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IMPORTANT: Intel Security will troubleshoot and investigate issues for supported product versions, regardless of the current patch level. Be aware that part of the troubleshooting and resolution process can involve applying the most current product patch. 

If the resolution requires us to create a hotfix, the hotfix will be based on the code for the most recent product patch and will require you to upgrade to that patch.

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Intel Security delivers patches for products with the following expected release timelines:

NOTE: Other system security products may release patches on an "as required" basis.

Each patch is released in a two-stage distribution: Managed Release To Support (RTS) and Release to World (RTW).

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The Managed Release cycle is approximately four weeks long.

Distribution is limited to customers who have escalated issues addressed by the patch, and to customers who have opted to participate in our phased distribution cycles. During the first phase of Managed Release, RTS customers who have previously reported issues are expected to deploy RTS patches and confirm issue resolutions within two weeks to confirm resolutions for their issue. All fixed issues are confirmed prior to general RTS availability during the last two-week phase of managed release, for customers who have opted to participate.

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If Managed Release customers confirm that the patch performs as expected, the patch moves to RTW at the end of the four-week period. At this stage, Intel Security posts the patch on the McAfee Downloads site and ServicePortal. The RTW date will coincide with the second Tuesday of the month in February, June, and October.

Intel Security will make every attempt to maintain the integrity of the above patch release schedule. In cases where the quality of the patch does not meet the Intel Security minimum ship requirements, the date will be adjusted as requested. If the patch release date has to me moved, Intel Security will notify customers via SNS, and will post the new release date on the ServicePortal patch downloads page.

NOTE: Between patch releases, Intel Security is committed to providing customers with hotfixes on a case-by-case basis for any critical issues. These hotfixes are typically rolled up as part of the next scheduled patch.

Products referenced in this document may adopt a standard patch release schedule in the future, or have a patch release cycle not specified in this document. Release cycles associated with these listed products are subject to change and Intel Security will make every best effort to inform customers of schedule changes in subscriber notifications and related Knowledge Base articles.

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IMPORTANT: Intel Security will troubleshoot and investigate issues for supported product versions, regardless of the current patch level. Part of the troubleshooting and resolution process might involve applying the most current product patch. If the resolution requires a hotfix, the hotfix will be based on the code for the most recent product patch and will require you to upgrade to that patch.

Patches and hotfixes are provided by Intel Security primarily to resolve customer-reported issues and, at the discretion of Intel Security, might also include other fixes and product modifications. They are released from QA to Support after satisfying the QA exit criteria. Product modifications and resolved issues (customer-reported or otherwise) are documented in the accompanying Release Notes for each hotfix or patch release.

Patch (known as Hotfix for Firewall and Command Center)