Previously, our DevOps operations relied on TFS and Visual Studio systems. However, with the rise of cloud computing, Microsoft introduced Azure DevOps, a comprehensive solution encompassing version control, reporting, requirements management, project management, and automation tools, including testing and release management capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with Azure services, facilitating the development and deployment of applications on the cloud platform. It supports the entire software development lifecycle, from development to deployment. For instance, when developing a project, it assists in the build, test, and release processes, ensuring smooth progression to higher-level environments.
Additionally, it supports project management activities such as user story management. Its features include repositories for storing code, pipelines for automating processes, and environments for managing deployment configurations.
The platform has improved our team's productivity in the versioning system within the release management functionality. Each application deployment is assigned its version. When certain features are unavailable or require enhancement in a deployment, Microsoft incorporates these improvements into the subsequent version of the release pipeline.
They could provide clearer guidance on deployment practices for the product. Currently, two main deployment methods are available: YAML server deployment and release management using pipelines or Terraform. They should offer recommendations on which approach is the best practice for deployment.
We have been using Microsoft Azure DevOps for 5 years.
It is a stable platform. Being a cloud-based solution, it benefits from zone redundancy policies, ensuring continuity even if one server experiences downtime.
We have more than 35 Microsoft Azure DevOps users in our organization.
The initial setup process is easy.
The costs are moderate and justify the value provided. With Azure DevOps, we can easily track your projects, monitor statistics and reports, manage backlogs, and plan deliveries. We can manage larger teams under one platform.
The product documentation contains all the necessary information to get started with the platform and understand its evolving features. Additionally, numerous resources are available on platforms like YouTube, where various vloggers share valuable insights and tutorials on using Azure DevOps effectively.
I rate it an eight.