What is software deployment and why should every IT department do It?

Every IT department must perform routine software deployment in order to ensure its end users are staying up to date on every program and application. Even if you’re calling it by another name, you’re probably already doing it. But what if you could do it faster, safer, and more effectively than ever before?

In this guide, we’ll be covering the ins and outs of software deployment as well as why it’s necessary for every IT department and managed service provider out there. Make sure that you’re setting up your organization for success with a strong software deployment program that’s made to keep your applications up to date while minimizing risk.

What is software deployment?

Software deployment refers to all of the steps, processes, and other activities required to make a software system or update accessible to its users. The process of software deployment includes steps like release, installation, testing, deployment, and monitoring. The terms “software deployment” and “application deployment” are often used interchangeably.

Most IT organizations and software developers in today’s landscape deploy software updates, patches, and new applications by combining manual and automated IT processes. There are many different types and methods of software deployment that offer differing levels of efficiency and risk. But overall, they all have the same goal – to make software available on devices or services for its intended users.

Stages of software deployment

There are five key stages that go into the software deployment process. Ensuring that your IT department follows these steps is an excellent way to ensure that your software deployment process will go smoothly. Setting up a streamlined process can also reduce mistakes and risk along the way.

Stage #1: Plan

The first stage in any effective software deployment process is to formulate a comprehensive plan. You’ll need to know what software or application you’re trying to deploy, how many end-users you have, and what risks are involved. A good plan will address these questions and many more.

Stage #2: Design

Once you have a comprehensive plan, you will need to design how the deployment will play out. Ask yourself what kind of deployment will minimize risk. Do end-users need to access software updates simultaneously, or would a slower rollout work? It’s important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each method here.

Stage #3: Test

To ensure nothing goes awry during the actual deployment, it’s a good idea to create a test environment. Use simulations and perform tests to ensure you can detect any hidden issues before the official deployment and fix anything that’s wrong. You want the software to be completely functional before you roll it out to users – that goes without saying.

Stage #4: Schedule

Project management comes into play in this step of the process. Break down your software deployment plan into manageable tasks. Then, either manually or automatically, create a schedule for task completion. Assigning and scheduling tasks are sure to streamline your software deployment process.

Stage #5: Deploy

Finally, the actual deployment! Deploy the software to your endpoints. If you’ve completed the previous four steps, the deployment should go to plan without any major hitches.

Why is software deployment important?

Deployment is one of the key aspects of any software development process. It is the main mechanism that allows applications, updates, and patches to transfer from developers to users. Effective software deployment relies on developers using efficient methods to build, test, and deploy new code in order to respond to changes in customer preferences or other requirements.

If teams can streamline or automate the process of software deployment, they can respond more quickly to user needs. That, in turn, allows organizations to roll out updates faster and deliver new features more frequently, driving customer satisfaction and capitalizing on economic growth opportunities.

Software development and deployment have seen intensive innovation over the past couple of decades. Developers have created workflows that enable faster, more frequent deployment of software updates to the production environment – that is, where users can access them.

Benefits of software deployment

Thoughtful software deployment helps streamline the tasks required to ensure your software is available and running smoothly for all of your users. It comes with a number of different benefits, which we will explore in this section.

Save time

Effective software deployment is a great way to cut down on time and become more efficient as an IT department. When set up correctly, the software deployment and patching process can take just a few hours. When you use automated systems, that time can be cut down even further, and you’ll be able to allocate your manpower and resources more effectively.

Improve RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management)

Software deployment enables you to exercise control in managing software and applications for end-users. In other words, you’ll be able to remotely monitor and manage applications no matter where you are physically. You will be able to rest easy knowing that your software is operating properly and without any issues.

Boost security

More control over your organization’s endpoints equals more security. Deploying software in a structured manner, rather than counting on users to download and update the software themselves, means that you can ensure the security of one software application rather than tackling each device individually.

Smooth installation and patching

The primary benefit of software deployment is its effectiveness in installing or patching software on your network’s endpoints. That means that when your organization has an effective software deployment process in place, you’ll be able to facilitate smoother transitions from old to new software and fix codes more easily through patch management.

Final thoughts

It’s essential for any IT department to have a robust software deployment system. There are many different benefits in play here, from saving time and resources to ensuring your organization’s security and preventing data breaches. There are plenty of different methods for software deployment, but no matter which one you choose, you need a clearly stated, streamlined process to make it happen.

When you adhere to a tried-and-true process for software deployment, you’ll be doing your team and your company a huge favor. It’s an excellent way to ensure that all of your end-users have the most updated versions of programs and receive all the necessary patches. Basically, smart software deployment is an essential function of any IT team.

Want to really take software deployment to the next level? Consider investing in a software deployment tool like Atera’s. Our system gives you monitoring for multiple sites, and its automated software deployment tool is helpfully integrated into a patch manager.

The tool runs on a schedule and can launch scripts alongside installers, enabling you to package environment preparation and reboot procedures. We also provide RMM, which allows you to inventory all endpoints on a network and ensure everything is up to date. Maintaining a current software inventory is an important part of software deployment.

With automated patch management and Atera’s best-in-class RMM the clear choice for anyone looking for a software deployment tool that will take their IT department to the next level. Software deployment is a crucial part of any IT team’s duties, and Atera can help you make the process more efficient, cost-effective, and risk-free. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our offerings.