A successful update. Standardly with Boltrics new release management

Introduction

Benefit from the latest technologies. Support your processes with the newest functionalities. And never experience the burdens of an outdated software system. These are just a hand full of the advantages that you as a customer of Boltrics can benefit from. Thanks to the always up-to-date promise. Every day, our colleagues work hard to optimize the 3PL Dynamics application. And our IT Operations team works hard to prepare your systems for the next update. Yet, you are not always eager to update your software. Why would you change something that works? Right? And how are you going to make time to test the new version thoroughly, while your daily activities continue? To make sure you benefit from the newest version and to maintain a clear update process, release management is of great importance. But what does this mean? In this article, we dive into the process of release management.

What is release management?

Release management is the process that coordinates the release of new software versions. These new versions emerge from, for example, Microsoft updates, hotfixes, or specific changes for which a 3PL update is needed. The rise of the cloud and the rapid developments on Microsoft side set for a more complex release process. Over time, this process has become more of an agile process. With the goal to update more often. In that way, the impact is contained to a minimum. A release normally consists of changes from Microsoft or new developments in 3PL Dynamics. These developments come from new implementations or customer requests from the Boltrics peloton. As promised: the branch standard.

Note

With a structured release process, as a customer, you can prepare for the workload that comes with an update and you can standardize the tasks during this period. In that way, you bring stability to your operation and know what to expect on the forehand.

Microsoft releases

Microsoft releases updates at a rapid pace, with two fixed release dates each year: April 1st and October 1st. In other words, Microsoft consistently rolls out new releases in quick succession. Microsoft and Boltrics will cease support for versions that are two major releases behind. For more information, please refer to our Life Cycle Policy. This approach ensures that we can fulfill our commitment to staying consistently up-to-date.

Boltrics release management

Microsoft follows a release schedule consisting of two major releases per year, referred to as version 21, version 22, and so on. In Boltrics' release management approach, we differentiate between various types of environments and the frequency of updates. This distinction primarily revolves around the time required to install these updates.

In environments like Microsoft SaaS and Boltrics Cloud, the majority of processes can be automated, significantly reducing lead times. Conversely, with on-premise environments, the process can take considerably longer. This delay may be due to factors such as closed portals (no access to server) or server performance issues. Therefore, Boltrics has opted to release one major update per year for on-premise customers, while Boltrics Cloud customers receive two major updates. Microsoft SaaS customers, on the other hand, benefit from 4 weekly updates.

Boltrics Cloud and On-premise environments

Microsoft Cloud environments

In the Microsoft Cloud, the release cycle differs from the traditional monthly updates. We now operate on a weekly schedule, ensuring that every customer receives an update every four weeks.

For instance, if your scheduled update falls in week 4, you will subsequently update in weeks 8, 12, 16, and 20. This clear pattern allows you to plan ahead and mark these dates in your calendar. Alternatively, if your update is planned for week 5 for example, you can expect updates in weeks 9, 13, 17, and so on. Additionally, one week prior to your production update, you will receive a test environment for your convenience. This streamlined process ensures efficient and predictable software maintenance.

In the Microsoft Cloud, you have the flexibility to select your preferred update day and a specific six-hour timeslot. Should you, as a customer or partner, decide to make changes to your chosen day or timeslot, these adjustments will be applied to the update following the current one. This allows you to tailor the update schedule to best suit your operational needs and minimize disruption, The explanation to adjust your preferences can be found here.

What does this mean for you?

The new release policy standardizes the update process. You know exactly what to expect on forehand and you can plan ahead. In that way, you will not face surprises when updating to the newest version. If you would like to know when the support for each version ends, please see our Life cycly policy.