Update README with enhanced information and communication channels

Enhanced the README file by adding detailed maintenance policies for the
`meta-freescale` layer, including information about branch management
and release cycles.

Additionally, included specifics about the maintained branches such as
`master`, `scarthgap`, `nanbield`, and `kirkstone`. This update aims to
provide users with a clearer understanding of the project's maintenance
practices and available branches.

Signed-off-by: Otavio Salvador <otavio@ossystems.com.br>

2 files changed, 47 insertions, 34 deletions

diff --git a/README b/README
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-OpenEmbedded/Yocto BSP layer for Freescale's platforms
-======================================================
-
-This layer provides support for Freescale's platforms for use with
-OpenEmbedded and/or Yocto.
-
-This layer depends on:
-
-URI: git://git.openembedded.org/openembedded-core
-branch: master
-revision: HEAD
-
-Contributing
-------------
-
-Please submit any patches against the `meta-freescale` layer by using the
-GitHub pull-request feature.  Fork the repo, make a branch, do the
-work, rebase from upstream, create the pull request.
-
-For some useful guidelines to be followed when submitting patches,
-please refer to:
-http://openembedded.org/wiki/Commit_Patch_Message_Guidelines
-
-Pull requests will be discussed within the GitHub pull-request
-infrastructure. If you want to get informed on new PRs and the
-follow-up discussions please use the GitHub's notification system.
-
-Mailing list:
-
-    https://lists.yoctoproject.org/g/meta-freescale
-
-Source code:
-
-    https://github.com/Freescale/meta-freescale
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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+# OpenEmbedded/Yocto Project BSP Layer for NXP's Platforms
+
+Welcome to `meta-freescale`. This document outlines our commitment to providing consistent support and updates in alignment with the Yocto Project LTS release schedule.
+
+This layer provides support for NXP's platforms for use with OpenEmbedded and/or Yocto Project.
+
+### Dependencies
+
+This layer depends on:
+
+- URI: git://git.openembedded.org/openembedded-core
+- Branch: master
+- Revision: HEAD
+
+## Branches
+
+- **master:** This is our primary development branch, receiving continuous bug fixes and BSP upgrades. It represents the latest and greatest version, ensuring compatibility with the most recent Yocto Project release.
+- **scarthgap:** Associated with Yocto Project 5.0 (LTS), maintained until April 2028 for bug fixes and until April 2026 for BSP backports.
+- **nanbield:** Corresponding to Yocto Project 4.3, it's maintained until May 2024 for bug fixes and BSP backports.
+- **kirkstone:** Tied to Yocto Project 4.0 (LTS), supported until April 2026 for bug fixes and until April 2024 for BSP backports.
+
+## Maintenance Policy
+
+- **Latest and Greatest (Master):** Continuous attention to bug fixes and BSP upgrades, ensuring that our users have access to the latest enhancements and improvements.
+- **Stable Releases:** Each stable release is maintained until the subsequent version is released. This includes backports for BSP and critical bug fixes, along with updates for security vulnerabilities (CVEs).
+- **Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases:** These are maintained for the duration of Yocto Project's LTS support. We prioritize bug fixes, security vulnerabilities (CVEs) updates, and BSP backports to ensure stability and reliability.
+
+This policy ensures that our users can rely on consistent support and updates, backed by our commitment to delivering high-quality BSP layers.
+
+## Release Cycle
+
+- **Yocto Project LTS Releases:** Our LTS branches follow the [Yocto Project LTS release schedule](https://wiki.yoctoproject.org/wiki/Releases), which involves a four-year maintenance period. A new LTS version is typically released every two years.
+- **Stable Releases:** We aim to provide stable releases every six months, aligning with the pace of Yocto Project's stable releases.
+
+## Contributing
+
+Please submit any patches against the `meta-freescale` layer by using the GitHub pull-request feature. Fork the repo, create a branch, do the work, rebase from upstream, and then create the pull request.
+
+For useful guidelines on submitting patches, please refer to the [Commit Patch Message Guidelines](http://openembedded.org/wiki/Commit_Patch_Message_Guidelines).
+
+Pull requests will be discussed within the GitHub pull-request infrastructure. If you want to stay informed about new PRs and follow-up discussions, please use GitHub's notification system. Additionally, feel free to open GitHub issues for bug reports, feature requests, or general discussions.
+
+## Communication
+
+- **GitHub Issues:** [meta-freescale issues](https://github.com/Freescale/meta-freescale/issues)
+- **GitHub Discussions:** [meta-freescale discussions](https://github.com/Freescale/meta-freescale/discussions)
+- **Pull Requests:** [meta-freescale pull requests](https://github.com/Freescale/meta-freescale/pulls)