Of course, on a 24x7 network, adequate testing may be difficult. The live network cannot easily be taken offline to test the latest remedy systems. If it can be tested, test it. If it cannot be tested, look to cooperative efforts. Some manufacturers and other associations are running tests in the lab to make up for situations that cannot be tested on the 24x7 network.
Some networks are large enough that their assessment lifecycles include a rollout phase.
In this situation, the same or similar network architecture is repeated throughout a large network. Thus, a service provider may choose to assess, remediate, and test a pilot portion of the network first. During the pilot effort, the plan can be examined to ensure that the right remedy systems were selected and will work, and that time projections are accurate. The lessons from the pilot remediation are incorporated into the plan, which is then used to roll remediation out to the entire system. Perhaps you want to make sure you have a fully staffed technical support team available.