Merge pull request galaxyproject#17680 from dannon/release-management…

…-doc

Addition of release process doc

doc/source/project/releases.rst

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+======================
+Galaxy Release Process
+======================
+
+This document outlines the Galaxy release cycle so administrators and users know
+when to expect updates and what each update includes, making it easier to plan
+for upgrades and maintain their systems.  It does not cover the actual execution
+of the release process, which is covered `elsewhere <https://docs.galaxyproject.org/en/master/dev/create_release.html>`__.
+
+
+Major or Long Term Support (LTS) Releases
+-----------------------------------------
+
+As of 23.0, the first release of each year is Galaxy's annual LTS release. The
+LTS release is a major version update corresponding to the year, for example,
+24.0.  This release receives significant and thorough end-to-end testing by a
+dedicated team and will be supported and receive bugfixes until the next LTS.
+As such, this release is ideally targeted for production use by local Galaxy
+administrators.
+
+
+Minor Releases
+--------------
+
+Throughout the year, we also ship several (usually 2-3) minor releases. These
+are version updates like 24.1, 24.2.  These can also include significant
+updates, new features, etc. and follow the same release-testing protocol
+as with the LTS release.  These are targeted for administrators who want to stay
+up to date with the latest features and improvements.  Usegalaxy.org deploys new
+minor releases as a part of the release process.
+
+
+Point Releases
+--------------
+
+Point releases (e.g. 24.1.1) are issued to address bug fixes and security
+updates. These are not scheduled and are released as needed.  Following the
+release branch (i.e. release_24.0) is recommended to stay up to date with these. 
+
+
+Release Schedule
+----------------
+
+Our release schedule is as follows:
+
+- LTS Release: Annually, in the first quarter.
+- Minor Releases: usually 2-3 times a year, generally in the early summer and fall.
+- Point Releases: As needed.
+
+Please note that the release dates can vary based on the development process and
+testing results.
+
+The usegalaxy.* public servers will be updated to the latest release within 90
+business days of the release date.
+
+
+Release Notes
+-------------
+
+For every release, we provide release notes that detail:
+
+- Exciting new features
+- General enhancements
+- Bug fixes
+- Datatype, Visualization, and Tool updates
+- Administration Notes including configuration changes and migration guides if
+  applicable
+
+Please refer to the release notes for detailed information about each release.