Percona commits to delivering robust, enterprise-grade, and community-driven software for MongoDB. We build our databases and tools to meet evolving data needs. As MongoDB continues to evolve, we’ve updated and clarified our release strategy for the Percona Software for MongoDB suite. This suite includes:
-
Percona Server for MongoDB (PSMDB)
-
Percona Backup for MongoDB (PBM)
-
Percona Distribution for MongoDB (PDMDB)
Our new approach aligns with upstream innovation, boosts operational efficiency, and improves your experience with our software.
Here’s what’s changing, and what you can expect going forward.
TL;DR: What’s changing?
| Component | Change |
| Clarification: Percona Server for MongoDB major and patch release cadence |
Major and patch releases follow upstream MongoDB versions closely. We ensure quality and apply Percona-specific improvements. |
| Clarification: Percona Backup for MongoDB releases cadence |
We release updates approximately every two months and issue ad hoc hotfixes for critical issues. |
| Update: Packaging updates |
July 31, 2025:
|
| New: Releases for EOL OS |
On-demand 6 additional months with ProBuilds. |
| Clarification: OS build and test strategy |
We build and test the software only on the latest OS patch versions; older patches may still work, but we do not test them further. See the Percona Release Lifecycle Overview for details. |
Staying close to upstream: Reliable release strategy
We are committed to releasing PSMDB major and patch updates soon after MongoDB’s upstream source becomes available. However, we prioritize quality over speed. Each release undergoes a rigorous build and testing pipeline, followed by exploratory quality assurance. As a result, our software offers reliable performance, critical bug and security fixes, and Percona enhancements.
Security: A core principle
We prioritize security. Our CVE process includes reviewing, assigning, and fixing vulnerabilities based on their criticality.
-
High severity: Faster response times and resolution.
-
Medium/low severity: Included in upcoming release cycles.
Moreover, we share known CVE details, including workarounds, in release notes. When upstream fixes are available, we apply them promptly.
Bi-monthly Percona Backup for MongoDB (PBM) releases
Percona releases PBM every two months, with additional hotfixes for critical issues. This ensures a predictable update schedule, so you can confidently plan updates, whether you’re managing backups or testing features. We always test PBM with the latest patch of each supported Percona Server for MongoDB version. Compatibility changes are noted in the Percona Server for MongoDB Compatibility Matrix.
Packaging changes: A look at Percona Server and Percona Distribution for MongoDB
Starting August 2025, we will:
-
End releases for Percona Distribution for MongoDB (PDMBD) 7.0
-
Stop bundling Percona Server for MongoDB (PSMDB) and Percona Backup for MongoDB (PBM) in a single distribution
Instead, users can adopt the server and backup components separately for more flexibility. This change frees up engineering resources to support:
-
New operating systems (e.g., Amazon Linux 2023)
-
Additional CPU architectures
- and other innovations and resilience improvements
Meanwhile, PSMDB 7.0 will continue following our updated packaging and release strategy.
PBM 1.x deprecation notice
Percona Backup for MongoDB 1.0 is now deprecated and will reach end-of-life in July 2025. After that, we won’t support or guarantee compatibility with new PSMDB versions. We recommend planning your upgrade path as soon as possible.
On-demand extended binary support for EOLed operating systems
Some environments can’t upgrade right away. Therefore, we can now offer binaries and packages for EOL OSes for six extra months to our customers. Currently, we’re gathering requests for extended support to Ubuntu 20.04 builds, as that OS reached EOL in May 2025. We can provide releases of PBM and PSMDB binaries via our ProBuilds repository through the end of 2025. If you’re interested, reach out to us directly and let us know about your extra needs!
Clarified OS support policy
To ensure software quality and performance, we only test builds on the latest patch of each supported OS.
As of June 2025, for example:
-
MongoDB 8.0.8-3 is tested on Amazon Linux 2023.7 and RHEL 9.3
Older patches may still work, but they are not included in our formal test matrix. OSes not listed in the Percona Release Lifecycle Overview are covered under diagnostic-only support per our Support Policies.
Looking ahead
These changes help you stay aligned with upstream MongoDB while enjoying predictable updates and enhanced clarity around support. As always, we remain committed to:
-
Open source
-
Performance
-
Giving you full control over your Percona Software for MongoDB stack
Have questions or feedback? Join our community forums or contact our team.
About the Author
Radoslaw SzulgoRadoslaw is a Senior Product Manager at Percona and responsible for driving Percona Software for MongoDB. He has more than 15 years of experience in building distributed applications as a product manager, leader, and software engineer. Radek is an Agile product development enthusiast and fan of personal development. Outside of work, he's an amateur volleyball player.
