Glossary · Change, versions and configuration
Version release
Also known as: Release
German: Versionsfreigabe
In configuration management, a version release is the formal approval and publication of a specific, identified version of a product, software, firmware or document for use, after its verification and approval steps are complete.
- Systems engineering
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
A version release formally approves and publishes an identified version of software, firmware or a document for use.
Example
Firmware 2.4.1 of the safety controller is released after regression tests, together with release notes and an updated manual revision.
How it applies
- Engineering: A release freezes a version with a unique identifier and records which requirements, tests and changes it contains.
- Functional safety: Released versions of safety-related software must be identifiable in the field, and the release must follow the Release decision defined for safety changes.
- Documentation: The documentation team should release manuals and release notes together with the software version they describe, and state the valid version in the document.
- Field: Customers and service staff must be able to see which version is installed and which versions are released; keep a release history with dates and compatibility notes.
Version release vs. release decision
The Release decision is the approval step based on evidence; the version release is the resulting controlled publication of that version.