This article explains how GoldFinch package updates are released, how we validate them before they reach your production org, and what to expect from Salesforce's platform release cycle running alongside them.
Two separate release tracks
It's worth distinguishing between two things that happen on your org over the course of a year:
- GoldFinch package updates — features and fixes we ship to the managed package
- Salesforce platform releases — the underlying platform's own seasonal releases (Spring, Summer, Winter)
They're delivered differently, and only one of them requires anything from you.
GoldFinch release schedule
GoldFinch aims to ship three cumulative managed-package updates per year. Each one is cumulative, so you're never expected to track or apply a long chain of incremental patches — installing the latest package brings you fully up to date.
Outside of that regular cadence, interim packages may be released when a fix or enhancement is important enough that it shouldn't wait for the next scheduled update.
Is there downtime?
No — standard GoldFinch package updates do not require system downtime.
How an update reaches your production org
Every GoldFinch package update follows the same validation path before it touches production:
- Release notes published — you'll receive notes describing what's in the update
- Candidate package installed in your Sandbox — the update goes into your Sandbox first, never straight to Production
- You validate it — your team tests the update against your own configuration and workflows
- You approve deployment — Production is only updated after your sign-off
This means you're always in control of when a GoldFinch update lands in your live environment, and you have a real opportunity to catch anything that doesn't play well with your specific setup before it's customer- or staff-facing.
Salesforce's platform releases
Separate from GoldFinch updates, Salesforce applies its own seasonal platform releases (Spring, Summer, Winter) automatically—these are not something you install or approve. Salesforce communicates maintenance windows in advance via Salesforce Trust (status.salesforce.com), so you can check upcoming dates and any planned downtime there.
Quick reference
| GoldFinch package updates | Salesforce platform releases | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 3x/year cumulative, plus interim as needed | 3x/year (Spring, Summer, Winter) |
| Downtime | None | Communicated via Salesforce Trust |
| Sandbox testing | Yes — required step before Production | Applied automatically |
| Who approves Production deployment | You | N/A (automatic) |
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