In the agile approach, the decision on release creates the prerequisite for the work in the next release.

The outcomes of the release are reviewed and accepted or rejected. The current release is completed and the next one is released. If the set goals cannot be achieved, the project is terminated (see Decide on project discontinuation).

Whether or not the optional decision on release is mandatory for a given project depends on a note to that effect in the project management plan.

At the end of the current release, the release report is accepted and a decision is made on closure of the release. The sponsor then decides on the next release.

Prior to release, the release report and project management plan are coordinated with the overarching strategies and objectives of the core organization or any overarching program. New findings are taken into account.

If specific controlling and QA/risk management bodies have been commissioned, they prepare a report for the sponsor.

1. Project management plan
2. Project status report
3. Release report

1. Add further release criteria to release checklist.
2. Critically review objectives, feasibility, and benefits of the envisaged solution based on new findings and align with the core organization's objectives.
3. Check whether overarching strategies, standards, and requirements have been adhered to and whether confirmations from the competent bodies are available.
4. Supply decision-makers with the release report, project management plan, and other decision-making documents.
5. Ensure that the necessary resources (human, financial, infrastructure, knowledge and experience) are available in a timely and sufficient manner for the remainder of the project.
6. Coordinate the decision in the core organization.
7. Review and approve or reject release report, project management plan, and release-specific outcomes.
8. Make formal decision on release or reject outcomes.
9. If the decision is positive:
10. 1. Inform those affected about the decision.
11. If the set objectives cannot be achieved:
12. 1. Either determine corrective measures, or
    2. Decide on project discontinuation and request termination of the project.

1. Release checklist
2. QA and risk report
3. Release milestone
4. List of steering project decisions