Understanding Release Management in Dynamics 365 & Power Platform

A Sneak Peek into Release-Management for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform

The impact of Microsoft's SAAS (Software As A Service) platform's continuous releasing functionality in Dynamics 365 and Power Platform cannot be overstated. Users often discover new features or change in the interface after a weekend break, reflecting the consistent and seamless updates. While minor functionality updates are routine, two primary releases, known as Wave 1 (Spring) and Wave 2 (Autumn), bear more significant changes.

These waves announce forthcoming features, providing valuable information on what is included, often 4-6 weeks before they hit the floor. Notably, wave releases are phased, not released in one 'Big Bang' moment. Therefore, the timeframes indicate when it will be available, but adjustments may occur.

The released information is available in downloadable Wave release documents for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. However, digesting and remembering all the details is a common challenge for many users. Hence, a more efficient tracking system is desired, and Microsoft has answered the call.

The newly developed 'Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Release Planner' is a handy tool for staying abreast of updates. It is available at https://experience.dynamics.com/releaseplans. This useful utility surpasses the static downloadable PDF documents and offers dynamic, customized planning.

By using the interactive sitemap, one can delve into specific areas of either Dynamics 365 or Power Platform. Inside the selected area, an individual can view three categories: Planned features, Coming Soon features, and Try Now features.

The information can be viewed either in list format or by release date. You can also apply filters to narrow down the results. Furthermore, each item’s detailed information is accessible with specific documentation for the selected functionality item.

What gives a significant lift to the release planner is the creation of a personalized release plan. Once signed into the portal, you can curate your plan, adding features that are relevant to your interests. This curated information is easily accessible, complete with filters and sorting options.

The release planner, still in its Beta phase, enhances tracking upcoming updates in a structured, organized, and custom manner. Though in its early stages, this is an incredible tool expected to be out of Beta soon and promises efficient release management.

For more information regarding the release planner, please refer here.

The Growth and Impact of SaaS Platforms

In an increasingly digital world, SaaS and cloud-based platforms like Dynamics 365 and Power Platform are transforming operational efficiency. Release management plays a crucial role in providing up-to-date functionalities and tools. The new release planner further consolidates Microsoft's endeavor to make this process more user-driven and efficient.

Read the full article How Release-Management works for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.

Learn about How Release-Management works for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.

Microsoft consistently introduces exciting functionality to its CRM suite, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. However, the challenge for the users arises with the task of managing and tracking new updates and releases. So, what is the best way to keep up with this flood of novel features? How are updates rolled out? This guide will cover how release-management works for the cloud-based (SAAS) features of Microsoft’s offerings and introduce the newly released tool for tracking updates - the Release Planner.

A common occurrence experienced by Dynamics 365 and Power Platform users is the introduction of minor changes, often on a regular basis. Depending on when users log out and log back in, they might be greeted with subtle differences or new additions to the interface. Over time, users become accustomed to these progressive enhancements and come to appreciate this continuous evolution.

However, two significant updates occur each year. These occur during the Wave 1 (Spring) and Wave 2 (Autumn) release windows, publicly announced beforehand and rolled out over a few weeks. These updates could bring a set of new features or significant enhancements to existing functionalities. Microsoft usually makes a public announcement outlining the planned releases and probable timelines. However, it is essential to understand that these timelines are usually estimates, and some delays may occur.

The time and effort required to stay updated with all this information can be overwhelming. Users may need to download Wave release documents, sift through them and keep track of the changes relevant to their use. Until recently, there was no direct way to track these updates. However, Microsoft has now introduced a solution to this - the Release Planner. It is a user-friendly tool that provides a structured, organized view of all planned, upcoming and available features for the CRM suite and Power Platform.

This tool's interface is significantly better than previous PDF documents as it provides a much-needed structure. There is a sitemap on the left side where users can choose an area of interest. Once in, users can select between Planned features, Coming Soon features, and Try Now features to obtain specific information. Depending on preference, users can arrange the items in a list format or by their release date. There is also the option of filtering, a highly beneficial ability for narrowing results further.

Opening an item will unravel in-depth information about that particular element, along with a visual timeline showing release date data and current progress. There are also links to documentation about the release overview and the specific feature. This structured and straightforward approach provides an easy-to-read, modern interface for users.

Even better, the tool provides an opportunity to create a PERSONALIZED release plan overview. By clicking on the '+ To my plan' button, users can add specific features to their tailored plan, accessible on the left-side menu. This feature enables bowing down the overall picture and focussing on the specific areas of interest.

The introduction of this tool is particularly thrilling. Being in its Beta phase, the tool may undergo further enhancements, but it has already proved useful for many users. The well-structured approach to tracking and managing upcoming features pleasantly surprises many users. This tool offers a comprehensive solution to navigating Microsoft's robust cloud platform and its continuous evolution.

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