Last year, Buildroot, the embedded Linux image build system, extended its Long-Term Support (LTS) release channel to three years, up from one year previously. This has been made possible through the Buildroot LTS Sponsorship program, which funds developer time for ongoing open-source maintenance rather than relying solely on maintainers' free time.

In this talk, we will walk through the Buildroot contribution and release process, and explain how LTS branches are maintained. We will discuss: - When and why should you use a Buildroot LTS release ? - What can you expect from LTS releases ? - How the “LTS stewards” coordinate, analyze security issues and collaborate with upstream Buildroot maintainers - The challenges and lessons learned during the first year of the program - How to submit your contributions so they can be easily integrated in LTS releases - Why should you or your company sponsor the LTS program ?