Even though we are a small-by-design team, we’re committed to creating a seamless experience for our Subscribers. From our tireless data integrity to our ongoing efforts to minimize disruptions during software updates, we strive to provide a service that combines the best aspects of managed hosting. One of the important elements of our work is also updating the software our Subscribers use on a daily basis. That’s why today we will provide a comprehensive insight into our software update cycle policy and offer a glimpse into our commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for small to medium teams away from big tech and towards open source software.

Our software Update Cycle

There are two key components of any software update cycle - security releases and stable release updates. Here is how we act in each case.

Security Releases

Our first and foremost priority is the security of your data. The constant evolution of threats demands an equally dynamic response. As such, we are always on the lookout for security releases. These software updates, often rolled out by developers in response to newly identified threats, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of our platforms and, by extension, your data. We understand the urgency associated with security releases. When they emerge, our team acts swiftly to implement these updates across our managed hosted platforms. This proactive approach ensures we remain a step ahead of potential threats, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your daily work and less on maintaining the software. These updates are more frequent than stable releases.

Stable Release Updates

While staying secure is essential, so too is maintaining a stable and reliable platform. We’ve found that the continuous flow of minor updates, while well-intentioned, often leads to more disruptions than benefits for our Subscribers. In contrast, stable release updates offer a more holistic approach. These are larger updates that bundle numerous improvements and fixes into a single, comprehensive package. By focusing on these, we ensure that the platforms we host are not only up-to-date, but also offer the latest features and benefits without the disruptions that frequent minor updates can cause.

Our Update Implementation Process

Implementing updates in a way that is both timely and minimally disruptive is a delicate balancing act. To achieve this, our team works in three directions.

Continuous Monitoring: Our team is always keeping track of software release cycles from the various open source software we manage hosting for. For example, when it comes to Nextloud, we monitor the announcements on the Nextcloud website and the activity on the Nextcloud Github repo. This approach allows us to be ready to act as soon as a security or stable release update is available.

Advance Notice: We believe in transparency and clear communication. Therefore, we notify our subscribers at least two business days ahead of any planned update. This notice gives you ample time to prepare and plan your activities accordingly. We do these updates using our self-managed (open source) Mautic instance.

Weekend Updates: To further minimize disruption, we usually schedule our updates for Saturdays. Our data indicates that most of our Subscribers use their platforms less intensively over the weekend, making this an ideal time for us to roll out updates. There are exceptions (see scheenshot above), but this is rare.

Embracing Open Source: Our Ongoing Commitment

While we host a variety of open-source platforms, we are not simply passive bystanders. We actively follow the latest developments of various open source communities to stay informed about the latest developments, and strive to use these insights to continually enhance the experience for our Subscribers.

We acknowledge that big tech platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams have spent millions promoting the notion that they offer the most convenient solution. However, their track record of data mismanagement, lack of control over features, unpredictable tech support, and sudden pricing changes tell a different story.

We believe open-source software offers the antidote to these issues. Not only does floss solutions offer a degree of control and transparency that big tech often lacks, but it also provides a more rtansparent option to keep your data.

We look forward to continuing our journey together, shaping a digital future where small and mediums teams migrate from big teach hassle-free.