[db-wg] DB Software - release and deployment improvements

Dear DB-WG, NCC-Services and Routing WG Community!


Over the recent month or so, a deployment of a new version of the DB-SW,
to the production environment, turned out to (potentially) have serious
impact on automated router configurations in (an) operator's network(s).

The issue was reported to the NCC's DB-WG Group and the specific problem
has already been fixed (actually on the same day as reported). Here's the
link to the service announcement page:

  http://www.ripe.net/lir-services/service-announcements/ripe-database-query-output-issue


However, as the incident seemes serious enough, a small group of interested
people (Rüdiger, Nigel Titley, folks from the NCC and  myself) started to
dig a bit deeper, into what was (and is) perceived to be aspects that need
review, more transparency and maybe improvement.

We plan to look at some aspects, amongste others, like:

- better communication regarding upcoming new SW releases
- better transparency when and where (TEST DB, Production DB,...)
  new software will be deployed
- version control and documentation

But the most important thing is an improved and more transparent process
to deploy new software versions *as soon as possible*!
Then we can take it from there...


While this message is also sent to the NCC Services and Routing WG, fyi,
I'd like to suggest to have follow-up comments and discussion on the DB-WG
List!


Looking forward to fruitful discussions,

best regards,
Wilfried