Re: "a simple matter of updating one's client software and Lync server."?
"First, set up a brand new server..."
Right Click ... Clone Server ... assign new ip, install upgrade over the top. Start testing with some clients on existing version. Clone one and run as a test VM with the upgrade. Check your scenarios and test scripts, rollout upgrade.
I would have a look at your internal processes and see if they are as streamlined and efficient as they should be.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
