What does "RTMREL" mean in software versioning?

Question

I just installed Visual Studio 2012 and noticed that the version as mentioned in the 'about' menu is:

Version 11.0.50727.1 RTMREL

I am familiar with RTM (Release To Manufacturing) but am curious what the REL component means.

Anyone have any insight?

Answer 1

RTMRel is the "release to manufacturing" release. A bit redundant, but rhymes with "SP1Rel" (the Service Pack 1 release).

Update: see Edward's comment below. There is a point to the "Rel" part. It means a "release" build (optimized and stripped of debugging information). MSDN members can also get "Chk" builds for debugging purposes.