diff --git a/source/conf.py b/source/conf.py --- a/source/conf.py +++ b/source/conf.py @@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ epub_title = u'Kolab Groupware' epub_author = u'Jeroen van Meeuwen' epub_publisher = u'Jeroen van Meeuwen' -epub_copyright = u'2013, Jeroen van Meeuwen' +epub_copyright = u'2013-2016, Jeroen van Meeuwen' # The language of the text. It defaults to the language option # or en if the language is not set. @@ -417,6 +417,8 @@ .. |K16| replace:: :orange:`Kolab 16` .. |KE14| replace:: :orange:`Kolab Enterprise 14` .. |KE13| replace:: :orange:`Kolab Enterprise 13` +.. |ReleaseProduction| replace:: :orange:`Kolab Enterprise 14` +.. |ReleaseCurrent| replace:: :orange:`Kolab 16.0` """ # diff --git a/source/installation-guide/index.rst b/source/installation-guide/index.rst --- a/source/installation-guide/index.rst +++ b/source/installation-guide/index.rst @@ -13,10 +13,31 @@ preparing-the-system overview +Current Release +=============== + +The most recent version of Kolab is |ReleaseCurrent|. + +This is a preview release appropriate for pilot projects, testing, and development. +It is not recommended for production deployments at this time. You can help |K16| reach +production readiness by using |ReleaseCurrent|, keeping it up to date, and +`reporting issues <../contributor-guide/bug-reporting-casual.html>`_ you may encounter. + +The current recommended version for production deployment is |ReleaseProduction|. + +The release of Kolab 16.1 will occur in Q2 of 2016, at which point Kolab 16 will be +upgraded to "gold" status and become the recomended release for production installations. +Subscription-based support from `Kolab Systems AG`_ will also be available for Kolab 16.1. + +For subscription-based support of Kolab installations, please visit +`Kolab Enterprise `_, +which offers services for all sizes of business, government, NGO, and educational +organizations. You can read about the advantages of Kolab subscription here: :ref:`advantages-of-subscription` + Installing the Kolab Groupware Solution ======================================= -Install the latest stable version of the Kolab Groupware solution for either +Install the latest version of the Kolab Groupware solution for one of the following platforms: .. toctree:: diff --git a/source/introduction/advantages-of-subscription.rst b/source/introduction/advantages-of-subscription.rst new file mode 100644 --- /dev/null +++ b/source/introduction/advantages-of-subscription.rst @@ -0,0 +1,75 @@ +.. _advantages-of-subscription: + +============================================= +The Advantages of Having A Kolab Subscription +============================================= + +Subscription-based support is available for Kolab from `Kolab Systems AG`_. +Kolab Systems is the primary developer and maintainer of Kolab, and provides enterprise-level +design, deployment, development, and support for Kolab installations to public and private organizations +of all sizes. Subscriptions are offered on a per-seat basis, and provide subscribers with distinct advantages. + +The Benefits of Having a Kolab Subscription +=========================================== + +Subscriptions are an excellent way to support the ongoing development of Kolab, as proceeds go directly +into infrastructure Kolab development relies on as well as the employment of the core +Kolab technical team. + +But the most compelling aspect of subscriptions are the exclusive benefits that come with them. These +advantages reliably lower the cost of ownership and increase overall reliability for the customer, including: + +1. Access to rolling security and bugfix updates + + Non-subscribers will need to update their Kolab installations annually to get the last year's worth + of fixes and improvements. Subscribers, on the other hand, benefit immediately from fixes as they become + available between releases. Along with releases, all updates are cryptographically signed with Kolab + System's private GPG key allowing verification of the binaries. + +2. Five years of extended support for each release + + This is vitally important for production deployments, as significant changes may occur from one annual + release to the next. Performing “update the world” upgrades to production systems every year can be a + significant task and induce risk, both of which incur costs. Subscribers, on the other hand, can upgrade + when it fits their interests best, secure in the knowledge that the version of Kolab they are currently + running will be supported for years to come in that configuration. + + And of course, all released packages are kept in perpetuity, which grants additional management flexibility, + such as being able to downgrade specific components via the package manager if needed. + +3. Professional support from Kolab Systems + + If problems are encountered during setup, deployment, + migration or production usage, you can access the expertise of Kolab Systems' technical support team + through your subscription privileges, such as access to our internal ticketing system. Subscribers also + receive greater priority in the community support forums and other communication channels Kolab + Systems maintains. + +4. Professional services + + Kolab Systems' “Tiger Team” of specialists may be retained by those with active Kolab subscriptions. + Services which are available on a per-project basis include deployment planning and management, infrastructure + integration (e.g. with existing directory services, including Active Directory), custom development, and + white-labeling. For deployments with special requirements or that need to scale reliably, this expertise in + high-availability, load-balancing, cluster/cloud deployment, and integration is invaluable. + + Subscribers also have greater influence over where Kolab Systems focuses development resources for + upcoming releases in general. + +5. Access to optimized system packages + + By default, Kolab uses the stock packages for PHP, Apache HTTPD, MariaDB, openSSL and others that come + with the base operating system. Kolab Systems engineers have made many improvements to the configuration and + builds of these packages that are available exclusively to subscribers. + + These optimizations ensure, for instance, that Roundcube scales well and that encryption is set up in the most + secure way possible for Kolab's needs. Every production environment benefits from this tuning and fitness work, + and is only available to Kolab subscribers. + +Have Questions or Comments? +=========================== + +We welcome feedback from our users, customers and partners. If you have any questions, concerns or +comments about the information in this briefing, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at +info@kolabsystems.com. + diff --git a/source/introduction/index.rst b/source/introduction/index.rst --- a/source/introduction/index.rst +++ b/source/introduction/index.rst @@ -19,3 +19,4 @@ what-is-kolab-groupware do-it-yourself-or-kolab what-is-the-recommended-distribution + advantages-of-subscription