This article will explain what a Cratejoy release is and when they happen.
What is a Cratejoy release?
A release is when we update our servers with a new version of the applications that run your stores, dashboards, and api systems. This can include:
- Bug fixes
- Stability Improvements
- Performance Improvements
- New Features
Most releases include adjustments to more efficiently serve you and your subscribers, but the changes may not be apparent to your normal usage.
We are growing at a rapid pace, and improving our infrastructure to better handle the increased traffic that you and your subscribers are bringing
When do these happen?
On a typical week we'll do three releases, some weeks we'll have 2 or 4 depending on how much testing and verification we need to do for the changes.
Releases happen in the morning, CST, between 9 am and Noon. This timing is to ensure we have staff in place to monitor performance and functionality, as well as answer any questions that may come up around interface changes or new features.
Release Maintenance Periods
Occasionally a release will require a brief period of down-time across some of our servers. If you are connected to an affected server during this time you will see a message like this:
These periods will only last a few minutes. We will always put an effort to make these as quick and infrequent as possible.
Extended Maintenance Periods
Rarely (so far about twice a year) we will need to have a longer period of downtime. If we need to have store fronts or your dashboard down for more than ten minutes, we will schedule it in advance and put notice on our status page.
These periods are used to make changes to our infrastructure, usually upgrading servers or key services.
We will always avoid downtime if possible.