Lean-Agile Release Planning

Abstract

A major reason enterprises transition to Lean-Agile software development is the need to plan releases predictably and accurately. Release planning is the process of transforming a product vision into a product backlog. The release plan is the visible and estimated product backlog itself, overlaid with the measured velocity of the delivery organization. It provides visual controls and a road map with predictable release points. Lean-Agile says the release plan must be driven by the needs of the business. We prioritize to maximize value to the business. We sometimes call this approach “business-driven software development.” To understand how to do this, we must understand some fundamental concepts about process. Therefore, the chapter begins with a conversation about the issues that underlie process—predictability, level of definition, and requirements for feedback.