Release

Introduction

Releasing software is about getting from your hands and into the hands of the user. Today that typically means setting up a web page that the user can download the software from. Remember that the web page is part of your documentation and should set the user up for success. The following information may be critical:

• What the software does
• The versions of other software supported (i.e. ArcGIS 9 or 10)
• How to install the software
• How to get started
• Known defects and plans to repair them

You can also place full documentation for the user on the same website including:

• A complete user's guide
• Tutorials on how to use features
• FAQ - frequently asked questions

Feedback

Release is also a critical time to get feedback from users. Listen closely to what they are saying and if there is a general problem, try to fix it quickly and get a new copy out to them before they drop your software. Their feedback will also provide valuable information on what they would like next.