Which phase involves using a software deployment tool to test client deployments to endpoints?

The phase of "Pilot the deployment" is essential for ensuring that the software deployment process is effective and reliable before a wider roll-out is conducted. During this phase, a chosen group of endpoints is used to test the software deployment tool in a controlled environment. This helps identify potential issues and allows for necessary adjustments without impacting the entire network.

By choosing a smaller, manageable group of endpoints for piloting, organizations can gather valuable feedback, test functionalities, and verify configurations in real-world scenarios. This practice minimizes risks associated with deploying new software solutions across the entire network and helps ensure that the deployment is smooth and efficient when it is later scaled up.

In contrast, assessing network topology is about understanding the layout and connection of devices on the network, which doesn't directly relate to testing software deployments. Deploying to an initial set of endpoints usually refers to the broader phase that follows successful pilot testing, where the software is more widely distributed. Onboarding new computers focuses on integrating them into the network and ensuring they are prepared for use, which does not specifically involve testing deployments of software. Thus, "Pilot the deployment" is clearly a critical step to ensure a successful software rollout.