How does AWS MSK handle Apache Kafka version end of support?

Question

At present until version 2.8, the support and Confluent Platform Standard End of Support has already ended https://endoflife.date/apache-kafka

So does AWS MSK also follow the same timelines and recommend upgrading to the latest supported version or can we still continue using older versions.

As per documentation https://docs.aws.amazon.com/msk/latest/developerguide/supported-kafka-versions.html, it seems we can create clusters for even very old versions like 2.2.1.

If AWS MSK does not follow the same timelines as Apache Kafka, then how will the security patches(in case any vulnerabilities were identified), be applied on AWS MSK?

Accepted Answer

We have documented the supported Apache Kafka versions for MSK [here.](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/msk/latest/developerguide/supported-kafka-versions.html). Although it’s a best practice to upgrade to the latest versions, we understand that it’s not always feasible to do so. We plan to create a deprecation schedule for MSK’s support for Apache Kafka versions and will document it as soon as it becomes available.

How does AWS MSK handle Apache Kafka version end of support?

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