Windows client is a comprehensive desktop operating system that allows you to efficiently and securely.
Windows as a service (Waas) is Microsoft’s strategy of deploying, updating, and servicing the Windows operating system.
Microsoft now updates Windows on a regular basis, rather than launching a new version every three to five years.
With windows client, there are two release types: feature updates and quality updates.
Feature updates are scheduled typically twice a year, in March and September. They include new functionalities for the operating system (OS).
Quality updates are monthly cumulative updates. They contain security patches and other changes to make the OS more reliable.
Servicing channels
Servicing channels are the first way to separate users into deployment groups for feature and quality updates. There are three servicing channels. Each channel provides different levels of flexibility for when these updates are delivered to client computers.
- The Windows Insider Program: It allows businesses to test and provide feedback on features that will be released in the next feature update. These features will be delivered as soon as possible during the development cycle through a process called lighting.
- General Availability Channel: It provides new functionality with feature update release annually. This model is ideal for pilot deployments, testing of feature updates and developers who need to work with the latest feature.
- Long-term servicing channel: It is designed for specialist devices that don’t run Office apps. This channel receives new features every two or three years.
Deployment Rings
Deployment rings are a deployment method used to separate devices into a deployment timeline. They are changes that are rolled out in phases to specific groups of users or computers. Any risks or development difficulties associated with Windows updates are reduced by this gradual, controlled, and tested deployment.
A common ring structure use three deployment groups:
- Preview: It is for planning and development. It evaluates the new features of the update.
- Limited: It is for pilot and validation. It validates the update on representative devices across the network.
- Broad: It is for wide deployment. After sufficient stabilization of devices from the limited ring, its time for broad deployment across the network.