---
title: "Feature Maturity Lifecycle"
slug: "product-readiness"
updated: 2026-10-20T14:42:35Z
published: 2026-10-20T14:42:35Z
canonical: "docs.rocket.chat/product-readiness"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rocket.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Feature Maturity Lifecycle

Rocket.Chat uses certain stages to describe the maturity of each feature. These stages help you understand:

- When a feature is ready for production use
- Whether you should consider early adoption
- What level of stability and support to expect

---

Rocket.Chat features move through four maturity stages.

> [!NOTE]
> Not every feature moves through [Alpha](/v1/docs/product-readiness#1-alpha), [Beta](/v1/docs/product-readiness#2-beta), and [GA](/v1/docs/product-readiness#3-general-availability-ga) (General Availability) in order. Some may skip stages if they already meet the criteria for a later one. For example, a fully validated feature might launch directly as [GA](/v1/docs/product-readiness#3-general-availability-ga).

### 1. Alpha ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Alpha.svg)

The **Alpha** stage is the earliest externally testable version of a feature. It is intended for early adopters who want to explore new functionality and provide structured feedback.

**What to expect:**

- Core functionality is available, but refinement is ongoing
- Stability and performance can vary
- Edge cases are still being discovered
- Not suitable for critical or production workloads

### 2. Beta ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Beta.svg)

The **Beta** stage represents a more complete and stable version. It is suitable for broader testing and helps validate usability, performance, and overall readiness for production.

**What to expect:**

- Stable enough for general use, though improvements are still in progress
- Most documentation and onboarding materials are available
- Not recommended for mission-critical environments
- Feedback remains an active part of the process

### 3. General availability (GA)

**GA** features are mature, fully tested, and supported as part of the standard Rocket.Chat offering.

**What to expect:**

- Meets reliability, scalability, and security standards
- Fully documented with established support processes
- Available to all customers under standard licensing
- Actively maintained and monitored

### 4. Deprecated/Sunset ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Deprecated (1)(3).svg)

Features in this stage are being phased out or replaced. They no longer receive enhancements, and users should plan to transition to supported alternatives. Adequate notice is provided to allow for a smooth migration.

**What to expect:**

- The feature remains available for a defined transition period
- Clear communication about retirement timelines and alternatives
- Migration guidance shared through [release notes](/v1/docs/release-notes) and product updates

---

## High-level support expectation

| **Stage** | Support Level | Production Use | Documentation Availability | Tag |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Alpha** | Best effort | Not recommended | Basic guidance | ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Alpha.svg) |
| **Beta** | Best effort | Not recommended | Mostly available | ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Beta.svg) |
| **GA** | Standard SLA coverage | Fully supported | Fully documented | None |
| **Deprecated** | Supported until EOL | Not recommended | Migration guidance | ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/Deprecated (1)(3).svg) |

---

## What Users Can Expect

- Clear labeling of Alpha, Beta, GA, and Deprecated features
- Documentation that matches each readiness level
- Advance notice of major transitions or deprecations
- Readiness stages reflected in release notes and product announcements
- Opportunities to provide feedback during Alpha and Beta phases

These stages create a consistent framework for understanding feature maturity across Rocket.Chat. They help you make confident decisions about testing, adopting, and deploying features within your organization.