Method and Apparatus for Controlling Software Updates in a Distributed Computing Environment

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions

• that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute instructions, comprising:
• defining a deployment strategy for a feature on a plurality of computer systems in a distributed computing environment, the deployment strategy specifying:
• an action to take with respect to the feature;
• a portion of the plurality of computer systems to which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature;
• a time at which to start applying the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems;
• a duration of time over which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems;
• and
• a formula for a rate of change of a velocity of applying the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems over the duration of time;
• and
• executing logic to effect the deployment strategy for the feature on the portion of the plurality of computer systems, including selecting which portion of the plurality of computer systems to which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature.

A computer system, comprising:

• a memory to store computer-executable instructions;
• one or more processors to read from the memory and execute the instructions, comprising:
• defining a deployment strategy for a feature on a plurality of computer systems in a distributed computing environment, the deployment strategy specifying:
• an action to take with respect to the feature;
• a portion of the plurality of computer systems to which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature;
• a time at which to start applying the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems;
• a duration of time over which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems;
• and
• a formula for a rate of change of a velocity of applying the deployment strategy for the feature to the portion of the plurality of computer systems over the duration of time;
• and
• executing logic to effect the deployment strategy for the feature on the portion of the plurality of computer systems, including selecting which portion of the plurality of computer systems to which to apply the deployment strategy for the feature.