Canonical's Extended Security Maintenance

Security updates for Ubuntu LTS that have reached End of Life (EOL).

While we encourage all of our SCS community to always use a current and SCS-supported operating system whenever possible, we understand there are special situations that may limit the ability to upgrade a computer's operating system. In these scenarios, you can continue to receive security updates for the Ubuntu base OS, critical software packages and infrastructure components with Extended Security Maintenance (ESM). ESM provides base security maintenance, enabling an organization’s continuous vulnerability management beyond the end of life (EOL) of the operating system for up to 5 years.

ESM is available through an Ubuntu Advantage for Infrastructure subscription for physical servers, virtual machines, containers and desktops. ESM is provided by Canonical directly for an annual fee. (Any charges for ESM subscription will be charged closer to the EOL date.)

Am I a candidate for ESM?

ESM would be a good option if you are not able to upgrade to the latest supported Ubuntu Linux version we offer. Regardless of having on-going Software Support enrollment, here are some considerations that indicate ESM might be right for you:

• If you do not intend to upgrade any application.
• If you are performing research or project work that requires no changes on your system.
• If you intend to retire the computer in the next 5 years. 
• If you need software that only runs on Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS.

ESM and our Software Support service

ESM is not part of our Software Support service. While we encourage anyone using a CMU-owned computer to have their computers enrolled in Software Support, it is not required in order to subscribe to ESM. 

While ESM provides critical security updates, an OS that has reached EOL may not be able to run latest software and certain limitations in support are likely, even with Software Support.

Note: If not registered for our Software Support service, our technical staff will not provide operating system/software support.

How do I get ESM

If you are running a version of Ubuntu Linux that has reached or will soon reach EOL, you can complete our request form and we will contact you with next steps. Elegible versions include:

• 18.04
• 16.04