Feedback regarding deployment of upgrades

[Magnus Johnsen]

Hi,

Since there were issues in the latest deployment we would like some more feedback from you developers so that we can raise this in internal discussion.

Please share your thoughts regarding this and we will have a meeting internally where we can raise your thoughts.

Thank you. 

[Trygve Storrønningen1]

I think it is time to discuss when to deploy, and even more, when not to deploy.
So, to deploy or not to deploy, that is the question.
The answer is dependent on a risk evaluation.
And the risk evaluation is dependent on probalility and impact.
If expected impact is high; even low probability should suggest no deployment.

To understand impact, Visma need to understand the pratical consequenses at the ISV's and at the end customers.
Visma need to understand our pain.

In our house, we have a very tough system administrator. He rules. And he often say NO.
Honestly, some times it is frustrating for some of us. But all the time it is safe, for all of us.
We do not deploy on Fridays - we dont want to bring potential problems into the weekend, neither for us nor for our customers.
We do not deploy on Mondays - some times things happens during weekends, and it need to be handled, we need to deal with this first before we deploy. Clean the desk and be prepared.
We do deploy on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If to discuss any exceptions from this, expected impact need to be low.

We stop deploying a few days before holidays and bigger events.
Because we need to be at work and ready for action if not everything after deployment went as expected.
And we do not want to introduce new risks just before hight traffic events. These events are already busy enough.

Of course this careful approach to deployment can be frustrating for both impatient customers and marketing departments.
But in the long run it gives a more stable environment. It pays off.

The need of being prepared for handling situations after deployment is also valid in a world with continous delivery.
Also the need of someone being at work, someone to handle situations and communication.

Like Forrest Gump says; **bleep** happens.

And when it happens "someone" need to be "the chosen" - with a plan - to clean up and communicate.