WorkPoint 365 Release Rings

1. Introduction

2. How to select release ring during solution installation

3. How to change release ring for a solution

In the world of software development, ensuring that updates and new features reach the end-users smoothly and efficiently is a top priority. This is where the concept of Release Rings comes into play in WorkPoint 365.

Release Rings are essentially different stages in the software release cycle, each representing when a certain version of WorkPoint 365 becomes available to users. In WorkPoint, the rings are titled QA, Preview, Insider, General Availability, and Late Release, and can be visualized as follows:

The version of WorkPoint 365 that is currently available in a higher-numbered ring (like Ring 5) may be older than the one available in a lower-numbered ring (like Ring 1). This is because each ring represents a different level of readiness for the software version, allowing customers to choose the level of stability and newness that suits their needs.

For example, a WorkPoint solution in Ring 1 (QA) will run the newest, but least stable version of the software, while a solution in Ring 5 (Late Release) will run on the most stable version, but it might not include the latest features.

It is important to note, however, that not all release rings are available to customer- and partner solutions. Some are restricted to internal WorkPoint solutions and is where test- and documentation tasks are performed. They are included in the diagram above for transparency.

Here's a description for each release ring:

1. QA: This is the first stage in the release cycle. The version of WorkPoint 365 in this ring is the newest, but it may also be the least stable as it is still in the Quality Assurance phase. This ring is only available internally in WorkPoint and is where initial tests of bug fixes are performed.
2. Preview: In this stage, the software has passed the initial QA tests and is now in the preview phase. This is only available internally in WorkPoint and solutions in this ring have access to new features and is where they are being tested more thoroughly before being included in the Release Candidate ring.
3. Release Candidate: This is the stage where the software is considered stable enough for release. It’s called the “Release Candidate” because, barring any major issues, this version will become the final release. Customer solutions can be placed in this ring if they prefer to always have the latest features and bug fixes, provided they accept the risks generally associated with early release of software.
4. General Availability: At this stage, the software is made available to all users. This version is considered stable and ready for general use. This version will be available four weeks after the Release Candidate stage.
5. Late Release: This is the final stage in the release cycle. The software in this ring is the most stable, having gone through all previous stages. However, it may not have the very latest features. This version will be available after another four weeks from the General Availability stage. Note that this release ring is not yet available.

At this point in time, it is not possible to freely select whether to deploy a new solution to the General Availability- or the Release Candidate ring during installation.

All solutions are deployed to the General Availability ring, and if necessary, can be moved to the Release Candidate ring on demand.

To move a solution between the General Availability- and Release Candidate rings, partners need to contact WorkPoint support, with the necessary information, including:

1. Solution Url
2. Which release ring to they want to move to?

Please submit this information along with your request to WorkPoint Support.