releasedbeheer

Released management, often referred to as release management, is a discipline within IT service management (ITSM) that focuses on planning, scheduling, and controlling the build and deployment of releases into production. A release is a collection of new or changed hardware or software components that are bundled together for the purpose of release. The primary goal of released management is to ensure that the integrity of the production environment is protected and that the correct components are deployed.

The process involves defining the release package, which includes all the necessary software, hardware, documentation, and other configuration items. It also encompasses testing, which can range from unit testing to user acceptance testing, to verify that the release meets the specified requirements and functions as intended. Scheduling is a critical aspect, ensuring that releases are deployed at times that minimize disruption to business operations.

Control mechanisms are put in place to manage changes, track progress, and confirm that all planned activities have been completed successfully. This often involves establishing a release calendar and using change control processes to approve and document each release. The benefits of effective released management include reduced risk of IT failures, improved service quality, and faster delivery of new functionality to users. It is a key component of a robust ITSM framework.