RHEL 6.8 just released.

The RHEL 6.8 has just been released and brings the following main benefits:

• it enhances security by replacing openswan with libreswan as VPN endpoint solution,
• it makes integration with Active Directory easier through SSSD improvements (cached authentication lookup, authentication via smart cards) and support for adcli,
• it adds the new system archiving tool, Relax-and-Recover, enabling systems administrators to create local backups in an ISO format, simplifying disaster recovery operations,
• it now supports xfs filesystem sizes up to 300TB through the Scalable File System Add-on.

With the RHEL 6.8 release, this also marks the transition of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 into Production Phase 2. According to Red Hat Enterprise Linux lifecycle, this mainly means:

• no additions of new functionality beyond correcting defects,
• no implementation of previously existing features on a new hardware generation.

Rumors about Btrfs being deprecated are false and are only due to a poor wording in the technical notes.

Finally, you will find all the details in the RHEL 6.8 Releases Notes & RHEL 6.8 Technical Notes.