4.5 Release Packages

As mentioned in 4.4 Editions, an edition is based on a logical definition of a focus module and the modules on which it depends. An edition should not be confused with a release package, which is a set of components, reference set members, and other related items which are distributed as a single unit. The single unit contains an archived set of files and folders. Generally speaking, the folders will contain RF2 files, but release packages may also contain documentation or other release artifacts. Both editions and extensions may be included in release packages. 

It is also possible for a release package to include more than one edition, depending on its included modules and the information stated in the Module Dependency Reference Set. For example, the SNOMED International Edition release package contains editions with and without the SNOMED CT to ICD-10 maps. The beauty of this solution is that it provides modularity, in terms of including optional maps and other derivatives.

SNOMED International, it's Members and producers of extensions will publish their associated editions or extensions as release packages. For example, the National Library of Medicine (US) currently publishes the US Edition as a release package while NHS Digital (UK) publishes the UK Edition and the UK Drug Extension as separate release packages. A release package which is distributed at a given point in time may be referred to as a release package version. Members publish their release packages on their websites or through SNOMED International's Member Licensing and Distribution Service. Typically a producer of a local extension would publish their release packages on their website.

 below contains a list of release packages published by SNOMED International. These release packages relate to the International Edition. Packages listed here include the International Edition (in English and Spanish), the LOINC - SNOMED CT Cooperative package, and SNOMED CT Nursing refset packages.

Note that some of the release packages listed above are editions which can be used on their own, or extensions which must be combined with the International Edition. For example the nursing refsets should be combined with the International Edition.

For more information on release package contents, please refer to 5.6.1.2 Packaging and File Naming.