In light of the recent CrowdStrike incident, it's clear how critical careful and deliberate processes are in the world of IT. This incident showed us that even the most secure systems can fall victim to errors if updates and changes aren't managed meticulously. At Equinox IT Services, we understand these risks and are committed to doing things differently – and better – for our clients.

We've seen firsthand how automated processes, if not properly handled, can cause significant disruptions. While our scope isn't global, we know that a misstep can still create substantial issues for our clients. That's why we've developed a robust approach to deploying changes and updates, ensuring that your business remains secure and operational.


Here’s how we do it:

Change Management

Before rolling out any significant or widespread changes, we prioritize thorough planning and clear communication. By informing our clients in advance, we prepare for potential issues and address any questions that might arise. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Let me share a story about one of our clients. When they needed a major software update, we followed our change management process by scheduling a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes, addressing potential challenges, and providing a detailed timeline. We planned the update during off-peak hours and conducted training sessions to ensure their staff was comfortable. On the day of the update, our team was monitoring the process, resulting in a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

Thanks to our careful planning and communication, the client was safe and satisfied.

Pilot Patching

To ensure the stability of updates, we utilize pilot patching. This involves deploying patches to a carefully selected set of computers at each client site. By observing the effects of these updates on a smaller scale, we can identify and resolve any issues before rolling them out to all computers. This step-by-step method reduces the likelihood of widespread disruptions.

Think of it like painting a room. Before covering all the walls, you first paint a small section to see how the color looks and how it dries. This way, you can make adjustments if needed before committing to the entire room. This is how we approach pilot patching, testing updates on a small group of computers to ensure everything works perfectly before applying them to all your systems.

Automation Testing

Automation can significantly enhance efficiency, but it also comes with risks. To manage these, we conduct rigorous tests on a smaller number of computers before finalizing any script. For automation processes with potential significant impact, we implement a phased rollout:

1. Initial Testing: We start by testing on a handful of computers. These are typically used by individuals who are cooperative and capable of assisting with testing and troubleshooting if necessary.

2. Expansion: Once initial tests are successful, we expand to more computers. For larger clients, this might mean testing at one or two locations.

3. Full Deployment: After gathering sufficient test data – often indicated by the absence of reported issues – we proceed to apply the changes across the entire client network. For particularly extensive automation, we may include additional phases involving multiple clients to ensure comprehensive testing.

At Equinox IT Services, our goal is to provide seamless, secure, and efficient IT services. By adopting these meticulous processes, we minimize risks and ensure that updates enhance your operations without causing interruptions. We believe in being proactive, thorough, and transparent, keeping your business running smoothly and securely.

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