Organizations that have found themselves in the multi DevOps platforms dilemma are opting to consolidate all their platforms and having a centralized one. But how do you choose the best single DevOps platform to migrate to and what are the risks of using too many DevOps Platforms? Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
INTEGRATION: This could arguably be the most critical consideration. It’s imperative that whatever DevOps platform you choose can easily integrate with tools and technologies that are used in the software development process. Ideally, you want to be looking for one that speaks the same programming languages and supports the frameworks and tools used by your teams.
EASE OF USE: You would think this goes without saying but it cannot be stressed enough. If the new platform you adopt is overly complicated or hard to use, resistance among teams will be strong. You should be looking for something that is easy to navigate, has a user-friendly interface, and written documentation and even videos to help reduce the learning curve for your team.
SCALABILITY: If you’re investing in new technology you want to make sure it will be able to support your growth. Things to consider include the platform’s ability to handle a large codebase, how many users and teams does it support, and if it easily integrates with your cloud infrastructure services.
SECURITY: Now more than ever organizations need to have a tight grip on the security of their infrastructure and all the tools they use. Whatever DevOps platform you choose, look for one with robust security features that will protect things like your code, data, and infrastructure.
SERVICE & SUPPORT: Where do you go when you need help? You’ll want to choose a DevOps platform that has a strong level of support. This can come directly from the platform, from a strong online community, and from service providers like RPT which offer custom consulting and year-long enablement opportunities like the RPT Accelerator.
COST: Naturally cost will come into play. Be aware that there could be licensing fees and hosting fees as well as ongoing maintenance and support expenses.
FEATURE SET: Different DevOps platforms have different features and while every organization has unique needs, you’re likely going to want a platform that supports a robust CI/CD pipeline, has a good configuration management system, and has solid monitoring capabilities.
Below are some of the most popular DevOps platforms on the market:
Ultimately the best way to choose a DevOps platform for your organization is to evaluate your specific needs and requirements. Some teams do best by starting small before implementing a new platform across the entire organization. This can also make it easier to get the buy-in of key stakeholders. You also want to make sure that your team will be able to get the training and support they need to make the transition to a new DevOps platform a smooth one.
To see how a Fortune 500 successfully consolidated multiple DevOps platforms onto Gitlab, check out this exclusive case study: Read the full Case Study here!