From 89b6f8c54e7c461d4182c4b8f8312f66bbd3f3be Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:35:11 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 01/10] patch: update balenaOS support policy --- pages/faq/questions.md | 2 +- pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md | 32 ++++++++++++++++++++-- 2 files changed, 31 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/pages/faq/questions.md b/pages/faq/questions.md index 64e79d2785..eee8e72d01 100644 --- a/pages/faq/questions.md +++ b/pages/faq/questions.md @@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ Generally, we try to follow good OPSEC practices for our systems. We support 2FA ##### How long is a balenaOS release maintained for? -BalenaOS comes in two flavors, a rolling release and an [Extended Support Release (ESR)](https://www.balena.io/docs/reference/OS/extended-support-release/). Rolling releases stop being maintained as soon as a new release is out. In other words, only the latest balenaOS release is maintained. ESR releases receive bug and security fixes for 9 months after its release date. +BalenaOS comes in two flavors, a rolling release and an [Extended Support Release (ESR)](https://www.balena.io/docs/reference/OS/extended-support-release/). Rolling releases stop being maintained as soon as a new release is out. In other words, only the latest balenaOS release is maintained. ESR releases receive bug and security fixes for 9 months after its release date. More information about our support policy in the [Self-service updates](https://docs.balena.io/reference/OS/updates/self-service/) page. ##### When are device types discontinued? diff --git a/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md b/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md index c4c7c4edaf..4aa40209a6 100644 --- a/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md +++ b/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md @@ -7,14 +7,18 @@ excerpt: How to update {{ $names.os.lower }} versions from your dashboard ## Which devices and versions are supported? -Since we periodically release updates and improvements to {{ $names.os.lower }} (the host OS running on all {{ $names.company.lower }} devices), we encourage you to keep your devices up to date. We offer self-service host OS updates between 2.x versions and from 1.x to 2.x versions. All 2.x devices will default to delta-based updates if available, thus reducing the size of the update sent over the network. +We periodically release updates and improvements to balenaOS, the host operating system that powers all balena devices. These releases are accessible through multiple channels, including the dashboard, SDK, and CLI. -__Note:__ {{ $names.os.upper }} 1.x to 2.x updates limit the amount of data you can have in your application's `/data` folder to about 170MB (compressed). If you have more data, the update will fail and your device won't be modified. +Updating from one version to a newer one is generally supported; however, big version jumps may not always be guaranteed. Devices running balenaOS 2.x and above benefit from delta-based updates when available, significantly reducing the size of updates sent over the network. Self-service updates are available for both `production` and `development` {{ $names.os.lower }} variants. For device types and {{ $names.os.lower }} versions that are not yet supported, please contact us on the [forums][forums]. We are continuously expanding the range of versions and types that can be updated. +Find more information below about our version support policy. + +__Note:__ {{ $names.os.upper }} 1.x to 2.x updates limit the amount of data you can have in your application's `/data` folder to about 170MB (compressed). If you have more data, the update will fail and your device won't be modified. + ## Running an update To run an update for an individual device, navigate to that device's *Settings* tab, go to the section *OS version*, and select the version of {{ $names.os.lower }} you would like to update to. After making your selection, click the *Save* button. @@ -43,6 +47,30 @@ If your {{ $names.os.lower }} update fails for any reason, the device should sti Check out our [update process][update-process] to understand how the process goes through each step. +## balenaOS support policy + +We have two release strategies, that you can use depending on your needs and subscription plan. This is our maintenance and support policy: + +### Rolling Releases + +- We only maintain the latest rolling release of balenaOS. +- When a new release is published, the previous version is no longer maintained. +- If you’re not on the latest version and need help, we recommend updating to the most recent release for compatibility and support. +- You can report issues on the latest rolling release; bug fixes, if any, will only be included in future rolling releases. +- We understand it’s not always possible to stay up to date. For this reason, we offer reasonable assistance to help unblock you on your current version. However, any identified bugs will only be resolved in the latest rolling release. + +### Extended Support Releases (ESR) + +- ESR provides stable balenaOS releases supported for 9 months, with quarterly updates to adopt new versions. +- Only high-risk security fixes and critical bug fixes are backported; no new features are added. +- Each ESR version follows a 3-phase lifecycle: + - `Next-ESR` (6-9 months with active fixes). + - `Current-ESR` (3-6 months). + - `Sunset-ESR` (final 3 months). +- After 9 months, the ESR version reaches end-of-life (EOL), with no further updates. + +For more details, visit our [Extended Support Release documentation](https://docs.balena.io/reference/OS/extended-support-release/). + [forums]:{{ $names.forums_domain }}/ [troubleshooting]:{{ $names.forums_domain }}/c/troubleshooting From 7e24a74997b9cc0b3b05fcd8022c8d4eb076dafb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:35:56 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 02/10] Update Device Type support policy --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 34 ++++++++++++++++++++------ 1 file changed, 26 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index bdaa6c9907..437744d97d 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -37,14 +37,30 @@ The community devices types are: - Updated to newer versions as the community drives it, we do not guarantee the device type will keep up with OS versions. - Community boards can be promoted to an official balena supported board if a customer is interested in sponsoring the device support. If you are interested in sponsoring a community board, email solutions@balena.io . -#### Discontinued -Discontinued device types are those that are no longer actively maintained by the balena team or anyone in the community and will stop showing in the dashboard as options for new fleets and devices. Any already provisioned devices of this type will continue to function, but will no longer receive operating system updates. - -A device type will be discontinued if: -- The device manufacturer end support and sale of the device. -- No devices of this type are provisioned on balenaCloud in the last 6 months. -- If it is a community device type and it has not received maintenance in the last 6 months. -- If it is a private device type and the customer has stopped paying for the device to be supported. +#### Device Type support policy +At balena, we’re here to make sure balenaOS runs smoothly on actively maintained hardware models. This policy lays out what we support, what you can expect, and how we handle devices when they reach the end of their lifecycle. + +**What We Offer for Official Supported Hardware Models** +- balenaOS Image: A tested and ready-to-use version of balenaOS, available in our documentation. +- Incident and Bug Support: We’ll help troubleshoot issues with incidents, bugs, or performance—whenever possible. +- Regular Updates: You’ll get ongoing updates and patches to keep your devices secure, compatible, and running efficiently. + +**What Happens When a Device is Discontinued?** +Sometimes, a device type reaches the end of the road. When this happens: +- The device type will stop appearing as an option for creating new fleets or adding new devices in the dashboard. +- Any devices already provisioned will keep working, but they won’t get any more OS updates. + +**When Does a Device Get Discontinued?** +We’ll discontinue a device type if: +- The Manufacturer Stops Support: If the hardware maker stops supporting or selling the device. +- It’s No Longer Used: No new devices of this type have been added to balenaCloud in the past 6 months. +- Community Devices Are Inactive: For community-supported devices, if there’s no maintenance activity in the last 6 months. +- Private Device Support Ends: For private device types, if the customer stops paying for its support. + +**What if You’re Using a Discontinued Device?** +Here’s what you can expect: +- Support Wrap-Up: Updates, patches, and bug fixes will no longer be provided. We’ll still do our best to help with workarounds or recommend alternative devices. +- Custom Support Options: Need continued support? We can explore custom options on a case-by-case basis, which may involve additional fees. ## Versioning @@ -54,3 +70,5 @@ The version string for a particular device type is a combination of the [meta-ba * The version of the specific device type is constructed by appending to the `meta-balena` version a `rev` label. This will have the semantics of a board revision which adapts a specific `meta-balena` version for a targeted board. For example a `meta-balena` 1.2.3 can go through 3 board revisions at the end of which the final version will be 1.2.3+rev3 . * When updating `meta-balena` version in a specific device type repo, the revision will reset to 1. Ex: 1.2.3+rev4 will be updated to 1.2.4+rev1 . * Note that the final OS version is NOT based on the semver specification so parsing of such a version needs to be handled in a custom way. If you are interested in how to parse the version scheme, have a look at our balenaOS version parser [balena-semver](https://github.com/balena-io-modules/resin-semver). + +Look at our [balenaOS support policy](https://github.com/balena-io/docs/edit/master/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md) for information about how we support and maintain the different versions. From 9629f7a4dd56159578b33d3fd07af30ef5fa4e79 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:59:11 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 03/10] Update pages/faq/questions.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/faq/questions.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/faq/questions.md b/pages/faq/questions.md index eee8e72d01..25a1294ce2 100644 --- a/pages/faq/questions.md +++ b/pages/faq/questions.md @@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ Generally, we try to follow good OPSEC practices for our systems. We support 2FA ##### How long is a balenaOS release maintained for? -BalenaOS comes in two flavors, a rolling release and an [Extended Support Release (ESR)](https://www.balena.io/docs/reference/OS/extended-support-release/). Rolling releases stop being maintained as soon as a new release is out. In other words, only the latest balenaOS release is maintained. ESR releases receive bug and security fixes for 9 months after its release date. More information about our support policy in the [Self-service updates](https://docs.balena.io/reference/OS/updates/self-service/) page. +BalenaOS comes in two flavors, the standard rolling release and the [Extended Support Release (ESR)](/reference/OS/extended-support-release/). Maintenance for rolling releases stops as soon as a new release is out. In other words, only the latest balenaOS release is maintained. ESR releases receive bug and security fixes for 9 months after its release date. More information about our support policy is in the [Self-service updates](/reference/OS/updates/self-service/) page. ##### When are device types discontinued? From 2c1a605455e818fb74c37573c0cc8c580f3cec30 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:29:22 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 04/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index 437744d97d..272d687174 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ The community devices types are: At balena, we’re here to make sure balenaOS runs smoothly on actively maintained hardware models. This policy lays out what we support, what you can expect, and how we handle devices when they reach the end of their lifecycle. **What We Offer for Official Supported Hardware Models** -- balenaOS Image: A tested and ready-to-use version of balenaOS, available in our documentation. +- BalenaOS Image: A tested and ready-to-use version of balenaOS [available generally](https://balena.io/os). - Incident and Bug Support: We’ll help troubleshoot issues with incidents, bugs, or performance—whenever possible. - Regular Updates: You’ll get ongoing updates and patches to keep your devices secure, compatible, and running efficiently. From 89c79fe19682952ecfeffae018e9ae7121d4bf71 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:03:49 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 05/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index 272d687174..e54e5ca72d 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ The community devices types are: #### Device Type support policy At balena, we’re here to make sure balenaOS runs smoothly on actively maintained hardware models. This policy lays out what we support, what you can expect, and how we handle devices when they reach the end of their lifecycle. -**What We Offer for Official Supported Hardware Models** +#### Our offerings for vendor-supported hardware models** - BalenaOS Image: A tested and ready-to-use version of balenaOS [available generally](https://balena.io/os). - Incident and Bug Support: We’ll help troubleshoot issues with incidents, bugs, or performance—whenever possible. - Regular Updates: You’ll get ongoing updates and patches to keep your devices secure, compatible, and running efficiently. From d9b4b29f5ec7ac5cc1b4efc641cb1a18b1a9aaf2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:04:07 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 06/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index e54e5ca72d..3d020380e9 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ At balena, we’re here to make sure balenaOS runs smoothly on actively maintain #### Our offerings for vendor-supported hardware models** - BalenaOS Image: A tested and ready-to-use version of balenaOS [available generally](https://balena.io/os). -- Incident and Bug Support: We’ll help troubleshoot issues with incidents, bugs, or performance—whenever possible. +- Incident and Bug Support: Troubleshoot incidents, bugs, or performance issues with balenaOS — whenever possible. - Regular Updates: You’ll get ongoing updates and patches to keep your devices secure, compatible, and running efficiently. **What Happens When a Device is Discontinued?** From a42f028bb730ab1da016249c5fdb38f848fe5b35 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:04:32 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 07/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index 3d020380e9..23cb22a879 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ Sometimes, a device type reaches the end of the road. When this happens: **When Does a Device Get Discontinued?** We’ll discontinue a device type if: -- The Manufacturer Stops Support: If the hardware maker stops supporting or selling the device. +- If the manufacturer stops supporting or selling the device. - It’s No Longer Used: No new devices of this type have been added to balenaCloud in the past 6 months. - Community Devices Are Inactive: For community-supported devices, if there’s no maintenance activity in the last 6 months. - Private Device Support Ends: For private device types, if the customer stops paying for its support. From fb11e9ee00e9a1e9e2e1ce395fde1b07ad7c8cc6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:06:54 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 08/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index 23cb22a879..f23e365b4d 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -54,8 +54,8 @@ Sometimes, a device type reaches the end of the road. When this happens: We’ll discontinue a device type if: - If the manufacturer stops supporting or selling the device. - It’s No Longer Used: No new devices of this type have been added to balenaCloud in the past 6 months. -- Community Devices Are Inactive: For community-supported devices, if there’s no maintenance activity in the last 6 months. -- Private Device Support Ends: For private device types, if the customer stops paying for its support. +- In case the device is a community device and there's no maintenance activity from the community in the last 6 months. +- In case the device is a private device type and if the customer stops paying for the device type support. **What if You’re Using a Discontinued Device?** Here’s what you can expect: From ad9f8eb129215aa8b3138032af5eb0db6f2a9ee2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:07:24 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 09/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index f23e365b4d..ca07effe54 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ We’ll discontinue a device type if: - In case the device is a community device and there's no maintenance activity from the community in the last 6 months. - In case the device is a private device type and if the customer stops paying for the device type support. -**What if You’re Using a Discontinued Device?** +**What happens to discontinued devices on balenaCloud?** Here’s what you can expect: - Support Wrap-Up: Updates, patches, and bug fixes will no longer be provided. We’ll still do our best to help with workarounds or recommend alternative devices. - Custom Support Options: Need continued support? We can explore custom options on a case-by-case basis, which may involve additional fees. From 4e7e17ba4af458c62c5f54933c6157b4a236a40a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rmorillo24 <36762063+rmorillo24@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:07:58 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 10/10] Update pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md Co-authored-by: Vipul Gupta --- pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md index ca07effe54..940a113fac 100644 --- a/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md +++ b/pages/reference/hardware/versioning.md @@ -71,4 +71,4 @@ The version string for a particular device type is a combination of the [meta-ba * When updating `meta-balena` version in a specific device type repo, the revision will reset to 1. Ex: 1.2.3+rev4 will be updated to 1.2.4+rev1 . * Note that the final OS version is NOT based on the semver specification so parsing of such a version needs to be handled in a custom way. If you are interested in how to parse the version scheme, have a look at our balenaOS version parser [balena-semver](https://github.com/balena-io-modules/resin-semver). -Look at our [balenaOS support policy](https://github.com/balena-io/docs/edit/master/pages/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md) for information about how we support and maintain the different versions. +Look at our [balenaOS support policy](/reference/OS/updates/self-service.md) for information about how we support and maintain the different versions.