Traditional launching

Traditional launching refers to the process of deploying and releasing new software features, updates, or products in a single, full-scale rollout, making them immediately accessible to all users. This approach contrasts with more gradual or controlled deployment strategies (like dark launching) and is typically associated with older, more rigid development methodologies, such as the Waterfall model.

Key Characteristics of Traditional Launching:

1. Full Release to All Users:

• Once the feature or update is ready, it is made available to the entire user base simultaneously. There is no phased rollout or restricted access.

1. Pre-Release Testing:

• Testing is usually done in a staging or testing environment before the launch. This can include unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing (UAT), but all testing is completed before pushing to production.

1. Release Schedule:

• Traditional launches are often planned and scheduled well in advance. The release process follows a fixed timeline, which may align with product roadmaps or larger updates (e.g., version 2.0 of a product).

1. Risk:

• Since the update is released to all users at once, any bugs, performance issues, or unanticipated side effects affect the entire user base, which can cause significant disruptions. Any failure can require urgent fixes (hot fixes) or even a rollback.

1. Big Bang Approach:

• Traditional launching is often referred to as a “big bang” release because everything happens at once. New features, updates, and fixes are deployed together, making it a comprehensive release event.

1. No Gradual Exposure:

• Unlike dark launches or canary releases (where features are gradually rolled out to small groups), traditional launching does not allow for gradual exposure. As soon as the release is deployed, all users have access to the new features.

Example of Traditional Launching:

When a software company releases a major version update (e.g., version 3.0), all users receive the new version at the same time, with new features and bug fixes applied globally. The testing is done beforehand, and once the product passes all tests, it is pushed to production for all users to access simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Clear Communication: Users know exactly when they will receive new features or updates, as there is usually a fixed release date.
• One-Time Effort: The release process happens in one go, meaning all new features and fixes are implemented at once, reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple feature versions.
• Predictable Rollout: Because of the predefined schedule, teams can prepare support, marketing, and customer communications in advance.

Drawbacks:

• Higher Risk: If bugs or issues are found post-release, they affect all users, potentially causing widespread disruption and requiring emergency fixes or rollbacks.
• Limited Flexibility: Traditional launches do not allow for gradual, controlled testing in the production environment, which can result in unforeseen problems once the feature interacts with real-world user behavior.
• Delayed Feedback: Since the feature is fully released, feedback only comes after the launch, which may delay addressing critical issues or making improvements.