Cisco IOS certification process

[Christian Heroux <heroux.christian () HYDRO QC CA>]

Hello,
 
We try to define a process that would certify the version of IOS used . The goal is to deploy a good and tested Cisco 
IOS with the right function. This is not an easy task to chose one IOS but when you have chosen one,  what kind test 
would be relevant considering the time and effort spent?
 
Generic testing ex:test etherchannel ---> Time consuming and Cisco should have tested that! I am thinking to drop this 
step.
 
Load config to see if the new IOS accept the command ---> Basic rapid test that let you know all command are still 
there! 
 
Try to reproduce in lab your environment with different type of trafic (access switch, MPLS CE) ----> Time spend vs 
result this is a good value! Better it you have to test many and can keep this environmment 
 
Pilote in the field ---> this is the ultimate test but I wouldn`t jump to that one if the environment is critic.
 
Any other test? 
 
What is your process? Chose the latest Cisco IOS and load it in one non critical equipment and one week later deploy at 
large!!!
 
Christian Héroux