The Best Time to Release or Deploy Software: Tips for Success ​

As someone who has been in the software industry for a while, I've seen how software deployment has evolved over time. In the past, software was deployed on floppy disks or CDs, and the software had to be right before release because there was no easy way to fix it once it was out in the world. Today, software deployment is much more streamlined, but timing is still crucial. In this post, I'll discuss some tips for successful software deployment.

Firstly, one rule that's commonly accepted is: Don't deploy on Friday! Friday deployments can be risky because if something goes wrong, it can ruin people's weekends. People may not be available to fix issues, or it could lead to customers' frustration, leading to loss of business. So, avoid Fridays when possible, and schedule deployments during the week.

Another common belief is that deploying outside of business hours is the way to go. The idea is that deploying when there are fewer users can minimise the impact of any issues that arise. However, this can be problematic because deploying outside of business hours often means that some of your staff may not be available. If something goes wrong, you'll want your team available to address it as soon as possible.

In recent years, I've come to realise that the best time to deploy software is when you have all your staff available. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can quickly address it with a full team. It's also essential to communicate with the rest of the organisation and stakeholders when you plan to deploy. This helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the deployment schedule and can plan accordingly.

In conclusion, deploying software can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right approach, it doesn't have to be. Avoiding Friday deployments, deploying during business hours, and having your full team available are all critical factors for successful software deployment. So, plan carefully, communicate effectively, and you'll be on your way to successful software deployment.