---
title: Release statuses
description: Learn about the PingDirectory release support statuses and related best practices.
component: pingdirectory
version: 11.0
page_id: pingdirectory::release_status
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/11.0/release_status.html
section_ids:
  versioning: Versioning
  status-types: Status types
  resources: Resources
---

# Release statuses

The following statuses represent the different types of releases for the PingDirectory suite of products. Each status includes best practices that can help you decide when you need to upgrade your server.

Learn more about the timelines and policies for each type of release in the [Resources](#resources) section of this topic.

|   |                                       |
| - | ------------------------------------- |
|   | This is a short-term support release. |

## Versioning

The PingDirectory suite of products follows a four-digit semantic versioning format. Its third digit is always a placeholder value of `0`, as follows:

`major.minor.0.maintenance`

The following release status types are based on the `major.minor` versions of a release.

## Status types

* Long-term support releases

  A long-term support (LTS) release is designed for critical environments and prioritizes consistent performance and extended maintenance over immediate access to new features.

  Use LTS versions for deployments requiring long, predictable support windows. Plan your upgrades to the next LTS release before the end of support. Apply maintenance releases promptly and follow Ping Identity's security guidance.

* Short-term support releases

  A short-term support (STS) release is designed for environments that need immediate access to new functionality rather than a long maintenance window.

  Use STS releases for rapid feature access, but plan your upgrades to the latest LTS release (or to later STS releases) before the end of maintenance. Keep the deployment on a supported, actively maintained version, apply maintenance releases promptly, and follow Ping Identity's security guidance.

## Resources

* [Software end-of-life policy](https://www.pingidentity.com/en/legal/end-of-life-policy.html): Outlines the specifics of the end-of-life policy for Ping Identity products, including support and maintenance timelines.

* [Software end-of-life tracker](https://support.pingidentity.com/s/article/Ping-Identity-EOL-Tracker): Find the latest version-specific information about the support and maintenance lifecycles for the PingDirectory suite of products.