diff --git a/source/installation-guide/advantages_of_subscription.rst b/source/installation-guide/advantages_of_subscription.rst new file mode 100644 --- /dev/null +++ b/source/installation-guide/advantages_of_subscription.rst @@ -0,0 +1,63 @@ +.. _advantages-of-subscription: + +===================================== +The Advantages of Kolab Subscriptions +===================================== + +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, will benefit immediately from fixes as they become available between releases. + +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. + +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. Subscribers also have a greater say in where Kolab Systems + focuses development resources for upcoming releases. + +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. + These optimizations ensure that Roundcube scales better and that encryption is set up in the most + secure way possible for Kolab's needs, for example. Every production environment benefits from this + tuning and fitness work, which 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/installation-guide/index.rst b/source/installation-guide/index.rst --- a/source/installation-guide/index.rst +++ b/source/installation-guide/index.rst @@ -13,10 +13,33 @@ preparing-the-system overview +Current Release +=============== + +The most recent version of Kolab is 16.0. + +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 Kolab 16 reach production readiness +by using Kolab 16.0, 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 `Kolab Enterprise 14 `_. + +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 `_. + 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::