Implementing Builds and Service Packs – Jim Yuelapwan, Technical Support Manager

 Jim Yuelapwan began his speech explaining the benefits of Updates and Builds.  He pointed out that updates correct problems, implement new features, and increase the return on your software investment.  Companies generally give at least one week advance notice to business partners before general distribution of the Build or service pack.  Service Packs are distributed through web downloads exclusively, while builds are distributed via CD or web download.  He then showed the audience some screen shots of Builds and Service Packs and pointed out the visual differences between the two.

 A Build, Jim explained, is a product release that contains bug and/or program inconsistency fixes as well as product enhancements.  Enhancements may be a result of improvements to features and/or functions.  There are no platform changes involved with a Build.  There are generally two planned Builds a year, and there may be multiple Builds between Version releases.

 A Service Pack is a single batch of fixes that correct multiple bug and/or program inconsistencies that should not wait until the next Build or Version is released.  There are no enhancements included in a Service Pack and there may not be a need for a Service Pack release between Builds or Versions.

 Jim listed some steps that should be followed in order to ensure the successful deployment of a Build or Service Pack. 

• Obtain update media.
• Read release motes and bug fix summary.
• Plan/practice implementation.
• Backup system before implementation.
• Print strategic reports.
• Install update on server and if required on workstations.
• Install module disks.
• Collate pre- and post- update reports.

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