## Summary Extend support for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15.6 Omnibus packages until GitLab 19.5 on a best-effort basis, giving affected customers additional time to plan and execute their migration to a supported platform. ## Background We [announced the deprecation of Linux package support for SUSE distributions](https://docs.gitlab.com/update/deprecations/#linux-package-support-for-suse-distributions) with end of support targeted at GitLab 19.0. We have received direct customer feedback that the ~3-month deprecation window is insufficient given the compliance, security, and operational constraints typical in regulated environments (e.g. banking and insurance). ## Proposal 1. **Extend SLES 15.6 package builds through GitLab 19.5** on a best-effort basis 2. **Update documentation** to reflect the extended timeline 3. **Reinstate CI jobs** for SLES 15.6 builds 4. **Use this issue to track** any disruptions to our ability to continue building for SLES 15.6 ### Documentation changes - [ ] Update the [supported platforms page](https://docs.gitlab.com/install/package/#supported-platforms): set SLES 15.6 end of support to GitLab 19.5, with a note that builds continue on a best-effort basis - [ ] Update the [SUSE deprecation notice](https://docs.gitlab.com/update/deprecations/#linux-package-support-for-suse-distributions): note that SLES 15.6 support has been extended through 19.5, and link this issue for feedback ### Build pipeline changes - [ ] Reinstate CI jobs for SLES 15.6 package builds - [ ] Continue normal packaging for SLES 15.6 through 19.5 - [ ] Document any builder image or dependency changes that affect SLES 15.6 builds in this issue ## What "best-effort" means - We will continue to produce SLES 15.6 Linux packages through GitLab 19.5 - We will not block releases if SLES 15.6 builds fail due to upstream dependency or toolchain changes - If build failures occur, we will document them in this issue and assess whether a reasonable fix exists - We will not backport fixes specifically for SLES 15.6 compatibility issues - Customers running SLES 15.6 should treat this extension as a migration window, not a long-term support commitment ## Risks and considerations - Builder image or dependency updates may break SLES 15.6 compatibility at any point - Upstream SUSE package availability may change - Any team member encountering SLES 15.6 build issues should comment on this issue rather than silently removing the build target ## Exit criteria - GitLab 19.5 is released with SLES 15.6 packages, or - A build-breaking change makes continued SLES 15.6 packaging infeasible (documented in this issue)