Microsoft’s internal IT Department Shares Lessons of IE9 Rollout to More Than 100,000 Computers
Microsoft Information Technology (Microsoft IT) worked closely with the Internet Explorer product team to test and deploy Windows® Internet Explorer® 9 across the enterprise. This content discusses the testing and deployment strategy that delivered Windows® Internet Explorer® 9 to more than 100,000 desktop computers around the world. Learn how Microsoft used its own deployment tools and management technologies to reduce the time, cost and complexity of planning, building, and deploying Internet Explorer 9.
Situation
Microsoft wanted to test the prerelease versions of Internet Explorer 9 in order to help provide feedback to the Internet Explorer product group during development. In addition, Microsoft also wanted to verify application compatibility and deployment tools to ensure that scenarios were fully tested for enterprise-wide rollout before the public release of Internet Explorer 9.
Solution
Microsoft developed a testing and deployment strategy that delivered Internet Explorer 9 to more than 100,000 desktop computers around the world. Microsoft used its own deployment tools and management technologies to reduce the time, cost, and complexity of planning, building, and deploying Internet Explorer 9.
The Details
Executive Summary (from the white paper):
The prerelease version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 9 gave Microsoft Information Technology (Microsoft IT) the opportunity to validate Internet Explorer 9 during its development, and to test deployment tools and processes designed to simplify enterprise-wide application rollouts. The team also wanted Microsoft users to experience new Internet Explorer 9 features designed to take advantage of emerging web standards, as well as new security features, while minimizing disruptions due to the deployment.
Microsoft IT took a leadership role in deploying the browser early, and did so in a systematic way. Using Microsoft employees to test the prerelease versions of Internet Explorer 9 provided a real-world testing environment for capturing product and deployment feedback. This allowed Microsoft IT to uncover bugs early in the product development process, helping to improve the product before its release to customers. Early testing also addressed application compatibility issues with line-of-business (LOB) applications, ensuring minimal Helpdesk calls for LOB related issues.
This white paper describes the deployment planning, delivery process, and ongoing support for Internet Explorer 9 across Microsoft. The paper is intended for enterprise technical decision makers, technical architects, and deployment managers who are considering an Internet Explorer 9 deployment.
This white paper is based on the experience and recommendations of Microsoft IT as an early adopter. It is not intended to serve as a procedural guide. The Microsoft environment is unique. Its users tend to be more technical than average users, and the Microsoft IT desktop management philosophy gives users control over their own computers. Installation of prerelease software is strictly voluntary at Microsoft, and Microsoft IT made the Internet Explorer 9 client available to all employees during the deployment process.
Each enterprise environment has its own unique requirements. Therefore, each organization should adapt the plans and activities described in this white paper to meet its specific needs. Also, this white paper should be used along with the deployment guide provided by the Internet Explorer 9 site for IT Pros, found at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff973978.aspx.