Continuous updates are the hallmark of Microsoft Dynamics 365.
This video explains the continuous updates and automated deployment of new features and hotfixes to your test and production environments. You’ll learn about recommendations on how to schedule your updates to align with Microsoft’s eight service updates per year. And we’ll provide best practices and recommendations on your approach to testing before taking the update.
D365 Continuous Updates Takeaways
- Continuous updates are Microsoft’s way of delivering constant ERP improvements. Each update consists of new features and all cumulative hotfixes since the last release. Microsoft enables this process with the cloud and an extensions-focused development strategy.
- ERPs tend to be very large and have specific configurations for business processes. Striking a balance between what needs to be tested and how often you can take these updates is critical. Microsoft does provide flexibility into which updates you can take, however, you can only go three months without taking an update, or you will forfeit support.
- With continuous updates, deployment is automated. Microsoft will automatically apply these updates to your test environment seven days before they are applied to your production environment unless your team intervenes.
- D365 has eight service updates each year. Major updates, or large feature releases, are scheduled for April and October. Blue Horseshoe recommends taking at least four updates per year. This strategy allows you not to be too far from hotfixes and helps you better manage your update testing timeline.
- Blue Horseshoe recommends a four-step framework to help ensure you have a solid testing approach. This test planning includes documenting business processes, building a testing plan, automating as many tests as possible, and joining early release programs.
More D365 Upgrade Resources from Blue Horseshoe
Upgrading to D365: Timelines
Upgrading to D365: Digital Transformation
Upgrading to D365: Data Conversion Recommendations
Upgrading to D365: Code Upgrade Recommendations
Upgrading to D365: Development Implications
Upgrading to D365: Integration Implications
Upgrading to D365: Continuous Updates Implications
