Goes gold?

[muno]

A simple question, what does 'goes gold' mean?
-M

[goldenbuddha]

Like a game? When they finally have the final version ready to go, to send out to the press.

Applies to other things too.

[muno]

From where does it come?
I mean what is it's origin?

I don't understand.
-M

I thought it was a music term..

[muno]

Yeah, that's what I conjuncted it with. But in music you have to sell a number of albums to go gold, eg. 5000 albums.

But that doesn't match the reasoning here, if something goes gold instantly on sale.
-M

How have you heard it used? What were they talking about?

[muno]

Eg. here->
http://www.techimo.com/newsapp/i3738.html
-M

It might mean gold as in "final", rather than gold as in many copies. Like discussed here

"Goes gold" would be the date that it is burned to the final 'master' disk from which all others are made.

Might be connected with gold as in the final prize, eg Olympic Games. Not sure though, just a guess.

May even be related to the use of gold disks as master copies, but that's even more speculation on my part.

Cheers
Mick

[muno]

Considering the thread you posted, 'goes gold' is a rather odd expression.

I can't think of a finnish counterpart - but then again, I'm not very good with these.. what are these called?
-M

Hah! Google wins again! Found the term "goes gold" meaning and likely origin here.

When used to describe a magnetic medium (e.g., `golden disk', `golden tape'), describes one containing a tested, up-to-spec, ready-to-ship software version.

They would be called master disks, Muno.

Cheers
Mick