Blackout Windows
This guide explains how Cloudaware Patch Management treats blackout windows.
About Blackout Windows
Blackout windows define periods during which patching and other changes must not occur, such as during peak business hours, seasonal events, or regulatory freezes. For example:
- Year‑end financial close periods.
- Major product launches or marketing events.
- Known high‑traffic windows for customer‑facing systems.
Behavior
When a blackout window is active:
- Patch jobs that would fall into the window are skipped or rescheduled, depending on your configuration.
- Emergency patching may still be allowed under special procedures, but should be documented and approved explicitly.
It is recommended to review blackout windows regularly to ensure they remain aligned with current business rhythms.
In Cloudaware
Cloudaware Patch Management does not use blackout windows. Instead, it focuses on maintenance windows for scheduled-based/on demand patching.
It is recommended to handle blackout window enforcement outside Cloudaware.