Create the Test Environment
Create a test environment for the new software in preparation for your trial upgrades.
Initially, the new environment does not need to be large, or be the same as your production environment. For example, if it is acceptable, you may use hardware from existing environments, such as development servers.
The environment can be scaled up and out in a phased way after the basic new environment is up and running.
Alternatively, existing environments can remain untouched. If you want the test environment to become the new production environment, configure the test system to match your production environment.