# Ring Deployments: A 3-Tier Staging Framework for Risk-Free UEM Rollouts Executive Summary ------------------ Implementing a staggered rollout strategy; often referred to as a “Three-Ring” or “Pilot Group” deployment; is an enterprise best practice for mitigating organizational risk. By validating configurations, updates, and applications on a small, controlled subset of devices before global deployment, IT teams can identify and resolve conflicts without disrupting business continuity. This document outlines a comprehensive device lifecycle management framework using Hexnode UEM, encompassing everything from automated enrollment and policy association to patch management and secure disenrollment. The 3-Tier Staging Architecture -------------------------------- To establish a robust staging framework, divide your device fleet into three operational rings: - **Tier 1: Alpha (Ring 0 / Canary Group) \[~5% of Fleet\]**: Comprised of IT personnel and technically proficient volunteers. The primary goal is to identify immediate critical failures (“showstopper” bugs) such as network drop-offs or core system crashes. - **Tier 2: Beta (Ring 1 / Pilot Group) \[~10-15% of Fleet\]**: A strategic cross-section of users representing various departments (e.g., HR, Sales, Finance). The objective is to validate that Line-of-Business (LOB) applications and daily workflows function seamlessly under new configurations. - **Tier 3: Production (Ring 2 / Global Fleet) \[~80% of Fleet\]**: The general organizational population. Deployments reach this tier only after successful validation in the Alpha and Beta phases. Phase 0: Constructing the Framework (Group Setup) -------------------------------------------------- Before initiating any deployments, the structural foundation must be established using Hexnode’s advanced grouping capabilities. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** 1. Navigate to **Manage > Device Groups** in the Hexnode portal. 2. Utilize **Custom Device Groups** for manual, static assignments (ideal for the Alpha group). 3. Utilize **Dynamic Device Groups** to automatically route devices based on predefined rules, such as Department, Serial numbers, device tags, or platform types. 4. Establish your core framework by creating three distinct groups: GRP\_Alpha\_IT, GRP\_Beta\_Pilot, and GRP\_Production\_Global. Phase 1: Zero-Touch Enrollment & Provisioning -------------------------------------------------- Scalable staging requires devices to be automatically funnelled into their respective tiers the moment they are powered on, ensuring they immediately receive the correct baseline security posture. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** - **Out-of-the-Box Experience (OOBE)**: Leverage platform-native provisioning integrations, including **Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), Android Zero-Touch,** and **Windows Autopilot**, connected directly to your Hexnode instance. - **Pre-Approved Enrollment Targeting**: Navigate to **Enroll > All Enrollments > Enterprise > Pre-approve**. Import a CSV containing device identifiers (Serial Numbers, IMEIs). Assign these identifiers directly to GRP\_Alpha\_IT, GRP\_Beta\_Pilot, or GRP\_Production\_Global prior to unboxing. [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM console showing the Enroll tab, the first tab in the navigation bar. Under the All Enrollments sub-tab in the Enterprise section, the Pre-approve method is selected, displaying a domain selection dropdown and a CSV file upload button for bulk addition](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pre-approve-Devices-for-Enrollment-settings.png "Pre-approve Devices for Enrollment settings")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pre-approve-Devices-for-Enrollment-settings.png) - **Outcome**: Upon initial boot and network connection, devices bypass manual setup, automatically enroll in Hexnode UEM, and instantly inherit the specific configurations designated for their staging tier. Phase 2: Staged Policy Associations ------------------------------------ Policies control security restrictions, network configurations (Wi-Fi/VPN), and compliance standards. A staggered rollout prevents enterprise-wide lockouts caused by misconfigurations. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** 1. Navigate to **Policies > New Policy** (or clone an existing policy for iteration). 2. Configure the necessary payloads and settings. 3. **Execute the Staged Rollout via Policy Targets:** 1. **Alpha Phase**: Navigate to Policy Targets, select +Add Groups, and assign the policy exclusively to GRP\_Alpha\_IT. Monitor system logs and connectivity for 24-48 hours. 2. **Beta Phase**: Upon Alpha clearance, modify the policy targets to include GRP\_Beta\_Pilot. Monitor IT helpdesk tickets for department-specific workflow interruptions. 3. **Production Phase**: Finalize the deployment by targeting GRP\_Production\_Global. *Strategic Note on Conflict Resolution*: If overlapping policies exist, Hexnode natively applies the most restrictive configuration. The Alpha tier is crucial for testing these precedence rules. Phase 3: Automated Application Deployment ------------------------------------------ Distributing large Enterprise or Store applications globally can saturate network bandwidth and interrupt active user sessions. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** 1. Utilize Hexnode’s [Automate](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/automate-device-management-tasks/) tab for bulk script and app execution or leverage the **Required Apps** policy payload for silent installations. 2. **Platform-Specific Execution:** For Windows devices, utilize Hexnode’s capability to execute custom Pre-install and Post-install scripts alongside the executable or MSI files to ensure environmental prerequisites are met. 3. **The Rollout Sequence**: 1. Deploy the application exclusively to GRP\_Alpha\_IT. 2. Expand the target to GRP\_Beta\_Pilot, actively requesting user feedback regarding app connectivity and integration with existing tools. 3. Approve the global deployment to GRP\_Production\_Global. Phase 4: Patch Management & OS Updates ------------------------------------------- Balancing the urgent need for security patching against the risk of system instability requires strict adherence to the Three-Ring deployment strategy. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** Navigate to **Policies > Security > OS Updates** (supported across macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS). [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM console showing the Policies tab between 'Automate' and 'Apps'. With iOS selected as the platform, the OS Updates policy under the Security section is open, displaying options to delay software updates for 30 days](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/iOS-enforce-software-update-delay-with-hexnode.png "iOS enforce software update delay with hexnode")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/iOS-enforce-software-update-delay-with-hexnode.png) **Alpha Ring (Fast-Track)**: Create an update policy configured to Download and Install immediately upon release. Assign this to GRP\_Alpha\_IT to rapidly identify major flaws (e.g., Blue Screens of Death, kernel panics). **Beta Ring (Validation)**: Associate the update with GRP\_Beta\_Pilot. Ensure that specialized LOB applications, custom CRM plugins, and legacy software remain functional. **Production Ring (Deferred Security)**: Create a secondary OS Update policy utilizing Hexnode’s **Deferral Period** settings (e.g., deferring updates by 7 to 14 days). Assign this to GRP\_Production\_Global. This ensures the global fleet receives vetted security patches with minimal operational disruption. Phase 5: Automated Lifecycle Management & Disenrollment ------------------------------------------------------------ Properly managing device retirement mitigates phantom security risks, protects corporate data, and reclaims valuable MDM license seats. **Hexnode Implementation Steps:** 1. **Automated Quarantine (Inactivity Settings)**: Navigate to **Admin > General Settings > Inactivity Settings**. Configure the system to flag devices as ‘Inactive’ after a specific threshold (e.g., 30 days of no communication). [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM console showing the Admin tab located between 'Patches' and 'More'. Within the General Settings section, the Inactivity Settings are open, displaying options to configure the duration after which a device will be marked as inactive](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Configuring-device-Inactivity-Settings-with-Hexnode.png "Configuring device Inactivity Settings with Hexnode")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Configuring-device-Inactivity-Settings-with-Hexnode.png) 2. Dynamic Filtering: Utilize Hexnode’s filtering capabilities based on “Time since last check-in” to isolate unresponsive hardware. 3. The **Clean-Up Protocol**: Navigate to the **Manage** tab, filter for Inactive devices, and execute the **Disenroll Device** action (this can also be scheduled routinely via the Automate tab). 1. Disenrollment severs the MDM certificate, executes a selective wipe of corporate data/apps, and frees the Hexnode user/device license. 2. For pre-approved records that were imported but never physically enrolled, utilize the **Delete Device** action to sanitize your administrative console.