# Change Management Process

**Last Updated:** 2025-01-20  
**Document Version:** 1.0  
**Status:** Active Documentation

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## Overview

This document defines the change management process for the Proxmox infrastructure, ensuring all changes are properly planned, approved, implemented, and documented.

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## Change Types

### Standard Changes

**Definition:** Pre-approved, low-risk changes that follow established procedures.

**Examples:**
- Routine maintenance
- Scheduled updates
- Standard VM/container deployments

**Process:**
- No formal approval required
- Document in change log
- Follow standard procedures

### Normal Changes

**Definition:** Changes that require review and approval but are not emergency.

**Examples:**
- Network configuration changes
- Storage modifications
- Security updates
- New service deployments

**Process:**
- Submit change request
- Review and approval
- Schedule implementation
- Document results

### Emergency Changes

**Definition:** Urgent changes required to resolve critical issues.

**Examples:**
- Security patches
- Critical bug fixes
- Service restoration

**Process:**
- Implement immediately
- Document during/after
- Post-implementation review
- Retrospective approval

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## Change Request Process

### 1. Change Request Submission

**Required Information:**

1. **Change Details:**
   - Description of change
   - Reason for change
   - Expected impact

2. **Technical Details:**
   - Systems affected
   - Implementation steps
   - Rollback plan

3. **Risk Assessment:**
   - Risk level (Low/Medium/High)
   - Potential impact
   - Mitigation strategies

4. **Timeline:**
   - Proposed implementation date
   - Estimated duration
   - Maintenance window (if needed)

### 2. Change Review

**Review Criteria:**

1. **Technical Review:**
   - Feasibility
   - Impact assessment
   - Risk evaluation

2. **Business Review:**
   - Business impact
   - Resource requirements
   - Timeline alignment

3. **Security Review:**
   - Security implications
   - Compliance requirements
   - Risk assessment

### 3. Change Approval

**Approval Levels:**

- **Standard Changes:** No approval required
- **Normal Changes:** Infrastructure lead approval
- **High-Risk Changes:** Management approval
- **Emergency Changes:** Post-implementation approval

### 4. Change Implementation

**Pre-Implementation:**

1. **Preparation:**
   - Verify backups
   - Prepare rollback plan
   - Notify stakeholders
   - Schedule maintenance window (if needed)

2. **Implementation:**
   - Follow documented procedures
   - Document steps taken
   - Monitor for issues

3. **Verification:**
   - Test functionality
   - Verify system health
   - Check logs for errors

### 5. Post-Implementation

**Activities:**

1. **Documentation:**
   - Update documentation
   - Document any issues
   - Update change log

2. **Review:**
   - Post-implementation review
   - Lessons learned
   - Process improvements

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## Change Request Template

```markdown
# Change Request

## Change Information
- **Requestor:** [Name]
- **Date:** [Date]
- **Change Type:** [Standard/Normal/Emergency]
- **Priority:** [Low/Medium/High/Critical]

## Change Description
[Detailed description of the change]

## Reason for Change
[Why is this change needed?]

## Systems Affected
[List of systems, VMs, containers, or services]

## Implementation Plan
[Step-by-step implementation plan]

## Rollback Plan
[How to rollback if issues occur]

## Risk Assessment
- **Risk Level:** [Low/Medium/High]
- **Potential Impact:** [Description]
- **Mitigation:** [How to mitigate risks]

## Testing Plan
[How the change will be tested]

## Timeline
- **Proposed Date:** [Date]
- **Estimated Duration:** [Time]
- **Maintenance Window:** [If applicable]

## Approval
- **Reviewed By:** [Name]
- **Approved By:** [Name]
- **Date:** [Date]
```

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## Change Log

### Change Log Format

| Date | Change ID | Description | Type | Status | Implemented By |
|------|-----------|-------------|------|--------|----------------|
| 2025-01-20 | CHG-001 | Network VLAN configuration | Normal | Completed | [Name] |
| 2025-01-19 | CHG-002 | Security patch deployment | Emergency | Completed | [Name] |

---

## Best Practices

1. **Plan Ahead:**
   - Submit change requests early
   - Allow time for review
   - Schedule during maintenance windows

2. **Document Everything:**
   - Document all changes
   - Keep change log updated
   - Update procedures

3. **Test First:**
   - Test in non-production
   - Verify rollback procedures
   - Document test results

4. **Communicate:**
   - Notify stakeholders
   - Provide status updates
   - Document issues

5. **Review Regularly:**
   - Review change process
   - Identify improvements
   - Update procedures

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## Emergency Change Process

### When to Use

- Critical security issues
- Service outages
- Data loss prevention
- Regulatory compliance

### Process

1. **Implement Immediately:**
   - Take necessary action
   - Document as you go
   - Notify stakeholders

2. **Post-Implementation:**
   - Complete change request
   - Document what was done
   - Conduct review

3. **Retrospective:**
   - Review emergency change
   - Identify improvements
   - Update procedures

---

## Related Documentation

- **[OPERATIONAL_RUNBOOKS.md](OPERATIONAL_RUNBOOKS.md)** - Operational procedures
- **[DISASTER_RECOVERY.md](DISASTER_RECOVERY.md)** - Disaster recovery
- **[DEPLOYMENT_READINESS.md](DEPLOYMENT_READINESS.md)** - Deployment procedures

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**Last Updated:** 2025-01-20  
**Review Cycle:** Quarterly
