To achieve business objectives, which release type is essential?

The essential release type to achieve business objectives is the operational release. This type of release is designed for full deployment of the product or solution into the operational environment where it can be used by the end users. An operational release includes all necessary functionality and is stable, reliable, and ready for production use. It marks the point where the solution can support business processes and help achieve defined organizational goals.

While prototypes, pilot releases, and beta versions serve important roles in the development and testing phases, they do not provide the same level of completeness and readiness for production use that operational releases do. Prototypes are often developed for eliciting feedback and understanding user needs, while pilot releases test a solution in a controlled environment to validate its effectiveness before wider rollout. Beta versions allow a limited release to external users for final feedback but are typically not intended for full production use. Thus, for fulfilling business objectives, particularly those related to delivering a working and effective solution, the operational release is essential.