Azure DevOps

Azure DevOps supports a collaborative culture and set of processes that bring together developers, project managers, and contributors to develop software. It allows organizations to create and improve products at a faster pace than they can with traditional software development approaches.

Azure DevOps provides integrated features that you can access through your web browser or IDE client. You can use all the services included with Azure DevOps or choose just what you need to complement your existing workflows.

Azure DevOps Services supports integration with GitHub.com and GitHub Enterprise Server repositories. Choose Azure DevOps Services when you want the following outcomes:

• Quick set-up
• Maintenance-free operations
• Easy collaboration across domains
• Elastic scale
• Rock-solid security

Azure DevOps Services also gives you access to cloud build and deployment servers, and application insights. Start for free and create an organization. Then, either upload your code to share or source control. Begin tracking your work using Scrum, Kanban, or a combination of methods.

Azure DevOps Server supports integration with GitHub Enterprise Server repositories. Choose on-premises Azure DevOps Server when you need your data to stay within your network. or your work tracking customization requirements are better met with the on-premises XML process model over the inheritance process model. The on-premises model supports modification of XML definition files.

When you deploy Azure DevOps Server, you can also configure the following servers or integration points:

• Build server supports on-premises and cloud-hosted builds.
• SQL Server and SQL Analysis Server support SQL Server Reports and the ability to create Excel pivot charts based on the cube.

Azure DevOps offers a spectrum of service models to accommodate the unique needs of every team, from free access for small teams to versatile subscription and pay-per-use plans for comprehensive project management.

• End-to-end project management: Azure DevOps stands as a cohesive suite of services designed to support the complete lifecycle of your software projects. It encompasses everything from initial planning and development, through rigorous testing, to final deployment.
• Client/server model delivery: Azure DevOps operates on a client/server model, offering flexibility in how you interact with its services. The web interface, compatible with all major browsers, provides a convenient way to utilize most services. Additionally, certain services like source control, build pipelines, and work tracking offer client-based management options for enhanced control.
• Flexible and scalable service options:
• Azure DevOps navigation: The left navigational bar in Azure DevOps is your gateway to its extensive features. It allows for intuitive access and management of the various services provided.

Dashboards

Azure DevOps provides a powerful dashboard interface that allows you to create a personalized view of your project’s data and workflows. Here’s how you can make the most of the Dashboards feature:

• Add, configure, and manage dashboards: Create multiple dashboards to reflect different aspects of your project. You can customize each dashboard by adding and arranging various widgets that display project data in real-time.
• Configure widgets: Enhance your dashboards with widgets that provide insights into your project. Choose from a wide range of widgets to display information such as build status, test results, and work item queries.
• Navigate quickly: Use dashboards as a central hub for navigating to various areas of your project. Set up links and shortcuts that allow you to access important sections of Azure DevOps with just a selection.
• Use extensibility points: Use Azure DevOps extensibility points to further customize your dashboards. You can add new capabilities by integrating non-Microsoft services or creating your own extensions.

Boards

In the dynamic world of software development, efficient information sharing and meticulous tracking of work, tasks, issues, and code defects are essential. While tools like Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, or various bug tracking systems were used historically, the adoption of Agile methodologies revolutionizes planning and development processes.

Azure Boards provides the following Agile tools designed to streamline planning and tracking across your projects:

• Work item management: Seamlessly add and update various work items to keep your project organized and on track.
• Queries and charts: Define custom queries for work items and generate insightful status and trend charts to visualize progress.
• Backlog handling: Efficiently manage your product backlog, ensuring that priorities are clear and actionable.
• Sprint planning: Utilize sprint backlogs to plan and execute sprints with precision, aligning your team’s efforts with project goals.
• Task board utilization: Review and update sprint tasks through interactive task boards that reflect real-time changes.
• Workflow visualization: Monitor your project’s workflow and update statuses using intuitive boards that provide a clear view of the development pipeline.
• Portfolio management: Organize your work hierarchically, grouping user stories under features and features under epics to maintain a structured overview.
• Scrum meetings: Use task boards during daily Scrum meetings to assess completed, remaining, or blocked work, fostering a collaborative and responsive team environment.

Azure Boards supports various work item types, each associated with a specific set of fields that can be updated as progress is made. These work types give you a tailored approach to tracking different aspects of your project.

Agile support: Whether you’re practicing Scrum, Kanban, or Scrumban, Azure Boards offers backlogs and boards to facilitate these methodologies, empowering your team to deliver results effectively.

Project managers and developers can share information and track progress using the comprehensive backlogs and boards. Azure Boards provides a complete picture of your project’s status, enabling teams to monitor trends and make informed decisions.