How the Evergreen Service Works
The Evergreen process is all about keeping things fresh with regular updates. Twice a year, in April and October, major updates introduce new functionality. We want to make your major version upgrades streamlined and stress-free, so we monitor your system, flag and fix incompatibilities, and provide you with a testable sandbox environment before the upgrade is applied on your Production environment. The overall process is managed, follows pre-agreed timelines and you are kept updated along the way. We reach out to you ahead of the major version roll-out and agree a timeline with you.
The Steps to Achieving Your Evergreen Upgrade
- Managed Upgrade Process: The upgrade is carefully planned, monitored, and communicated to our customers, ensuring a smooth transition to the next version
- Pre-Upgrade Code Freeze: All changes to your CRM system are paused during the upgrade cycle to ensure stability
- System Access & Testing Validation: Before starting anything, we ensure that there is access to all systems and regression test packs
- Development Environment Upgrade: The development sandbox is upgraded first to detect any changes that may cause issues or breakages
- Handling Breaking Changes: If issues arise, a change control note is created with required fixes and associated costs before proceeding
- UAT Environment Upgrade: After the successful development upgrade, the UAT sandbox is upgraded, and regression testing is carried out
- Optional UAT by Customer: Depending on the upgrade content, customers may choose to perform their own UAT for assurance
- Production Upgrade: The production environment is upgraded according to Microsoft’s schedule, unless we have agreed on an alternative schedule
- Post-Upgrade Resumption: Once complete, stakeholders are notified, code freeze is lifted, and normal operations resume
With the Node4 Evergreen CRM service, you can keep your Dynamics 365 systems running smoothly and efficiently, always ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. This proactive approach minimises risks and disruptions, allowing you to focus on what you do best.