Kurt Shintaku's Blog

In response to feedback for a more predictable feature update model, we are moving to a new twice-yearly release cadence called the Semi-Annual Channel that replaces the Current Branch (CB) and Current Branch for Business (CBB). 

As we announced in April, Windows has aligned with Office 365 ProPlus, targeting releases in March and September, to simplify IT deployment cycles.  Both feature releases will be serviced for 18 months from the date of release.  The Creators Update marks the first of our Semi-Annual Channel releases.  The first aligned feature release will come this fall with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and a corresponding Office 365 ProPlus release.

Common terminology

As part of the alignment with Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus, we are also adopting common terminology to make it as easy as possible to understand the servicing process.  The two most important terms to understand include:

• Semi-Annual Channel: These are the twice-per-year feature update releases, targeting March and September, designed for the broad population of general-purpose PCs used throughout organizations.  Each of these releases will be serviced for 18 months from the date of release.  (The Semi-Annual Channel replaces the Current Branch [CB] and Current Branch for Business [CBB] concepts.)
• Long-Term Servicing Channel: These are less frequent releases, expected every 2-3 years (with the next one expected in 2019), designed for special-purpose PCs, such as those used in point-of-sale systems or controlling factory or medical equipment.  Each of these releases will be serviced for 10 years from the date of release.  (The Long-Term Servicing Channel replaces the Long-Term Servicing Branch [LTSB].)

Why the new model?

The new Semi-Annual Channel update cadence and lifecycle model provides commercial customers with greater predictability and simplicity to take advantage of the latest capabilities and integrated security, as quickly as is practical for their organization.  This predictable release cycle enables enterprises to plan combined servicing of Windows and Office and create deployment plans tailored to their needs.

For more information about how to implement a servicing process for Windows, refer to the detailed TechNet article.

Read the announcement here:

• BLOG: Windows as a service: Simplified and Aligned
  https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/windowsitpro/2017/07/27/waas-simplified-and-aligned/