Streamlining Software Updates for Automation, Tools, and Tips

There is no secret to keep your Software Updates up-to-date is critical for both security and stability. When you have hundreds or even thousands of programs to keep track of, upgrading software for your business. In this post, we will cover a variety of strategies to automate and expedite the software update process.

Use Automated Software Updates Whenever possible

Automating software upgrades is one of the simplest methods to speed up the process. Helm repositories are one of several technologies that can assist you with this endeavor. Helm repositories allow you to manage and automate the distribution of software updates.

You can automate software upgrades using a wide range of technologies and services. The following are a few examples of such instruments. 

It is possible to manage your software updates in a single location and have them deployed to your systems using Jfrog’s Helm repositories. Businesses having a lot of apps to keep track of might benefit from this.

Ansible Tower: Ansible tower is a tool used for automation and orchestration management. “Playbooks” can be used to automate the installation and update of applications.

Puppet: An additional tool for automation and orchestration. Installing and upgrading applications can be made easier with “Puppet Modules,” a feature included in this distribution.

Chef: Configuration management, automation, and regulatory compliance are all handled by chefs. Installing and upgrading software is made easier with the inclusion of a tool called “Cookbooks.”

Monitor and Manage Software Updates 

Software updates can be simplified by using a program to monitor and manage them. For example, there are several resources to aid you with this, such as:

Patch Manager Plus: It’s a program for managing and deploying software updates. It has capabilities for patch management, vulnerability management, and compliance reporting among other things.

SCCM: SCCM is a tool for managing and application management tool. In this software, asset management, configuration management, and patch management are all included.

SolarWinds N-central: You can keep tabs on and manage your network. Patch management, device management, and network administration are all included.

Kaseya VSA is a tool for IT system management. It has patch management, asset management, and remote control capabilities built-in.

You may use any of these programs to automate and expedite the process of installing software updates.

Install Updates & Review Each Week

Another method to stay on top of things is to set aside time each week to examine and install updates. Even if you can just spare 30 minutes a week, it will make a significant impact.

Updates are accessible for evaluation, so you may choose which ones to apply while you’re here. Check out any new features that can benefit your business while you’re at it. You can prevent having to play catch-up later on by applying updates regularly.

If a reboot is required for some software upgrades, it’s important to know about it. If at all feasible, arrange for events to occur at times when they will have the least impact on production (e.g., overnight or at the weekend). Employees will be able to return to work with minimum disturbance as a result of this.

Test Updates In A Sandbox Environment Before Deploying Them

Sandbox testing is usually a smart idea when it comes to software upgrades. Your firm will benefit greatly from this upgrade, so you can decide if it’s worth implementing or not.

One of the easiest methods is to make a copy of your production environment and then apply the update to that copy instead. You’ll be able to watch how things change and spot any possible issues by using this method.

You can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road by testing upgrades before deploying them. The upgrade may be rolled out to staff after you’re certain it’s ready for production. There is, of course, a slight chance that anything may go wrong even after testing. Make sure you have an action plan in place so that you can go back if required.

Sandbox Tools that may be used to test software updates:

Google Cloud Platform Sandbox: For testing updates in a secure and controlled environment, you can use Google Cloud Platform Sandbox, a feature provided by Google Cloud Platform.

Azure DevTest Labs: Another sandbox option is Azure DevTest Labs. Testing software updates are made easier using Amazon Web Services’ s sandbox environment.