|  | 7.3 | IOS Naming and Software Image Backup
| 7.3.1 | Cisco's IOS naming conventions
Cisco products have expanded beyond the generic router to include many platforms at many points on the network product spectrum. To optimize how Cisco IOS software operates on these various platforms, Cisco is working to develop many different Cisco IOS software images. These images accommodate the various platforms, available memory resources, and feature set needs customers have for their network devices. The naming convention for Cisco IOS Release 11.2 contains three parts: the platform on which the image runs a letter or series of letters identifies the special capabilities and feature sets supported in the image specifics as to where the image runs and whether it has been zipped or compressed The Cisco IOS software naming conventions, name part field meaning, image content, and other details are subject to change. Refer to your sales representative, distribution channel, or CCO for updated details.