MySQL 5.6 was our best release ever. But 5.7 is around the corner and it WILL force you to make changes. For instance, the default SQL MODE is STRICT which will make developers tighten up their data inputs or have queries reject. 5.7 is 2x faster than 5.6 and 3x than 5.5 -- and you will want it.

1. Performance gains
-- Better core scaling
--Fewer mutexes
--much faster
2. Security updates
--no anonymous accounts, better password aging
--more disciple needed
3. What was deprecated
--What is going, or gone and how to work around
4. Exploiting the changes for your benefit