Release Management

Release management undertakes the planning, design, build, configuration and testing of hardware and software to create a set of release components for a live environment. Activities also cover the planning, preparation and scheduling of a release. Release management works closely with change management as a release set is a collection of authorised changes, defined by the RFC/s that it implements.

Release Management activities include:

Release policy and planning
Release design, build and configuration
Release acceptance
Rollout planning
Extensive testing to predefined criteria
Sign off of the release for implementation
Communication, preparation and training
Audits of hardware and software prior to and following the implementation of changes
Installation of new or upgraded hardware
Storage of controlled software in both centralised and distributed systems
Release, distribution and the installation of software

The main components to be controlled are:

Applications software developed in-house
Externally developed software (including standard off the shelf software as well as customer written software)
Utility software
Supplier provided systems software
Hardware, and hardware specifications
Assembly instructions and documentation, including User manuals

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