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 require 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: * November 3, 2008: branches/release opens for merging all stable changes, including bug fixes, and major upgrades to existing libraries. Breaking changes should be coordinated with libraries affected. New libraries may be added with permission of a release manager. * December 20, 2008: branches/release closed for new libraries and breaking changes to existing libraries. Still open for bug fixes and other routine changes to all libraries. * January 3, 2009: branches/release closed for major code changes. Still open for serious problem fixes and docs changes. * January 10, 2009: branches/release closed for all library changes except when specific permission given by release manager(s). * January 17, 2009: Beta release target date. Further betas and/or release candidates as feedback dictates . * January 31, 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