The Evolution of IT Admin: Navigating the Fast-paced World of Updates

As an IT administrator with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve witnessed firsthand the drastic changes in how we manage Windows and application updates. There was a time when updates were a semi-annual event, meticulously controlled, and handled at a pace that allowed for comprehensive testing before production. However, those days are long gone.

Today, the world of IT has shifted gears to a non-stop, high-speed pace of updates. Monthly, sometimes even more frequently, critical severity Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are being identified. These need immediate attention to minimize the attack surface and potential security breaches. The luxury of long testing periods has given way to a race against the clock. Each update has to be swiftly deployed into production to mitigate the risks associated with vulnerabilities.

In this environment, robust and efficient systems are essential. At Dunetrails, we’ve implemented short yet effective testing cycles for all our customers. We engage dedicated users, who are aware of their crucial role in the testing cycle. They receive every Windows update as soon as it’s released, serving as the frontline in our swift response system.

Moreover, we have fostered an environment where immediate reporting of issues is not only encouraged but is integral to our operations. Our dedicated users are given direct access to our second-line helpdesk, emphasizing the importance of swiftly identifying and addressing any issues that arise from recent updates.

The same principles apply to our approach towards software patches. With a system that is designed to distribute these patches as quickly as possible, we strive to ensure that our clients’ systems are always secured against potential threats.

While the fast-paced world of updates is an inevitable part of today’s IT landscape, it undoubtedly places a significant burden on companies whose core business is not IT. The constant vigilance required and the financial burden of maintaining up-to-date systems can be quite daunting. This is where our managed services at Dunetrails come into play.

Understanding the challenges faced by many businesses, we have integrated these updates as an essential part of our managed services. Our goal is to alleviate the burden of maintaining up-to-date systems from businesses. We provide them with the peace of mind knowing their monthly costs are predictable and, more importantly, their users’ workspaces are continuously updated and secure.

In a nutshell, at Dunetrails, we take over the worries of continuous updates and security patches, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best – running their core operations.