The Solution Release phase could also be divided into two sub-phases as no solution should be released into a live production environment without the release being planned and fully tested prior to the actual release. This phase signifies the completion of the project. It involves planning a release deployment in conjunction with the customer; testing the updated product, training support teams and users, and then the actual deployment of the product into the live production environment for release to the users for use.
The release of the project product may happen at the end of the entire project, or may happen at periodic stages throughout the project at key stages in the development process. The timing and format of the release schedule will be agreed during Project Discovery when the management methodology of the project is decided upon.
The project doesn’t just end after the solution has been released; a thorough project review is conducted, documenting lessons learned, and celebrating achievements. This phase ensures a smooth transition from project work to live operations while capturing valuable insights for future projects.