Using Test Rings

Using Test Rings

About Test Rings

  1. It is a sophisticated validation process that allows users to select lists of device groups (called Ring Flows) to perform a package testing process in sequence (called Ring Set).

  2. The process measures possible side effects or impacts on each set of devices before deploying to the next one.

  3. The selected package is deployed and tested on a set of devices. Once validated, it is automatically deployed to the next group, enabling controlled deployment across a large set of devices.

  4. After choosing a package, the Ring Set deployment starts with RingFlow 0. A typical package testing process follows:

    1. The test is Started or Scheduled.
    2. The group moves from Scheduled to Running, then to Completed.
    3. It then waits for the user’s final action of allowing or blocking.
    4. If the user promotes the Ring Set, the next Ring Flow (1) starts testing another package following the same process and rules.

  5. While the package is in the “In Test” state:
    1. The package is marked as In Test.
    2. Other devices (not part of the process) cannot install the package.

  6. The user can abort the test during execution; however, this does not roll back the package if it has already been deployed to a RingFlow.

  7. An organization can have up to 5 Ring Sets; each Ring Set can include up to 10 Ring Flows, and each Ring Flow can have up to 20 devices.

  8. A group of devices can belong to only one Ring Flow, but a single device can be part of multiple Ring Flows.

Defining Ring Sets

The first step in using Test Rings is to create Ring Sets. To do this, go to App Management > Define Ring Sets.
  1. Click Create New Ring Set.
  2. Enter a name for the Ring Set then click Create New Flow.
  3. Select device groups and the length of the test. If needed, you can add additional Ring Flows to the Ring Set: 
    1. Click Create Next Flow and repeat the same steps.
    2. When you have finished adding Ring Flows, click Save.
  4. Click Save and Close.

Updates by Rings Tab

This tab displays the existing Ring structures defined for the organization, which can be used to perform new deployments. Expand the accordions to view the active deployments and the package used in each one. Each time a new deployment is initiated, a new accordion is added to the list.

Each accordion shows the Ring Flows that are part of the Ring Set, with icons providing additional information as in the example below:
 

In this example, the package was deployed successfully to Ring Flow 0. Ring Flow 1 was skipped because no devices had the update available, as shown by the different icon. LDM then deployed to Ring Flow 2. 

With all deployments complete, LDM is now waiting for the user’s final action: either deploy to all devices in the organization or blocking the package or aborting the test.

Starting a New Test Ring Set Deployment

  1. Click Schedule Ring button.
    A pop-up window appears with the options Test Now or Schedule Test.
    1. Test Now. Starts the test immediately (Go to step 2).
    2. Schedule Test. Schedules the test to start at a specified date and time. 
      1. Select the Start date (LDM calculates the end date).
      2. Select the Time.
  2. Click Next.
  3. Choose the Ring Set you wish to use for the deployment. 
  4. If you expand the Ring Set accordion, you will see all the groups included in the Ring Set.
    Expanding a group displays detailed information about the packages available for installation on that device group.
  5. Click Next.
  6. In this page you can select the packages that you want to deploy.
    Each selected package will generate a new accordion in the Update by Rings tab.
  7. Click Next.
  8. The Review page is displayed.
  9. Click Submit. If you selected to Test Now, the deployment process begins.

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