Since they supported multiple versions at once, important bugfixes were backported, but risky new features were not. For a year or so after each release, the previous release was more stable. This let the customer choose between security/stability and new features.
I think it’s a great model, but it breaks down when the new version is a feature/usability regression vs the old version.
Once that started happening more often than not, the “aas” models came out, where the vendors started force upgrading users instead of trying to compete with version N-1.
This is worse for the users, but better for deadline-focused middle management, so it’s become incredibly popular.
I think it’s a great model, but it breaks down when the new version is a feature/usability regression vs the old version.
Once that started happening more often than not, the “aas” models came out, where the vendors started force upgrading users instead of trying to compete with version N-1.
This is worse for the users, but better for deadline-focused middle management, so it’s become incredibly popular.