run the service pack installation at specific times. For example, you can set it up to run every 90 days.
- Run Manual Service Pack Installations
Select a method to install the service pack manually in your CommCell environment.
Notes:
- If you already installed the service pack in your CommCell environment, see Managing Service Packs.
- You are not required to have the latest service pack 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 service pack if the service pack contains a fix or helps in the diagnostic process.
Hotfix Installation
A hotfix is an update that is targeted at resolving a specific critical issue that might cause major disruptions to operations or potential loss of data.
A new hotfix package is available every week. We fully support customers on the latest nine hotfix packages in each service pack.
We recommend that you install a new hotfix package once a month in one of the following ways:
- Method 1: Install the hotfix package on the CommServe computer and then use the CommCell Console to install the hotfixes on all the clients.
For instructions, see Installing Hotfixes.
- Method 2: Install the service pack again with any of the methods described in Run Manual Service Pack Installations. The hotfixes are included in the service pack.
Make sure to consider the following requirements:
- To install using the CommCell Console, download the Commvault software to retrieve the latest hotfixes and then perform the installation.
- To install using the installation package, create a new package from the Download Manager to retrieve the latest hotfixes.
Last modified: 9/14/2019 6:31:32 PM