The release branch (https://svn.boost.org/svn/boost/branches/release) is open for merging all stable changes from trunk, including bug fixes and major upgrades to existing libraries. Breaking changes should be coordinated via the mailing list with the developers of the other libraries affected. New libraries may be added, but only with the permission of a release manager. In other words, except for new libraries, merging changes *does not* need permission from a release manager. I.e. just do it! The release schedule: * March 13, 2009: branches/release closed for new libraries and breaking changes to existing libraries. Still open for bug fixes and other routine changes to all libraries. * March 20, 2009: Release managers start QA checks. * April 3, 2009: branches/release closed for major code changes. Still open for serious problem fixes and docs changes. * April 10, 2009: branches/release closed for all library changes except when specific permission given by release manager(s). * April 17, 2009: Beta release target date. Further betas and/or release candidates as feedback dictates. * May 1, 2009: Release ship date. Links relating to this release: * Google Calendar with the release schedule: <http://www.boost.org/development/index.html>. * Release schedule explanation: <http://svn.boost.org/trac/boost/wiki/ReleaseSchedule>. * Release practices for developers: <http://svn.boost.org/trac/boost/wiki/ImprovingPractices>. --Beman Dawes, Daniel James, Eric Niebler, Rene Rivera