Release Management
Overview
Release Management in Simplex ensures that new versions of SNOMED CT Extensions or Editions are delivered in a controlled, consistent, and predictable way.
The release process involves multiple stakeholders and may include third-party contributors. Effective release management ensures that technical, content, and governance aspects of a release are considered holistically, from the end of the Editing cycle through to publication.
Scope of Release Management
In Simplex, Release Management covers all activities required to move an extension from content completion to publication, including:
Release design and configuration
Validation of content and dependencies
Coordination and scheduling of release activities
Review, approval, and publication of releases across environments
These activities ensure that releases are traceable, secure, and aligned with agreed quality standards.
Role of the Release Manager
The Release Manager is accountable for ensuring that all content created during the Editing cycle is ready for release in Simplex.
This role acts as the central point of coordination between contributors, validators, and stakeholders, ensuring that content is complete, validated, approved, and suitable for publication.
Key responsibilities include:
Confirming that externally developed content is complete and correctly integrated into Simplex
Managing dependencies and release configuration
Running and reviewing validation checks
Coordinating resolution of issues identified during validation or review
Ensuring that only authorised and approved content progresses through the release cycle
Validation, Review, and Approval
Validation and review are central to Release Management in Simplex.
During this phase, the Release Manager ensures that:
Release-level validation is run and passed
Validation findings are reviewed and resolved
All content changes are formally reviewed and approved
The release meets agreed technical, clinical, and governance requirements
Only once these conditions are met can the release progress toward publication.
Publication and Release Control
Successful publication marks the completion of the release cycle and makes the SNOMED CT Extension available for use.
Before publishing a release, the Release Manager ensures that:
The exact scope and content of the release are agreed and finalised
All checks, validations, and approvals have been completed
Communications and stakeholder expectations are managed
The production environment is protected through formal release controls
Effort and Complexity Considerations
Simplex provides structured workflows and controls to support a wide range of release scenarios, from small incremental updates to complex, multi-stakeholder releases, while maintaining consistency and quality. The effort required for Release Management, therefore, depends on factors such as:
The scope and complexity of the release
The volume and type of content changes
The involvement of external contributors or third-party suppliers
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