MECM Release Cadence - Changes

 Microsoft has made significant changes to the release cadence of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), which will impact the frequency and timing of updates. Here are the key details based on the latest information:

**1. New Release Cycle:**

 After the release of a Configuration Manager baseline version in 2303, MECM is transitioning to a new release cycle, moving from three to two updates per year. This change is in alignment with Windows' move to a once-a-year update model, streamlining the update cadence to better align with Windows updates.

**2. Impact on Update Frequency:**

 Following this change, users can expect to receive two releases of Configuration Manager per year, with one in March (xx03) and another in September (xx09), instead of the previous release cadence of xx03, xx07, and xx11. This consolidation of updates will roll up enhancements into each release, reducing the number of deployments and providing more time for planning and testing updates.

**3. Technical Preview Updates:**

The release cadence changes also affect the Technical Preview version, which will now see four releases per year, aligning with the new release cycle for Configuration Manager.

**4. Focus on Quality of Service:**

Microsoft's focus on the quality of service is evident in these changes, with the longer development cycle of the Configuration Manager 2309 update aimed at addressing key customer asks around policy sync, software update troubleshooting, improved alerts, dashboarding, and more.

In summary, the changes to the release cadence of MECM involve a shift to two updates per year, with a focus on consolidating enhancements and providing more time for planning and testing updates. This adjustment aims to better align with Windows updates and improve the overall quality of service for users.