I define a release as a specific product configuration that customers can install and use. It bundles stable requirements and related artifacts into one identifiable package. Then, I label that package so everyone can point to the exact version. For example, I build it from a requirements baseline that contains only the items planned for that product version. Therefore, it represents a visible and stable state of the product.
I plan delivery by bundling scope, scheduling work, and organizing shipment to users. Consequently, I use each release to structure delivery increments. In addition, it supports cost estimation. Moreover, it enables comparisons with competing products in the market. Thus, a well-defined version package supports business decisions.
Clear selection rules keep scope realistic. First, I include only stable items. Second, I place legally required “must” items in the earliest necessary shipment. Third, I prioritize the remaining items by business and customer importance. For example, I alternate between the most important item for the bank and the most important item for customers until the budget runs out. Also, I include complete business processes, because half-implemented flows deliver little value. Therefore, I avoid partial features.
I document the link between requirements and versions with a Release attribute. This attribute shows which items belong to which target version. However, I distinguish between the desired version and the planned version. In other words, I show the ideal target and the realistic plan. As a result, stakeholders see expectations and constraints clearly.
Versioning supports risk management. For example, I add attributes such as Criticality, Stability, and Legal liability. Then, I evaluate risk per requirement and adjust planning based on the result. In addition, I maintain traceability: backward to sources and forward to components and test cases. Therefore, I can foresee change impacts and resolve conflicts during change management.
Configuration management ties everything together. I manage configuration items under one common label per version package and build the software from that tagged configuration. Thus, version management connects configuration management, development, and delivery. In practice, I re-check requirements before major decisions to prevent last-minute instability.
I also support variant management through version packages. Attributes can capture variant choices for different product versions. Meanwhile, a clear roadmap links each release to program increments and iterations in scaled frameworks. Finally, I ensure that every shipment delivers customer value through working features.
Overall, I use releases to make product changes visible, stable, and deliverable. Moreover, they support planning, costing, and comparison. Therefore, I treat each release as a deliberate decision point. Consequently, teams and customers understand what it contains and when it will arrive.