In this article, we will talk more about the background to Azure DevOps Services and Azure DevOps Server. We will demonstrate the key advantages of Azure DevOps Services over on-premise variants so that you can come to a well-considered decision.
Azure DevOps Services and Azure DevOps Server
Azure DevOps Services and Azure DevOps Server are the new releases of Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) and Team Foundation Server (TFS) respectively. Azure DevOps Services is a cloud-based environment. As its name suggests, Azure DevOps Server provides the services of Azure DevOps on-premise.
The key difference between VSTS, TFS, and Azure DevOps is that the first two comprise a single service. In the Azure DevOps release, this service is split into five improved services – Boards, Pipelines, Repos, Test Plans, and Artifacts – which can be used separately.
TFS vs Azure DevOps Services
If you are currently using TFS (or Azure DevOps Server), you will understand how valuable it is to have your entire team working in a single environment. If you are considering switching from on-premise to the cloud, these are the principal reasons for making the switch.
1. Automatic Updates
In contrast to Azure DevOps Server, with Azure DevOps Services you always have the latest version with the newest functionalities. Microsoft releases a new version every three weeks, which you have access to automatically, with no downtime. New Services features are also updated automatically.
2. Cost and Time Savings
If you run TFS or Azure DevOps Server locally, your organization will need to focus a great deal of attention on the infrastructure, server maintenance, and operating system licenses. With Azure DevOps Services, you only use the software, which not only helps to save you money but also time.
If you opt for Azure DevOps Services, you no longer need to be concerned with server maintenance, updates, backups, or infrastructure security. Microsoft takes care of everything so that you can focus on the things that you do best.
3. Compliance Certifications
As an organization, you need to satisfy a wide range of requirements relating to information security and privacy. Azure DevOps has a number of compliance certificates for cloud-based software, including ISO 27001, SOC 1 and SOC 2, and HIPAA BAA. Do you meet these standards? Meeting these standards not only minimizes the risk to your organization but also sends a valuable message to your clients and business partners, potential or otherwise.
4. Access from Anywhere on all Devices
Azure DevOps Services give your team greater flexibility, with secure access to the environment from anywhere using any device. If your organization operates from multiple locations or team members work from home, the switch from TFS to Azure DevOps Services is a must.
5. 99.9% Uptime
If you’re considering migrating to Azure DevOps Services, then you will conclude a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Microsoft that guarantees an uptime of 99.9%. You will also have access to support 24/7.
6. Development Services in the Microsoft Cloud
Using Azure DevOps Services gives you direct access to other development services in the Microsoft Cloud, such as Office 365, Dynamics, and Application Insights. All of these tools allow you to configure processes more effectively and to work more efficiently.
All of the reasons outlined above demonstrate why switching to Azure DevOps Services is something that should not be put off until tomorrow. If you’d like to know more about Azure DevOps, please consider attending our DevOps in Azure workshop. We’d be happy to tell you more.