Release Numbering

Change in Release Cycles

The Architecture and Technology Strategy Board (ATSB) endorsed a change to the release cycles for the Enhanced and Simplified Distribution Messages (including Offer and Order), where the group now has more flexibility to release changes to the standard up to 4 times a year, or every 3 months (as opposed to every 6 months as it was prior to 2021).

Release Numbering

The current release numbering scheme is based on the Year and the Release Count for that Year.

For example, 21.1 is the first release of 2021. 17.2 was the second release of 2017.

Available Release Slots

Prior to 2021, there were two release slots (generally in March and September), labelled ‘1' and '2’.

As of 2021, there are four available release slots (March, June, September and December), labelled in sequence.

Enhanced and Simplified Distribution Release Windows

While there is the capability to release up to four times in one year. The Shop-Order Board (SOSB) has kept the existing two releases per year.

The release cycle will continue to be in March and September, however will be labeled 21.1 and 21.3.

With approval from the SOSB, the Offer and Order Messages may be released in the two additional slots, of moved to another slot (for example, a release can be delayed from September to December if need be).