Product life-cycle

Version management

SFTPPlus versions are using a MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH numbering scheme, as specified in the Semantic Versioning standard.

A MAJOR version is released to introduce new features, some of which might not be compatible with previous versions. It also removes obsolete functionalities.

Major releases are supported for at least 3 years after the initial release of the next in line major version.

MINOR versions are released based on a rolling update development model every 30 to 60 days.

PATCH versions are released as soon as a significant defect is fixed, usually within a week of a client initially reporting it. Security issues are a top priority, they are fixed in one or two working days.

Active development

SFTPPlus version 5 is the only version under active development.

New features are added with each minor release.

SFTPPlus is a unified software product that includes both Server and Client functionality, licensed separately.

Versions no longer under active development, but still supported, continue to receive security fixes through minor and patch updates. No new features are added to versions which are no longer under active development.

Change management

Each functionality provided by SFTPPlus is covered by a suite of automated tests to be executed before each release. This significantly reduces the risk of introducing defects. Defects might still occur due to errors in the testing process itself or because a certain functionality was not fully covered by the designed tests.

Any release of the SFTPPlus product which constitutes a part of a major release series comes with the promise that the configuration is backward and forward compatible.

If a defect is detected after upgrading to a new minor SFTPPlus release, installing the previous release is a straightforward process. No configuration migration is required.

Every release of SFTPPlus is provided with an exhaustive list of changes, that not only describes the new functionalities or the fixed defects, but also includes any possible side effects for upgrading to a specific version.

An erroneous functionality might be considered a defect for a certain operation, while another operation might take advantage of the erroneous behaviour and consider it a feature.

By providing extensive release notes, we hope to reduce the chances of ending up with an upgraded system which operates in an unexpected way.

Check all our release announcements in our news section.

Product life cycle

The current major release is version 5, released on 2024-02-20. It has no planned ending date for support, as version 6 has not yet been released.

Each release includes support for security updates and bug fixes for a period of 3 years after the release of the following major version.

For example, version 2 is supported for 3 years after the initial release of version 3.

All minor problems and bugfix releases will have the same support life as the initial major release.

For example, version 2.3.0 or version 2.3.1 will all have the same support life as version 2.0.0.

Support and maintenance-only versions

SFTPPlus version 4 (Server and Client) is no longer under active development. Version 4 was initially released on 2020-05-20. We provide support and defect fixes until 2027-02-20. 3 years after version 5 was released.

SFTPPlus version 3 (Server and Client) is no longer under active development. Version 3 was initially released on 17/08/2015. We provide support and defect fixes until 01/05/2023. 3 years after version 4 was released.

Installing older versions

As long as you have a valid standard support contract, you can install any of the supported versions, even if it is not the latest version.

You will benefit from the same level of technical support and documentation as with the latest version. There is one exception. Older versions will only be patched to fix security issues and other bugs. No new functionality will be added to older versions.

End of life versions

Below is the list of SFTPPlus product versions that are no longer supported under the standard support contract.

SFTPPlus Server version 2, no longer under active development, was released on 08/04/2013 with support until 17/09/2018 - 3 years after version 3 was released - end of life reached.

There was no SFTPPlus Client version 2 released. Client was upgraded from version 1 to version 3.

SFTPPlus Client version 1, no longer under active development, was active between 2005 and 2015 and it continued to be supported until 17/09/2019 - 4 years after version 3 was released - end of life reached.

SFTPPlus Server version 1.8, no longer supported, was released on 03/10/2012 with support until 08/04/2017 - 4 years after version 2 was released - end of life reached.

SFTPPlus Server version 1.7, no longer supported, was released on 01/08/2011 with support until 01/08/2014 - 3 years from initial release - end of life reached.

SFTPPlus Server version 1.6, no longer supported, was released on 01/03/2011 with support until 01/03/2014 - 3 years from initial release - end of life reached.

Extended support

For versions which are out of standard support you can request an extended support contract. With an extended support contract, you can continue to receive security fixes and technical support.

Extended support contracts are subject to case by case evaluation and are provided as a best/reasonable effort.

If you need extended support, please request it as soon as possible to be aware of your needs. That way we can continue to maintain the internal testing infrastructure required to support that version.