Cisco Cisco IOS Software Release 12.4(1) Guide D’Information
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For the first time in a major release, the
Cisco 830 Series Router
combines the power of an integrated router and a security appliance. It leverages
Major Release 12.4 to deliver the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership for the small remote offices and teleworkers who depend on secure
Internet and corporate network access.
Q.
What new features are highlighted in Release 12.4?
A.
Major Release 12.4 introduces more than 700 industry-leading features across the widest range of hardware in the industry. These key
innovations span multiple technology areas, including Security, Voice, High Availability, IP Routing, Quality of Service (QoS), IP Multicast,
IP Addressing, IP Mobility, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), and VPNs.
For detailed descriptions, refer to
Cisco IOS Software Product Lifecycle Dates & Milestones, Product Bulletin No. 2214
.
CISCO IOS SOFTWARE RELEASE POLICY
Q.
What is the Cisco IOS Software Release Policy?
A.
The Cisco IOS Software Release Policy is a structured plan that addresses the Cisco IOS Software Lifecycle from First Commercial Shipment
(FCS) through End of Life (EoL). The Release Policy addresses lifecycle guidelines and migration planning.
For additional information, refer to
Cisco IOS Software Product Lifecycle Dates & Milestones, Product Bulletin No. 2214
.
Q.
What are the milestones of the Cisco IOS Software Release Lifecycle?
A.
•
First Commercial Shipment (FCS): release is first available to customers on Cisco.com (ie: first release of Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3)
•
End of Sales (EoS) Announcement: notification of EoS; occurs at least six months in advance of formal ending of orderability for Major releases
•
End of Sales (EoS): release is no longer orderable or included in manufacturing shipments
•
End of Engineering (EoE): end of software fixes and standard software maintenance support. All Major releases receive maintenance updates
during the period between FCS and EoE. End of Engineering typically occurs, but does not exceed, 48 months from FCS ship. Support is
provided via successor releases, beginning at the next sequential release.
provided via successor releases, beginning at the next sequential release.
Figure 2. Lifecycle Durations for Major Releases