DevOps

Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration is at the core of our DevOps strategy, and the practice helps to avoid major pitfalls by constantly checking for potential issues. This is accomplished by frequently integrating code into a shared repository. Automated builds and tests are then run to detect and address issues early in the development process.

Making sure all the puzzle pieces fit together and continue to fit together throughout a constantly changing process helps development run better.

Key Benefits:

Continuous Delivery (CD) and Continuous Deployment

Once CI has been performed, the code changes are ready to be released. Depending on the choices made for the project, the code might be released under a continuous delivery or continuous deployment model. 

Continuous delivery is the preparation of all code changes to be released to production. However, the code will not be released to production until it is manually allowed to do so.

Continuous deployment is almost the same as continuous delivery, but it takes the process one step further. Instead of needing manual intervention for the code to be released to production, continuous deployment automates this process. Essentially, if the code has passed the tests, it’s automatically deployed.

Key Benefits:

Containerization and Orchestration

An application needs to work the same across different environments. Containerization packages applications and their dependencies, such as libraries and settings, into isolated units to ensure consistency. This enables users to have the same experience whether he or she is running the container on a laptop, server, or in the cloud.

Unpacking these containers and placing all of their parts and pieces into the proper place so the application can run is the job of orchestration tools.  Orchestration tools manage the deployment, scaling, and operation of containers. The tools may perform these tasks by adding more containers if there is a high demand, making sure containers can talk to each other, and making sure data is stored and available. Their goal is to ensure everything works correctly and they will start, stop, and restart containers to accomplish this.

Key Benefits:

Monitoring and Logging

Problems are nearly as certain as death and taxes, but monitoring and logging help to diminish their potential damage. In fact, they are essential to maintain an application’s performance and reliability. 

Monitoring collects information about performance, availability, and errors. Issues such as whether the software is running too fast or too slow and if the software is running or down are all part of the data collected by monitoring tools. This system quickly alerts about problems and allows them to be solved quickly.

Logging keeps detailed records of what an application is doing. Like a diary, logging notes the details of events to allow user actions, system events, and data changes to be stored. When necessary, these records can be accessed to understand what happened – which is especially important when something goes wrong. 

This collection and analysis of data from applications and infrastructure allows for the proactive detection and resolution of issues.

Key Benefits:

Version Control and Branching Strategy

Effective source code management is critical to maintaining the integrity of the development process. At Swan, we use version control systems like Git, employing a flexible branching strategy that adapts to the project’s needs—whether it’s a version-based or feature-based approach.

• Key Practices:
  • Git Flow: A branching model that supports parallel development and efficient release management.
  • Feature Branching: Isolating work on individual features to ensure stability in the main codebase.

Tools and Culture

Collaboration is at the heart of DevOps. We leverage modern communication and collaboration tools to ensure that all team members, regardless of their role or location, are aligned and informed.

• Key Tools:
  • Slack: For real-time communication and collaboration.
  • JIRA: For task management and tracking.
  • Confluence: For documentation and knowledge sharing.

Cultural Alignment

DevOps is as much about culture as it is about tools. At Swan, we foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. By breaking down silos between development and operations, we ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal—delivering high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

Choosing Swan for your DevOps needs means partnering with a team that is dedicated to innovation, efficiency, and excellence. Our DevOps services are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business, helping you accelerate your development process, reduce costs, and improve the reliability and security of your applications.

Our Promise

Contact us to learn how our DevOps services can help you achieve your business goals. Whether you’re looking to implement CI/CD, automate infrastructure management, or integrate security into your development process, Swan has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.