LTS

concepts/0799-long-term-support/README.md

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+# 0799 Aries Long Term Support Releases
+- Authors: [Sam Curren]([email protected])
+- Status: [PROPOSED](/README.md#proposed)
+- Since: 2023-11-07 
+- Start Date: 2023-11-07 
+- Tags: [concept](/tags.md#concept)
+
+Long Term Support Releases of Aries projects will assist those using the software to integrate within their development processes.
+
+These LTS details are guides for Aries code projects. Details specific to each project will be found within the relevant repositories.
+
+## Motivation
+
+Long Term Support releases allow stable use of projects without frequent code updates. Designating LTS releases frees projects to develop features without worry of disrupting those seeking feature stable deployments. 
+
+It is recommended, when possible, to designate an LTS release when a project reaches compliance with an Interop Profile, AIP or other.
+
+## LTS Release Tagging
+
+- No Specific version number scheme for LTS releases are set Aries-wide. Each project can use any version numbering they desire.
+- An LTS Release is specified by including the letters LTS after the version number.
+- The README.md file within each repository must indicate which version is an LTS release, with a link to the release or branch of the LTS
+
+## LTS Support Timeline
+
+- Each LTS release MUST be supported for at least 9 months AFTER the next LTS release is designated.
+- When the next LTS release is designated, the prior LTS release must clearly indicate the End of Support Date at least 9 months in future.
+- If a support term in excess of the minimum 9 months is chosen and and End of Support Date published, that period MUST be honored for that release.
+- Projects may may designate an LTS release with any candance desired by the project.
+- Frequent LTS relases may result in multiple LTS releases receiving support. Seeking community input for LTS release timing may decrease support efforts.
+
+## LTS Release Updates
+
+- Each LTS release MUST be updated for security updates for the duration of its support lifetime.
+- Each LTS release MAY include bugfixes that impact usability of the release.
+- Updates MUST NOT include API updates, programatic interface changes, or major logic changes.
+
+## References
+This policy is inspired by the Fabric LTS Policy https://hyperledger.github.io/fabric-rfcs/text/0005-lts-release-strategy.html
+