DevOps on Azure using GitHub

Get a smooth software development experience

Right tools to face cloud application development challenges

DevOps is a powerful approach that is extremely useful for software development teams. It bridges the gap between development and operations, aiming to enhance collaboration, streamline and improve software delivery. Here are some common challenges faced in the software development lifecycle that can be effectively addressed by combining DevOps tools such as Azure DevOps, GitHub, and GitHub Copilot:

Time-consuming manual testing

Relying solely on manual testing can slow down the development cycle and lead to inconsistencies.

Lack of collaborationLack of collaboration

Developers working in isolation may struggle to collaborate effectively. Communication gaps between development, operations, and other teams hinder progress.

Slow feedback loops

Without automated testing and continuous integration, feedback cycles are longer and continuous delivery is not possible. Bugs and issues take more time to surface and resolve.

Limited code assistance

Without GitHub Copilot, developers rely solely on their knowledge and external resources. Lack of proper version control, can face difficulties managing code changes, merging branches, and tracking history.

GitHub: A top-notch platform every developer must have

GitHub is the modern developer platform, an open-source cloud solution that revolutionizes how software developers collaborate on projects and manage software development. With over 100 million users worldwide, GitHub enables teams to code, secure, and deploy their applications. It goes beyond being a mere code repository; it offers essential tools for version control, issue tracking, code review, and project management.

Here are the key features of GitHub:

Version control with Git

GitHub uses Git, a distributed version control system. Developers can create, store, and manage their code, track changes, and collaborate seamlessly.

Access control and collaboration

Developers can control who can access their repositories, collaborate with others, and contribute to projects. Features like pull requests facilitate code review and collaboration among team members.

Bug Tracking and Issue Management

GitHub provides tools for tracking and managing issues, bugs, and feature requests. Developers can create, assign, and prioritize tasks within their projects.

Continuous Integration (CI)

GitHub integrates with CI tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Travis CI, or CircleCI). These tools automatically build, test, and deploy code changes.

Wikis and documentation

Each project on GitHub has a built-in wiki for documentation. Developers can create and maintain project-specific documentation.

Open Source hosting

GitHub is widely used for hosting open source software projects.It fosters collaboration among contributors worldwide.

Large developer community

As of January 2023, GitHub boasts over 100 million developers and hosts more than 420 million repositories (including at least 28 million public repositories).

GitHub empowers developers to work together, manage code efficiently, and build high-quality software. It’s the world’s largest source code host and a vital platform for modern development.

As a solid GitHub partner, let us guide you in getting the most out of this platform!

Our DevOps on GitHub professional services

Selecting the appropriate collaboration platform can significantly impact your team’s entire development process. Two top leaders are Azure DevOps and GitHub. While both platforms offer robust features and tools, understanding their fine distinction and capabilities is crucial in making the best out of combination 2 of them. Let us support you with our professional services:

Maturity Check

Discovery Assesment
Gap Analysis
Workflow strategy
GitHub Enterprise Platform adoption
Assessment Report

Fundamentals

Adoption
QuickStart's for rapid GitHub Actions
Branching Strategy
Artifacts Management
Increase productivity with Copilot

Developers Support

GitHub Copilot
Code efficiency
Migration to GitHub Enterprise
Automation
Roadmap
Landing Zone Integration

Governance

Teams Governance
Codespaces
Innersource
Security Assessment
Policy Control
3th party app connectivity
Governance Report

Providing Insights

Custom Reporting
Code analysis
Performance
Productivity
Quality metrics
Cost optimization

Use one platform to code all

We recommend ONE modern solution: the Microsoft Developer Platform, to ensure a smooth developing process, support innovation, andaccelerate the delivery of intelligent apps. This comprehensive platform featuresGitHub, the Visual Studio family, and Microsoft Azureto form a complete solution that addresses many common developer challenges.

Adoption
Pack

Drafting the license and governance models and creating the business case for Copilot
Adopting Copilot in organizations and building appropriate governance models
Workshop with developers on how to work with GitHub
Documentation on branching strategies and developer workflows

Estimated price:

Depends on the scope

Estimated duration:

2-8 weeks

Awereness Boosting
Pack

Assess current DevOps status
Conduct meetings with key stakeholders to understand existing practices, challenges, and expectations
Define the scope and propose improvements to your practices using GitHub
Define the initial state and metrics we need to track for better development outcomes

Estimated price:

Dependent on the scope

Estimated duration:

1-2 months

Migration
Pack

Identify a pilot application/team to start the migration
Migrate source code to GitHub Enterprise Server or Cloud
Key points for migrations and pitfalls to avoid
Capacitation of personnel to do next migrations
Documentation on the migration process

Estimated price:

Dependent on the scope

Estimated duration:

2-4 months

Why DevOps plays a crucial role in software development

DevOps is crucial in modern software development because integrating developers and operations accelerates the development process, enhances efficiency, and ensures effortless maintenance.

Automation, embedding DevOps culture in organization, and holistic optimization are core DevOps principles.

Check out Cloud Kitchen’s dedicated DevOps epiosde #6

Get for free additional materials

Get for free additional materials about our special offer DevOps as a Service.

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Benefits of our support with DevOps & GitHub

Interoperability and portability improved

While DevOps practices don’t directly address this challenge, using GitHub for version control and collaboration can help. It allows teams to work together efficiently, track changes, and manage code across different cloud providers.

Enhanced development processes

DevOps practices, combined with GitHub, enable continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD). Automated testing, performance monitoring, and optimization can be integrated into the development pipeline.

Top scalability

DevOps emphasizes automation and scalability. By using GitHub Actions or other CI/CD tools, you can automate scaling processes based on predefined triggers (e.g., increased traffic).

Application security ensured

DevOps practices encourage security as a shared responsibility. GitHub Security Features help identify vulnerabilities, enforce code scanning, and manage secrets securely which is helpful for security teams.

Skills gap filled in

While not directly related to DevOps or GitHub, these platforms foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Developers can learn from each other, contribute to open-source projects, and enhance their skills.

Easier infrastructure setup

DevOps practices streamline infrastructure setup. Use GitHub Actions or other tools to automate provisioning, configuration, and deployment.

Improve software quality

DevOps promotes collaboration between development and operations teams. GitHub Discussions allow architectural discussions, knowledge sharing, and best practices.

Make top-notch technology work for your benefit

Get the most out of the combination of the DevOps approach, GitHub's vast repository & developers' community platform with the power of Microsoft Azure and AI to bring your cloud apps to new heights.

Set up a free call with one of our DevOps, Azure and GitHub experts.

A powerful combination Azure DevOps & GitHub & GitHub Copilot

Azure DevOps & GitHub & GitHub Copilot form a powerful combination, but it’s essential to recognize that each has its own strengths and considerations.

DevOps

a transformative approach, bridges the gap between development and operations, fostering seamless collaboration, automating repetitive tasks, and ensuring faster software releases while maintaining stability.

Azure DevOps

streamlines collaboration, accelerates software delivery, and ensures quality by integrating agile planning, CI/CD pipelines, efficient code management, enhanced security, and artifact management in one unified platform.

GitHub

with its Git-based version control, bug tracking tools, and vast developer community, complements DevOps.

GitHub Copilot

is transformative, generating code snippets, enhancing productivity, and fostering learning. However, validating Copilot’s suggestions and maintaining a balance is essential.

While this combination empowers developers, consider context-specific needs for optimal results.

Success Stories