Continuous release and upgrade of component-based software

We show how under certain assumptions, the release and delivery of software updates can be automated in the context of component-based systems. These updates allow features or fixes to be delivered to users more quickly. Furthermore, user feedback is more accurate, thus enabling quicker response to defects encountered in the field.Based on a formal product model we extend the process of continuous integration to enable the agile and automatic release of software components component. From such releases traceable and incremental updates are derived.We have validated our solution with a prototype tool that computes and delivers updates for a component-based software system developed at CWI.