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Application deployment is a technical process that enables or makes an app available to perform its stated purpose. Applications must be deployed to suitable environments after development for integration and use.
What is Application Deployment?
App deployment is the process of installing, configuring, updating, and enabling an application to perform a specific task. Also called software deployment, app deployment may involve enabling a single application or suite of applications that makes a software system available for use. App deployment is a critical phase for anyone seeking to design a web application.
What are the benefits of App Deployment?
App deployment comes with a number of advantages or benefits such as:
1) Time saving
2) Improved security
3) Enhanced User Insights and Visibility
4) Simpler software updates
Time Saving
App deployment saves time for companies providing Android app development, iOS app development and web app development services, as it occurs rapidly within hours.
Improved Security
The software deployment process comes with improved security, since permission roles can be configured to protect sensitive computational data or resources with the potential to enforce task groups with advanced security credentials.
Enhanced User Insights and Visibility
App deployment provides enhanced user insights, increased visibility and activity analysis.
Automated Software Updates
App deployment automates software updates and maintenance across servers and deployment environments with ease in real time. This means when an application is updated or modified, it is reflected across deployment zones.
Why is Application Deployment Important?
App deployment is the final stage of application development and is considered the most important stage since the application only becomes usable at this level. The strategy or method used to deploy the application can significantly impact its usability or functionality.
What is the Application Deployment Process?
There are up to nine stages in the app deployment process.
1) Planning
2) Enabling Build and Release Automation
3) Developing Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
4) Create and Test Scripts
5) Identify Key Metrics
6) Test
7) Develop Deployment Tracking
8) Alert Users and Teams
9) Monitoring
Planning
The planning stage involves mapping out the deployment schedule and accessing potential infrastructure. This stage also involves collaboration with teams.
Enabling Build and Release Automation
This involves enabling build and release automation for both current and future versions of the application. Once an application is built, it is automatically released to servers and deployment zones. This is achieved by developing scripts that function across servers to deliver the functions of the app. Automation helps to eliminate human errors associated with manual application deployment.
Developing Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
Continuous integration or delivery is critical in reducing the extent of changes in each application update as it helps teams to easily detect future breakdowns or bugs.
Create and Test Scripts
When scripts are created, it is important to test them in a sandbox to ascertain compatibility and functionality. A sandbox is an isolated environment in which a program can be run and tested before final application deployment or release.
Identify Key Metrics
Identifying and setting key performance indicators (KPIs) for specific applications is key to resolving potential errors and troubleshooting. Key metrics such as visibility should be enabled for performance monitoring.
Testing
This involves setting up synthetic transaction tests, synthetic transaction tests and ensuring that log-in pages and other key features are functioning correctly.
Develop Deployment Tracking
To effectively deploy an application, deployment tracking should be developed to allow development teams to monitor schedules, identify errors and fix them on-the-fly.
Alert Users and Teams
Alerting users and teams about app deployment can help with coordination and monitoring of the process and timelines. This measure brings about accelerated debugging.
Monitoring
Monitoring the deployed application is critical for performance assessment.
Application Deployment Techniques and Methodologies
There are several techniques and methodologies applicable for app deployment, achievable through load balancers and using microservices and Kubernetes containers. The following methods are frequently used.
Recreate: Version A is terminated, and Version B is then deployed.
Ramped: Version B is slowly rolled out, and it replaces Version A.
Shadow: Version B receives real-world traffic in conjunction with Version A. The traffic sent to Version B doesn’t impact the response.
Blue/Green Deployment: Version B is released alongside Version A, and then the traffic is switched over to Version B.
A/B Testing: Version B is released to a particular subset of users under specific conditions.
Canary: Version B is released to a subgroup of users, then proceeds to a full rollout.
How can VMware help with App Deployment?
VMware is an important application deployment tool that accelerates deployment for organizations and also simplifies the application migration process. It isolates apps from their operating systems, eliminating potential conflicts and streaming management and delivery. This helps to increase efficiency in app migration, delivery reliability and improves work flow.