Deployment Waves
Smarter Patch Rollouts with OneSite Patch
Managing patch deployments across a diverse IT environment has never been simple. Risks like compatibility issues and downtime make deploying updates a balancing act between security and operational stability. Traditional patching methods, such as ring deployments, provide some structure, but they often fall short in addressing the complexities of modern IT infrastructure and often require manual, time-consuming processes.
Enter Deployment Waves in Adaptiva’s OneSite Patch. Designed to elevate patching to a smarter, autonomous process, Deployment Waves enable IT and cybersecurity teams to deliver updates with greater precision, reduced risk, and less manual effort.
Let’s explore what Deployment Waves are, how they work, and why they’re a step beyond traditional approaches.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Are Deployment Waves?
Deployment Waves are a feature within OneSite Patch that organizes patch deployments into manageable, logical phases. Each wave represents a group of Business Units, and these units can be further divided into Wave Entries, enabling IT administrators to structure rollouts in alignment with organizational needs.
Unlike static deployment methods, Deployment Waves are dynamic and adaptable. As devices and configurations change, Deployment Waves adjust in real-time, ensuring your deployment strategy stays aligned with the current state of your environment.
This phased approach offers a clear path for rolling out updates while maintaining control at every stage. Early waves can be used to test patches on smaller groups, providing valuable feedback and risk mitigation before broader deployment.
How Are Deployment Waves Different from Ring Deployment?
Ring deployments have been the go-to strategy for phased rollouts. They involve segmenting systems into groups or "rings" that receive updates in stages. While effective in theory, ring deployment often requires significant manual setup and maintenance. Additionally, static ring configurations don’t account for real-time changes, such as devices being replaced or updated, making them prone to gaps in coverage and accuracy.
Deployment Waves address these shortcomings with a more intelligent and automated approach:
- Dynamic Grouping: Unlike static rings, Deployment Waves automatically update based on the latest endpoint data. This ensures each wave reflects the current state of your IT environment.
- Granular Control: Deployment Waves allow for unlimited phases and tailored groupings, offering more flexibility than traditional ring setups.
- Integrated Oversight: With real-time monitoring and intelligent automation, Deployment Waves streamline decision-making, reducing the need for manual intervention.
The result? Faster rollouts, fewer disruptions, and greater alignment with organizational priorities.
How Deployment Waves Work in OneSite Patch
At its core, Deployment Waves take the guesswork out of phased rollouts. Here’s how they operate within OneSite Patch to solve key challenges in patch management.
Logical Grouping with Business Units
Each Deployment Wave organizes Business Units into a cohesive structure. These units can include child units, allowing administrators to align rollouts with organizational hierarchies, such as regions, departments, or functions. This logical arrangement minimizes complexity while maximizing coverage.
Real-Time Adaptability
OneSite Patch continuously updates Deployment Waves based on endpoint data. This adaptability ensures that devices moved to new Business Units or reconfigured are automatically accounted for in the correct wave. The dynamic nature of Deployment Waves eliminates the need for frequent manual adjustments.
Intelligent Progression
Deployment Waves incorporate automated checks and approvals, enabling a seamless transition between phases. If an issue arises in an early wave, administrators can pause or adjust the rollout, preventing broader disruptions. Conversely, if predefined success criteria are met, the system can advance to the next wave automatically.
Comprehensive Oversight
From start to finish, Deployment Waves provide real-time visibility into deployment progress. Administrators can monitor system health, compliance rates, and other critical metrics, empowering them to make informed decisions at every stage.
What Makes Deployment Waves Unique?
Deployment Waves are more than a reimagining of patch management—they’re a solution built to address the most pressing challenges IT and cybersecurity teams face today.
Risk Reduction
By deploying patches in smaller, controlled waves, OneSite Patch significantly reduces the likelihood of widespread system failures. Early issues can be identified and resolved before they impact the broader organization.
Operational Efficiency
Automation is at the heart of Deployment Waves. From dynamic grouping to intelligent progression, OneSite Patch eliminates manual tasks, freeing IT teams to focus on higher-value projects.
Flexibility at Scale
Organizations vary in size, structure, and needs. Deployment Waves offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing administrators to tailor their deployment strategy to any environment. Whether it’s a simple three-phase rollout or a highly detailed multi-wave deployment, OneSite Patch accommodates it seamlessly.
Real-Time Insights
In traditional methods, delays in feedback often lead to prolonged rollouts or missed issues. Deployment Waves integrate real-time reporting, offering visibility into every wave’s success and enabling agile responses to challenges.
Why Deployment Waves Are a Benefit for IT and SecOps
Deployment Waves transform patch management into a streamlined, strategic process. For IT and security teams, the benefits are clear:
- Enhanced Security: By addressing vulnerabilities quickly and systematically, Deployment Waves help safeguard organizational systems against emerging threats.
- Simplified Management: The automation and real-time adaptability of Deployment Waves reduce the workload for administrators, cutting down hours typically spent on manual tasks.
- Minimized Downtime: With intelligent risk mitigation baked into the process, Deployment Waves ensure updates are rolled out without unnecessary disruptions.
- Improved Collaboration: By aligning IT and security priorities within a unified framework, Deployment Waves bridge the gap between teams, promoting seamless coordination.
These advantages don’t just save time—they empower organizations to stay ahead in an increasingly complex threat environment.
See Deployment Waves in Action
Deployment Waves in OneSite Patch represent a smarter way to handle software rollouts. They’re designed to simplify the complex, automate the tedious, and deliver results with precision. If you’re ready to explore how this feature can revolutionize your patch management strategy, request a demo today or visit our knowledge base for a deeper technical dive.