{"id":68515,"date":"2025-07-08T08:06:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T08:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/articles\/faster-feature-product-releases\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T11:45:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T11:45:35","slug":"faster-feature-product-releases","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/articles\/faster-feature-product-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"New features, faster: a new era of Totara releases\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class='inline-text-container MobileAlignment DesktopAlignment'>\n  <div class='richText'><p><strong><em>Totara is evolving how we deliver new features and improvements \u2014 and we\u2019re excited to share what this means for our customers.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why we\u2019re changing the frequency of our feature releases <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over the years, Totara has earned a reputation for being flexible, secure and reliable. But we\u2019ve also listened to your feedback; you want to access new features more quickly, and with greater clarity about when and how to upgrade.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s why we\u2019re introducing a new release model designed to give you more choice, predictability \u2014 and speed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u2019s changing?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">Traditionally, Totara has an annual product release, when new features and functionality are made available, with any essential bug fixes and security updates added on an ad-hoc basis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">Rather than make everyone wait a year until the latest product features are available, we&#8217;ve created a new approach to upgrading your version of Totara. If you choose to adopt a &#8216;Progressive pathway&#8217;, you can have access to features more frequently &#8211; available in our new &#8216;minor&#8217; releases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">To understand this model, let&#8217;s clarify the three different levels of release:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"><strong>Major release<\/strong> &#8211; once a year, contains new features and functionality e.g. Totara Version 19<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Minor release<\/strong> &#8211; up to 3 times a year, contains<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"> new features and functionality<\/span>, e.g. Version 19.1<\/li>\n<li><strong>Patch release<\/strong> &#8211; focused on bug fixes and essential security updates\n<ul>\n<li><span data-teams=\"true\">Patch releases are designed not to impact functionality, and these will continue to be released on an ad-hoc basis<\/span>, regardless of which pathway you choose to adopt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Totara&#8217;s new release pathways<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019re introducing two release pathways, allowing you to choose what works best for your organisation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Long-Term Support (LTS)<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is our default model based on our recent release cadence:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ideal if your organisation prefer planned annual upgrades giving more time to prepare systems, teams, and processes \u2014 especially those with strict change control processes to support their compliance needs.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ll receive a major release every year, <span class=\"TextRun SCXW107058512 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW107058512 BCX0\">with each version fully supported for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW107058512 BCX0\">four <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW107058512 BCX0\">years<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW107058512 BCX0\"> (and options for extended support).<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW107058512 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monthly updates will include only essential code fixes \u2014 no unexpected changes and efficient to upgrade.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Progressive<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Perfect if you\u2019re keen to benefit from new features as soon as they\u2019re ready.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019ll receive quarterly enhancements (starting in 2026), giving you earlier access to innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Designed for organisations that can manage more regular change.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No improvements in a minor release will break existing functionality. Any significant changes are introduced as opt-in features, so you can adopt them at your own pace, after the upgrade.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Note that if the Progressive path does not suit your immediate needs, your Partner will still have access to new features, so can help plan and support your future upgrade pathways.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div class='inline-media-container'>\n      <div class='videoWrapper'>\n      <div>\n        <iframe\n          id='inline-iframe3'\n          class='videoEmbed'\n          src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QNoFQCsD-3U?autoplay=0&#038;mute=1'\n          title='YouTube video player'\n          allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"\n          allowFullScreen\n        ><\/iframe>\n      <\/div>\n      <div id='inline-thumbnail-container3'>\n                \n<a id=\"videoEmbedButton3\" class=\"button-link largeSize\" target=\"\" href=\"\">\n  <span class='container darkPrimaryTheme'>\n    <div><\/div>\n    <div><\/div>\n    <div class='contents'>\n      <span>Play video<\/span>\n      <svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"#2C9892\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n        <path fillRule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2 10C2 9.58579 2.33579 9.25 2.75 9.25L15.3879 9.25L10.2302 4.29062C9.93159 4.00353 9.92228 3.52875 10.2094 3.23017C10.4965 2.93159 10.9713 2.92228 11.2698 3.20937L17.7698 9.45937C17.9169 9.60078 18 9.79599 18 10C18 10.204 17.9169 10.3992 17.7698 10.5406L11.2698 16.7906C10.9713 17.0777 10.4965 17.0684 10.2094 16.7698C9.92228 16.4713 9.93159 15.9965 10.2302 15.7094L15.3879 10.75L2.75 10.75C2.33579 10.75 2 10.4142 2 10Z\" \/>\n        <\/svg>    <\/div>\n  <\/span>\n<\/a>      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<script>\n  let inline_button3 = document.getElementById('videoEmbedButton3');\n  let inline_thumbnailContainer3 = document.getElementById('inline-thumbnail-container3');\n  let inline_iframe3 = document.getElementById('inline-iframe3');\n  let inline_videoURL3 = 'https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QNoFQCsD-3U';\n\n  inline_thumbnailContainer3.addEventListener('click', function(e) {\n    e.preventDefault();\n    inline_thumbnailContainer3.style.display = 'none';\n    inline_iframe3.src = `${inline_videoURL3}?autoplay=1&mute=0`;\n  });\n<\/script>\n\n\n<div class='inline-text-container MobileAlignment DesktopAlignment'>\n  <div class='richText'><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What this means for you<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Faster access to new features:<\/strong> The Progressive pathway gives you the latest capabilities sooner.<\/li>\n<li><strong>More control:<\/strong> Choose the approach that suits your internal change processes and priorities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clearer upgrade planning:<\/strong> With predictable release schedules, you can plan upgrades with confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you value a steady approach or want to stay on the cutting edge, Totara\u2019s new release model lets you tailor the experience to your needs.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Speak to your partner to work out what approach is best for you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are the benefits of being on the latest (or more recent) Totara version?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Access to the latest features.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Better user experience and quicker workflows. We\u2019re continually improving the user experience, with recent releases including a number of small, iterative improvements. These changes are designed to build on your current setup, without disrupting it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We also take a \u2018continuous improvement\u2019 approach to refining the user interface, modernising the look and feel in line with ever-changing user expectations, without forcing disruptive changes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Full technical support is available for the most recent versions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Not sure which Version you\u2019re using?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing your current version is the first step towards planning your upgrade strategy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our Help Docs provide guidance on <a href=\"https:\/\/totara.help\/docs\/checking-your-totara-version\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">how to check your Totara version<\/span><\/a>.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u2019s next?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the coming months, we\u2019ll be providing our customers:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Further guidance on how to choose the right release pathway for your organisation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Previews of upcoming enhancements<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best practices for managing upgrades<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the meantime, we recommend speaking to your Totara Partner or site administrator to discuss your preferred approach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>","protected":false},"template":"","tax\/tags":[698,684,720],"tax\/solutions":[778,798,1192],"tax\/topics":[688],"tax\/industries":[],"tax\/article-types":[1387],"class_list":["post-68515","article","type-article","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/68515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/tags?post=68515"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/solutions?post=68515"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/topics?post=68515"},{"taxonomy":"industry-tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/industries?post=68515"},{"taxonomy":"article-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/article-types?post=68515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}