What does a "Dark Launch" refer to?

A "Dark Launch" refers to the practice of releasing a new feature or product version without making it visible or accessible to users immediately. This approach allows organizations to deploy the feature in a live environment while keeping it hidden from end-users. During a dark launch, the development team can monitor system performance, conduct testing, or gather metrics without influencing the user experience.

The advantage of this technique lies in its ability to minimize disruption, allowing the organization to ensure everything works as intended before fully unveiling the feature to users. It is effectively a way to prepare for a more public launch while still operating within a controlled environment, ensuring that any unexpected issues can be resolved without user interaction. This lifecycle management approach aligns with ITIL's focus on delivering value and maintaining service quality for stakeholder satisfaction.