Before marketing and support can create them, they may need a hand-off or a demo of the update. 👉 It acts as a knowledge base of what has changed since the previous release, what is up-to-date in the current release, and what is to come in the future releases. Documents distributed along with a release of a software product. Release Notemeans for each Fixed System Product the release note identified in the relevant Section 1 Subsection 2 Parts E of this Annex 1. Release Notemeans a technical and functional description of a change of the Service. Resolution – A short description of the modification/enhancement that was made to fix the bug.

definition of release note

Follow this guide and be inspired by some of the best notes of release examples. Release management is one of those modern business terms that has several meanings. For IT departments, the term describes overseeing a software release within the company, including planning, testing, and deploying the application. Release management describes both the tactical and strategic steps involved in preparing a product for launch for product managers.

They’re often technical, strong communicators, and great writers. If the product manager cannot find time to create release notes, it might be the case for someone else to take them over. According to wikipedia, Release notesare documents that are distributed withsoftware products, sometimes when the product is still in the development or test state (e.g., abetarelease). Release Notes are written to inform customers about changes to products, specifically adjustments likely to affect their experience, both major and minor. For example, the addition or removal of one or more features may be accompanied by release notes. They can help to engage customers/users, and raise awareness of an existing product.

Release notes are documents that are distributed with software products or hardware products, sometimes when the product is still in the development or test state (e.g., a beta release). For products that have already been in use by clients, the release note is delivered to the customer when an update is released. Another abbreviation for Release notes is Changelog or Release logs or Software changes or Revision history Updates or README file. However, in some cases, the release notes and changelog are published separately. This split is for clarity and differentiation of feature-highlights from bugs, change requests or improvements on the other side. Thus this communication document is usually circulated only after the product or service is thoroughly tested and approved against the specification provided by the development team.

Prominent examples (mainly software)

— This section will detail how you’re implementing these new changes. Mention things like code changes, database updates, and other similar details. Bug fixes might be somewhat less descriptive than those for a new product.

definition of release note

Only major updates and new products should have more detailed release notes. In truth, however, release notes can play a vital role in the overall product experience because they provide a valuable opportunity to communicate with customers and your broader market. When done well, they have the potential to nurture engagement and increase customer loyalty. Remember, from the android play store to the company blog, keep them brief, on-brand, and innovative where you can.

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Release notes briefly describe the changes in an update or what a new product is supposed to do. The art of writing release notes that rock is a tricky form of writing to conquer. Fear not, this article is here to guide you through writing perfect release notes and share some leading examples.

Technical writers are usually not found as a part of startups. However, if your product is more complex, you might need one. Technical writers are on board to ensure that your product documentation and its changes are done completely and correctly, covering even legal bases. Technical writers also help your team put out manuals for the use of your product, implementation details, installation guides, API details, etc. There are also specific tools and products available to create, publish and manage release notes and change logs as e.g.

This helps send the message that you’re keeping customer suggestions in mind during your updates. Header – Name of the document, which carries product name, release number, release date, release note date and version. However, just announcing this massive new feature wasn’t enough. Slack built user cases around it with real businesses, landing pages for it, and a social media content plan supported by smart graphics and smarter copy. The mind processes images 6,000x quicker than it does text. If you can explain something better with an image over copy, then do so.

definition of release note

This likely means they won’t be familiar or comfortable with the same javascript or technical vocabulary as you. Brought to you by Slite, a communication tool that empowers remote-first teams. The easiest way to make sure you don’t leave tasks undone is to create a checklist and refer to it frequently.

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Finally – if necessary – the release notes are translated into the languages that product is available into. Writing and designing release notes is one of those things that seem unnecessary, but have actually a huge impact. Even if you include a higher-level summary about your updates or your new product, you should still include links for those users curious to know more about what you did. These can lead to a walkthrough, a user guide, or even video tutorials.

  • Release notes are highly important because they are a concrete place for the customers to find information about the product updates.
  • Keep things organized and segmented using subheads, drop-down menus, bullet points, and paragraph breaks.
  • Divorce releases both the husband and wife from all marital obligations to each other…
  • Newly introduced features should be documented during the QA phase of the release (e.g. by marketing, support, or a specific documentation person/team).
  • A good example here is ClickHelp which has a dedicated release notes page.
  • The gaming industry is massive, and many industries can learn a lot from the communities they’re building and the enjoyment they’re plugging into development updates.
  • If they are written well, release notes can increase customer loyalty and nurture engagement.

Overview – A brief overview of the product and changes, in the absence of other formal documentation. Help Scout always reminds users of the features that already exist when announcing a new feature. Notes about software or hardware installation, upgrades, definition of release note product documentation, etc. List of specific actions needed by users or functionality impacted by the changes. A brief overview of the product, feature update, or bug fix. Overview – An overview of the product and changes to the recent software version.

Examples of Release Notes in a sentence

We’re branching away from SaaS for a moment to take a look at how the B2C world creates release notes. The gaming industry is massive, and many industries can learn a lot from the communities they’re building and the enjoyment they’re plugging into development updates. Today, rapid prototyping leads https://globalcloudteam.com/ to early releases of products or at least MVPs, and data feedback drives many renditions, consumers are no longer buying software product for life. They’re expecting to buy a version of that product in its current state, knowing bug fixes and improvements will continue to evolve as they do.

definition of release note

Please Note The Revisor’s Office cannot perform research for or provide legal advice or interpretation of Maine law to the public. If you need legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney. Release Notemeans a technical and functional description of an Upgrade of Centsoft. After the design documents have been signed ‘Approved’ for construction, they shall be transmitted to the contractor by PIU, using the Approved Design Release Note Format F-6 of Appendix C. Release Notemeans a technical and functional description of an Upgrade of Rillion One.

Release notes don’t need to be on every communication channel you have; it’s down to your business to decide where’s best to publish them, as well as how to do so. Users will become numb when asked to read or scan a wall of text. Keep things organized and segmented using subheads, drop-down menus, bullet points, and paragraph breaks. Breaking up big blocks of text in your release notes will help the user readily find which change applies to them. A good example here is ClickHelp which has a dedicated release notes page.

First, you should have a simple language that is easy to understand. And last, people should be able to read your company’s tone out of the release notes. Be funny, be conversational, and leave little easter eggs for people who read all the way through your release notes. Using release notes to showcase your business’s personality is a great way to improve customer loyalty and set you apart from the competition.

Wrapping up our guide on how to write release notes

They’re a legal obligation that must be done, but they’re done without too much effort. Release notes can be created e.g. by a text editor as notepad, or a more advanced tool as e.g. It can be exported to a pdf file, so it can be read by every user.

How to Write Release Notes?

While there’s no standard format for release notes, they should adhere to your own company standards. Release notes for a brand-new product might be slightly more descriptive than for bug fixes and feature enhancements. As with any other product-related documentation, consistency is key. While a release note provides relevant information about a new product or product update, it’s not a substitute for a user guide or other in-depth product documentation.

The content of release notes also vary according to the release type. Release notes may be written by one or more people, such as a developer, product manager, or marketer. The notes must be accessible to the target audience, which may not be the case if a developer relies on technical language. Representatives from the product, marketing, and/or sales teams may collaborate to create effective release notes. Even though release notes provide a great deal of information about a product update or new product, they are not a substitute for other in-depth product documentation or a user guide.

Release notes need to radiate your brand, be understandable for consumers, and delivered with a tone of voice people recognize. They need to be written with the end user experience in mind, as much as the same thoughts lead product innovation. Think about ways your own business can take the engagement strategy, energy, and ultimately fun. They’re plugging into their release notes and putting an innovative product spin on release notes of your own. Teamwork is actively showing customers that they’re always working with this product roadmap.

I don’t know many people who consider the future release notes as a priority. But let me tell you, I am going to show you a few companies that really care about the structure of the text and the design. Release notes detail the corrections, changes or enhancements (functional or non-functional) made to the service or product the company provides. Let your writers understand what’s new and suitably explain the change to your audience, just ensure your product launch team can proofread their work before launching.