White Papers

Firmware release guidelines
5 Dell EMC SC Series: Software Release, Support Policy, and End-of-Life Matrix | 4688-SC-WP
2 Firmware release guidelines
Each SC Series array runs a core operating system in firmware that provides all the SC Series features and
functionality. Firmware will be updated from time to time as new features are added, for general maintenance
and other improvements. The firmware version is defined using a version number. The firmware version
number takes the following form: “X.Y.Z.”
Dell EMC is committed to regular firmware releases with a focus on providing the best possible enterprise
storage experience for our customers. For issues that may impact data availability or integrity, we may deliver
an unscheduled release and notify any customers that would benefit from the release. To help maximize the
performance and integrity of their arrays, customers should always ensure that they are using a supported
release stream (as detailed below), and plan to update their arrays to the most current recommended release
on a maintenance schedule that considers the needs of their business and the need to keep their critical IT
equipment updated.
Note: The timelines listed below for the firmware releases are approximations and are intended for guidance
only. Dell EMC reserves the right to make changes without notice to the timelines mentioned herein.
2.1 Definition of terms
Definition of releases
Release type
Definition
End of Quoting
The last date a product order will be accepted.
End of Sales Life (EOL)
The last date an order can be accepted for factory fulfillment.
End of Expansion (EOE)
The last date an order for component upgrades & expansion can be
accepted for factory fulfillment.
• EOE can be up to three years after EOL date and varies by array.
End of Standard Support
(EOSS)
End of ProSupport maintenance and support services.
• SC Series end-of-standard support is EOL date + 5 years
• SCv Series end-of-standard support is invoice date + 7 years
Major release
A major release introduces new features, functionality, architectural
improvements and/or cross-portfolio major changes. A major release is
identified by a change to the first digit of the firmware version number
(X.Y.Z.)
Minor release
A minor release introduces new features and functionality and/or new
hardware enablement. A minor release is identified by a change to the
second digit of the firmware version number (X.Y.Z).
Minor releases are targeted for release approximately every 6-12 months.
Maintenance release
A maintenance release fixes issues for enhanced stability and performance
of the Storage Center array. A maintenance release is identified by a
change to the third digit of the firmware version number (X.Y.Z).