Marianna P.
2021-12-30
In the mercilessly competitive world of IT, launching new software can be a сomplicated task with challenges at each stage of the process: gathering a team, finding the right market fit, developing the product, and marketing it afterward. Companies should be able to handle numerous challenges simultaneously to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of their product.
Of course, no company can afford poorly-planned releases if they want to satisfy their users and grow.
In this article, we will explore software release management best practices so that you can ensure your company’s product release process goes like clockwork and is stress-free.
So, let’s get started!
1. What Is Release Management?
2. The Role of Release Management
3. Release Management Process Flow
4. Ways to Make a FinTech Release Management Process Successful
5. Lead Java Engineer's Point of View
6. iOS Developer's Checklist
7. Project Manager's Point of View
8. Checklist for QA Engineer
9. Checklist for DevOps Engineer
10. Conclusion
Release management is a process that oversees phases of a software's development cycle, including scheduling, planning, control, and deployment. Its main aim is to ensure that the technologies and upgrades needed by the business are delivered efficiently and in a timely manner. Release management is required whenever a business plans to introduce a new software product or make changes to an existing one.
The first step for any release manager is to develop a release process map outlining what should be included, followed by managing software development through various phases, performing stability tests, and finally deployment of the completed product.
In general, the software release process varies from company to company. However, they all have several common factors, including the role of release management and the release management process flow.
Without efficient release management, companies risk wasting development timelines, underutilizing resources, and prioritizing the delivery of low-impact features. During this course of action, release managers play an important role, as they are supposed to bridge the gap between the internal (deployed code) and external (user stories) perspectives, ensuring that work is prioritized efficiently in each sprint.
Companies that have a well-developed release plan should do the following:
After knowing its main roles, let’s see how the process flows.
As previously stated, the specific steps in the release cycle vary by business and even by software, but the following process flow is perhaps the most prevalent.
The first step for release manager in the software development cycle is to submit a request for new technology or changes to existing software.
Sometimes there is uncertainty about if these requests will be accepted and translated into a new version of the app. Therefore, each request is evaluated for logic, feasibility, and whether it can be fulfilled by reconfiguring an already-in-production app version.
Planning is the most critical activity associated with a release. Release managers are responsible for creating a plan that keeps the development team on track and makes sure that all requirements are met during this stage, which defines the structure of the release. Not only should the plan outline the process's scope and critical milestones, but it should also specify the roles and responsibilities of DevOps teams and the individuals who comprise them.
During this phase, all the software requirements are translated into code. The new version is designed and implemented into the software that will be executed.
After completing the code, the next step is software testing. This phase involves non-functional and functional testing of the software. If any bugs are discovered, the software is returned to the devs for correction before being retested. This iterative process is repeated until the dev team and the product owner deem the build ready for launch.
When the software is ready for users, it has officially entered the deployment phase. Still, this phase demands more than simply making the software available for download and installation; it also entails informing users of the new features.
Post-deployment is also referred to as the support phase. The releases are fully functional and ready for use, and if any bugs are discovered, a change request can be submitted. Once this occurs, the whole release management process can be restarted.
Now the management process flow is clear, and the next step is how to improve it and help it thrive.
With a well-thought-out release plan, as well as an appropriate approach for the software release, the procedure will be more efficient and stress-free.
Continue reading to learn how team members advise how to ensure the success of a FinTech release management process.
Andriy M.
To push the development process forward, Java engineers should understand the common challenges and know how to resolve them.
The most common challenges and risks engineers face are potential blockers, bugs in a third-party library or services, and progress analysis.
Blockers are tasks that interrupt the progress of software development due to miscommunication between departments as well as errors in risk analysis during sprint creation.
Bugs that occur in a third-party library or services are bugs the developers have no control over.
Many teams carry out progress analysis only when they run into problems. However, it is recommended to hold separate technical stand-up meetings daily so, for example, back-end or front-end team members can communicate their progress. If any problems arise, the team can contribute to a solution, saving the organization a lot of time.
Luckily, the problems that the engineering teams run into can be solved relatively easily. Here are some tips to prevent problems from arising in the first place.
After knowing the most common issues, it becomes easier to spot them in time and resolve them effectively.
Daria Ch.
To enhance business efficiency and save resources, iOS developers should consider the following.
The most common challenges and risks iOS developers face are third-party providers, the team's internal communication, prioritization of tasks, and defects.
When developing software or an app, the developers may include third-party providers. For example, if the app accepts payments, a payment provider that supports an app's functionality could experience setbacks in communication, fixes, or issues on the processing side. This will automatically delay the app's release or decrease customer satisfaction.
Sometimes, issues may arise within the team. Lack of proper communication is a factor that can impede a successful launch. Issues such as cultural differences or even different time zones may further complicate the communication.
However, the main bottleneck for iOS developers remains the App Store review, as it can take up to a week. If the app is rejected, the iOS team needs to carry out fixes and then submit the app for approval again.
Here are some tips on how iOS developers can avoid the above-mentioned issues.
Now that all issues of iOS developers, if any, have been resolved, let's check the project manager's ones.
Natalia Y.
It should be noted that project managers are closely associated with the release management process and have the following concerns.
Project managers face somewhat different challenges than developers, as they focus more on software release management rather than development. They have to predict risks and tackle all types of vulnerabilities.
For example, it is up to the project manager to prevent the launch of an under-tested build that can lead to data or financial losses. Another common challenge is solving the inconsistencies between the back-end and mobile, such as the app being in production and users being unable to register.
Being a project manager is a very demanding task that comes with lots of responsibilities. They have to predict risks and prevent as many vulnerabilities as possible based on the experience they faced.
For example, it is up to the project manager to sync with the QA lead and make sure the launch of an under-tested build that can lead to data or financial losses is prevented. PMs should highlight to the team and double-check that BE changes are compatible with the old and new builds.
Being a project manager is a very demanding task that comes with lots of responsibilities. With the help of this short PM guide, you’ll be able to avoid small and large issues that might not be obvious but still dangerous for the flow of your project.
Also, there is a set of recommendations for project management before software release.
Now that things are clear, this checklist will come in handy for project managers to avoid major issues in their product release. The next step is to define quality assurance (QA) engineer challenges because they are the key element in testing and quality management of the software before the release.
Alina K.
QA engineers are responsible for improving the development process by detecting mistakes in software and preventing them from reoccurring.
QA Engineers are team members who provide confidence that the final product satisfies the stated and implied needs of its various stakeholders. They are not only in charge of bugs and defects; their role goes far beyond that.
The challenges that QA engineers face are mostly concerned with implementation issues, complications in development, and handling the client's view on the product.
For example, communication issues can arise when the client suddenly decides to change priorities. As a result, the engineering team experiences a lot of stress and pressure because they have to shift priorities in a short period of time.
In addition, clients may suddenly change due dates and time requirements, as they are eager to launch the software or app as soon as possible.
Here are some tips on how QA engineers can avoid these troubles:
Proper communication within the team. Engineer teams should hold regular meetings and communicate progress as well as any issues.
Tackling any concerns. All team members should be encouraged to voice any concerns. That way, the team can fix issues as soon as they arise and analyze what went wrong.
Adequate task prioritization. Planning is the most powerful tool for engineers. As long as the priorities are clear, the team won't have issues completing their tasks on time.
Test the critical bugs first. Tracking bugs and getting rid of them can be an impossible task. First, it is too costly for the client, and it also takes a lot of time. For that reason, test the most critical bugs first and then take care of the rest gradually.
This QA engineer's checklist will come in handy when summing up their work.
1. Registration and login authorization
2. Password recovery
3. Biometric authorization
4. Correct information about the client
5. Two-factor authentication
6. Ability to connect to a payment system—research limitations and errors
7. Safe and secure transactions
8. Error messages and behavior of the app due to a poor or absent internet connection
9. Security issues for web and app versions of the product
10. Options to reissue a card or block an account
11. Optimization for better performance of the app, software, or website
After knowing QA engineers' main issues and solutions, the next step is to ensure the DevOps engineer is aimed at the right software release workflow. Let’s get to know the role of a DevOps engineer a bit better.
Yana B.
Development operations (DevOps) engineers are responsible for maintaining healthy collaboration between the development and operations teams.
The main aim of the DevOps team is to keep the production infrastructure going because it's the foundation of any project. The biggest risk that can cause serious setbacks are production defects.
In addition, the DevOps teams often have to deal with the product crashing, as feature development and bug fixes are frequently carried out simultaneously. Last but not least, DevOps engineers have to keep track of the developers' work and make sure the code's correct version is used in current production.
Here are some tips on how DevOps engineers can avoid these issues.
DevOps should be armed with the following checklist before product release.
So, for a successful fintech software release management process, there should be an understanding of the possible issues and solutions in each link of the development project: Java engineers, iOS developers, project managers, QA, and DevOps engineers. The synergy of the work of each position should ensure that the product is released smoothly and stakeholders are satisfied.
Software release management monitors and manages steps of a software release, including building the software, conducting necessary tests, and deploying the finished product. The process is critical to ensuring that a fully functional product is released; otherwise, the business risks customer dissatisfaction and possible financial loss.
Each stage of software development comes with certain challenges and risks the team has to face. We hope this article helped you understand how to ensure a successful release so that your team can be proud of the management process and make it less stressful.
Enjoy this blog? Please, spread the word :)
10 Mobile Application Development Trends To Watch In 2022
NFT Implementation on Enjin: How to Create an NFT on Enjin
Cooperation Models in IT: Which One Should You Choose?
How to Implement Zero Trust Security: Practical Steps
A mobile app is a culture we're used to. Their development was not a bubble, like Bitcoin. Also, this is not a temporary trend, doomed to exhaustion, like the iPhone battery running on iOS 11.
Written by Oksana T.
2022-06-29
What is an NFT, and what are the use cases? How can you create your own NFT and implement an NFT on Enjin?
Written by Artem H.
2022-06-22
How to choose the best IT cooperation model for your software or product development project. This provides a comparison of the available models.
Written by Oksana K.
2022-06-20
How do you implement zero trust security? What are the key steps, challenges, and best practices to implement zero trust within your network architecture?
Written by Ihor D.
2022-06-13
What are the use cases for AI in fintech, and how does AI differ from machine learning? How can you utilize AI and ML to develop your fintech app?
Written by Taras T.
2022-06-07
Find out everything you need to know about top investment management software in one place and choose the perfect tool for your needs.
2022-06-03
What are the key issues to developing an e-learning product? How will you address and solve those challenges? Let’s figure it out.
Written by Dima M.
2022-05-30
What is Geniusee’s Business Continuity Planning? What steps have we taken to implement our BCP? What are the potential concerns and preparedness?
2022-05-27
In this article, we have collected the latest software outsourcing rates by country of IT market in 2022. How to choose an IT outsourcing country?
2022-05-24
Want your app to bring you more outcomes? You should partner with those who know how to improve react app performance. We do and share with you.
Written by Gleb K.
2022-05-20
You don’t have to be a policeman to recognize the types of cybercrimes waiting right for your business. Knowing possible risks eliminates the real ones a lot.
2022-05-16
In some way IT support levels copy the pyramid of basic needs, but for your business. There shouldn’t be any gaps. Learn how we can assist you with that.
Written by Nazariy H.
2022-05-11
You need to know how stablecoins work if you are aimed at riding the wave in financial technologies. Are stablecoins safe? Find in the article.
Written by Sofia K.
2022-05-09
Learn the latest cyber security trends and how you can protect your company, software, and applications from cyber attacks.
2022-05-04
Working with legacy code: is it enough to implement only technical changes to succeed in a long run? What else is needed? Check out in our article.
2022-04-27
Android and iOS mobile app with automated payments, add geolocation services, integrate local market stakeholders, and as a result - the product for rapid grocery delivery in 15 minutes? Say no more....
Meet one of our clients – Drum! This 5-star application is a platform designed for creators. That’s a great tool for people who care about their personal brands to engage with their followers, earn...
Our client, a technology solutions company in MedTech, aims to make the latest technological advances available to millions by providing high-caliber, more affordable solutions to all. Target audience:...
Our main goal was to develop a digital platform for healthy habits called EinkaufsCHECK. We aimed to create a hybrid app for iOS and Android for the easiest and most accurate diet tracking and food...
Our client is a secure, automated platform that streamlines the merchant cash advance process and enables ISOs and lenders to manage their businesses from one centralized, convenient place. Combining...
For Crave retail Geniusee has developed 2 enterprise mobile applications that solve the double-sided problem for every shopper visiting the fitting room. The Fitting Room application allows shoppers...
Outstanding case in Geniusee portfolio, Pause – mobile app for meditation. iOS application was downloaded 1000+ times on the launch day.
The Ajuma company was founded by a couple after the birth of their child. They wanted to protect their baby from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation sunburn and from potentially generated skin...
Zedosh is a new digital advertising platform that financially empowers Gen Z. Using Open Banking, we provide insights into their spending behaviour, tips on how to master money and crucially, the ability...
Revenu is an All in one POS (Point of sale) management system . It uses the latest trends of technology to manage different types of Food & Beverage from scratch up to reaching ultimate clients...
Realm Five develops devices that collect various data, such as soil moisture, rainfall, amount of water in tanks, condition of tractors and their location, etc. from different parts of agriculture.
FactMata is an AI-based platform that identifies and classifies content. Advanced natural language processing learns what different types of deceptive content look like, and then detects...
Tradesmarter is leading in providing white label trading solutions offering a web responsive trading platform that enables top financial companies to unleash a new era of competition, innovation...
Swoon is an online furniture brand with a difference. Their main idea is that everyone should be able to buy beautifully designed and crafted furniture at reasonable prices. The brand has...
Frenotec LLC is a motorcycle distribution company eventually grew into the nation’s largest distributor of Brembo motorcycle brake components as well as became the exclusive importer and...
Validify Access is a new innovation discovery platform that showcases only best-in-class and pre-vetted emerging retail technology solutions. Validify helps leading retailers access curated...
NCourage was created to understand the nature of anxiety & stress, the cause of problems with falling asleep, which promotes personal growth, success work and increase productivity....
Wyzoo App is built on artificial intelligence and learning techniques to identify patterns in your customer data.
Tamam on-demand mobile application connects customers with independent local couriers, who acquire goods from any restaurant or shop in a city and also deliver urgent packages for a variable...
DigitalBits™ is an open-source project supporting the adoption of blockchain technology by enterprises. The technology enables enterprises to tokenize assets on the decentralized DigitalBits blockchain;...
The blockchain based platform - Totalizator. The goal of this R&D project was to validate the possibility of using blockchain technology in order to create an objective betting platform.
The Virtual Console is the graphics space that actually allows you to control your light shows during live events. It visually displays a number of so called widgets and aim to represent all...
PoolParty app allows increasing your popularity on Instagram by sharing links to the community of users, that will like, share and follow such links.
My Uber app allows everyone with a car to join the community of uber drivers within a couple of clicks - the company will take care of everything else. My Uber provides support and education for all...
Due to the high volatility of the cryptocurrency market, a trading company faced with an issue that traders need to quickly analyze cryptocurrency market information.
This system provides a complete omnidirectional view for armored vehicles crew (transparent walls effect) and the possibility to receive necessary data and interactive tips on helmet screen.
BuzzShow is a video social media network which incorporates the blockchain technology in a reward-based ecosystem. The platform offers full decentralization and a unique social media experience to users...
ZaZa is an expert in online learning and education abroad that helps its clients to get the highest quality services for quite affordable prices. They bring together native-speakers from all over the...
PrintBI has the largest and most detailed database of printing companies worldwide, powered by advanced technologies and market intelligence tools.
We will answer you as soon as we determine which of the team members is the most worthy to talk to you :)
CEO
The website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more
Tell us how we can help you.