4 strategies and 6 steps to a smooth IT rollout

Constantly evolving business needs, technological innovations... every company has to implement new systems or applications in its IT environment.

But when this happens, the challenge lies in ensuring that the process runs smoothly, so as not to disrupt business and encourage users to adopt the new technology.

So how do you go about a proper IT rollout, you might ask? By starting with our tips in this article 😉.

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What is IT deployment?

To begin with, let's take a look at the definition of IT deployment.

This expression simply refers to the process of implementing and commissioning software, operating systems or other IT technologies within an organization.

It is made up of several stages, which must be perfectly coordinated to ensure the success of the project without impacting business operations, or even bringing the company to a standstill:

• planning;
• installation and configuration;
• testing and validation ;
• training and support;
• follow-up.

💡 Please note: IT deployment also involves other actions relating to your applications, such as updating them, executing security patches or functional enhancements.

Different IT deployment strategies

There are many different types of IT deployment, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are the best-known 👉.

Basic IT deployment

This is the simplest IT deployment to implement, since it is carried out on the entire production environment, in a single operation.

👍 Advantages : simplicity and speed of implementation, as well as uniformity because all users have access to the same version of the software (which makes support's job easier!).

👎 Disadvantage : higher risks, as there is less control and mastery of the process.

Progressive IT deployment

As the name suggests, this involves gradually installing the new technology, replacing the old.

👍 Advantage : limited risks due to gradual introduction, enabling anomalies to be detected and corrected as they occur.

👍 D isadvantage: the basic software is not retained if problems arise.

Blue-green IT deployment

This strategy implies the existence of two identical production environments, one active (blue) and the other inactive (green).

The new software version is then deployed in the inactive environment, before the traffic from the active environment is switched to it once everything has been tested and validated.

👍 Advantage: in the event of a malfunction, you can switch back to the old version.

👍 D isadvantage: additional resources required to maintain two production environments.

Canary deployment

In this case, implementation takes place in small batches, with the aim of testing the new application on a restricted group of users, in real-life conditions.

Part of the traffic is then directed to this new version (the "canary " 🐥 ), while the rest continues to transit via the initial technology.

👍 Advantages: faster detection of potential difficulties using a real production environment.

👍 D isadvantage: parallel management of multiple versions both complex and demanding.

Example of a 6-step IT deployment plan

Step 1: Choose your deployment method

To set the framework for your IT deployment, start by choosing the most suitable method from among those we've just presented.

❓ To do this, ask yourself a number of questions:

• What are the objectives of this project?
• What is the size and complexity of my IT infrastructure?
• What potential risks does my company face?
• Which strategy seems best suited to my needs for speed, flexibility and control?
• What is my organization's past experience with each deployment method? Etc.

Step 2: Plan the deployment

Once you know which method to use, you need to lay the foundations for your project. In other words, it's time to plan.

More concretely, this involves determining :

• the objectives to be achieved and the associated performance indicators ;
• the main stages to be followed (with deadlines to be met), subdivided into tasks to be carried out;
• the resources to be mobilized to carry out these tasks.

💡 Please note: by "resources " we mean, among other things, " human resources ". As with any project, we advise you to assemble a perfectly complementary team, equipped with all the necessary skills. Technical skills, of course, but also business skills! This last point implies close collaboration with the various department heads, since they are in the best position to understand the problems faced by end-users.

Step 3: Install and configure the new solution

This phase begins with the actual commissioning of the software or systems on the designated servers or workstations. All in accordance with the chosen methodology.

Then, once everything is installed, move on to the configuration stage. The aim? To ensure that the new tool perfectly matches :

• user requirements (interface, workflows, integration with other applications, etc.) ;
• the organization's requirements in terms of security, performance, monitoring, etc.

☝️ Don't forget to notify employees when the system goes into production, as this can sometimes have an impact on business continuity!

Step 4: Perform tests throughout the process

This is not a step in itself, since it's important to carry out various tests throughout the project. In this way, you ensure the stability and performance of the IT deployment in your information system.

This involves creating a test environment at the start of the process, in which the IT team checks that everything is going according to plan.

☝️ This control work also includes having end-users try out the solution to confirm its alignment with their expectations.

Step 5: Train staff

Once the software has been deployed and validated by end-users, it's usually time for training sessions. And with good reason: the new tool implemented in the organization can greatly upset employees, all the more so if they are not familiar with IT.

💡 Good to know: to get teams on board with change more quickly, we recommend using platforms that specialize in digital adoption.

Such is the case with Knowmore's K-NOW, which works like an application GPS. Thanks to its interactive guides, it accompanies users step by step as they get to grips with the new application. An editor makes it very easy to create the learning content, adapting it to the characteristics of your organization and the employee's profile. Ultimately, assimilation is fast and fluid. Employees become autonomous in their business applications, with no need for extensive training or IT support.

Step 6: Monitor deployment performance

Once everything is in place and users are up and running... don't rest on your laurels!

In fact, you need to regularly monitor the IT deployment to :

• protect the company from technical problems and unexpected bugs ;
• apply any necessary corrective measures.

💡 And don't forget: we advise you to set up a support service so that technicians can assist users in the day-to-day operation of the new technology.

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In conclusion, what are the advantages of an IT deployment plan?

All this may sound well-processed, but a roll-out project absolutely requires a well-rehearsed plan. Thanks to good organization, you :

• reduce the risk of failures or malfunctions during the maneuver ;
• maintain service availability, thus reducing the impact of implementation on business operations;
• improve deployment efficiency, saving time and resources;
• keep your costs under control, by avoiding errors and delays that weigh heavily on your budget;
• demonstrate agility and adapt more easily to unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, as with any project, don't neglect the human dimension! Good communication, whether within the IT team or with other members of the company, remains essential to guarantee smooth IT deployment. Not to mention the fact that it promotes the necessary buy-in to change on the part of employees.