Clarification of Version 7.1.0

[GlennCameronNZ]

Hi,
Can anyone clarify if version 7.1.0 is the new STS support level release or is it going to be an LTS?
Thanks

[sdemanas]

Hi @GlennCameronNZ.
This is currently an STS support level release.

For more information about the release, you may refer to the following article :
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/ado-net/sqlclient-driver-support-lifecycle?view=sql-server-ver17

I hope this answers your question. If so mark it as closed please.

[ErikEJ]

@sdemanas That page does not list 7.1 yet

[sdemanas]

Hi @ErikEJ, I am aware that it does not explicitly mention that; however, there are two points that make this one an STS:

Come November 2026, .NET 8 LTS is being phased out, and .NET 10 will be the new LTS.

• This particular release, 7.1.0, does not have a .NET 10.0 build feature yet and is instead planned for SqlClient v8.0.
  • Additionally, the Microsoft page states that 7.0.3 is an STS and its end of support is to be determined by the next release.
• The last LTS build for SqlClient has an end of support date of August 14, 2028. Therefore, there is little to no value in creating two LTS releases.

Hope this helps!

[sdemanas]

Hi @GlennCameronNZ the official page has updated with 7.1.0 as STS.
Please mark this as answer/answered, if you found this useful.