What type of planning prepares for the deployment of solution components?

Release planning is the process that specifically focuses on preparing for the deployment of solution components. During this phase, business analysts and project teams outline what needs to be delivered in the upcoming release of a product or system. This involves determining the features, functionalities, and components that will be released, alongside timelines, resources, and responsibilities.

Release planning takes into account the overall project scope, prioritizes the work that aligns with business objectives, and manages stakeholder expectations by clearly defining what will be delivered in a particular iteration or release. This structured approach ensures that the deployment is organized, efficient, and aligned with the strategic goals of the organization.

In contrast, the other types of planning, such as strategic planning, operational planning, and resource planning, focus on broader aspects of an organization and its projects rather than the specific deployment of solution components. Strategic planning deals with long-term goals and overall direction, operational planning involves the day-to-day execution of business activities, and resource planning focuses on the allocation and management of resources across various projects. Each of these plays a vital role in project management but does not zero in on the deployment processes as release planning does.