Best Tools to Use for Software Deployment in DevOps

Choosing the Right Deployment Software for DevOps

When working with DevOps, picking the right deployment software is crucial for a smooth deployment process.

In preparing this article, I came across a long list of deployment tools and many articles about them. However, they didn’t quite help me decide which tool to choose.

In this article, I’ve picked a range of deployment tools, grouped them by their use, and pointed out when they work well and where they might not be the best choice.

For a detailed guide on the best deployment tools for each stage of the lifecycle, check out our previous article on this topic.

I should mention that I don’t believe in calling any tool the “best.” The best deployment tool is the one that fits your needs and works well for you. My goal is to give you the information you need to choose the right deployment software.

Understanding Software Deployment Tools

Software deployment tools help automate the process of delivering applications across different test and production environments. They improve Deployment Management, which is an ITIL 4 practice that works closely with Change and Release Management. These tools ensure consistency and reduce manual errors, handling everything related to releasing new versions and fixes for applications.

What Makes a Good Deployment Tool?

Before diving into specific tools, let’s talk about what makes a good software deployment tool. It should integrate well with your current systems, be easy to use, and, most importantly, automate as many steps as possible. Automation speeds up the deployment process and reduces human error.

Review of Specific Tools

Containerization and Orchestration

If you’re focusing on containerization, Docker is a top choice because it provides consistency across development and production environments. For automation and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), Jenkins is highly flexible and customizable. Ansible is great for simplifying configuration management.

If you use Jira with these tools, you might want to install Apwide Golive. This Jira app integrates with your deployment tools and gives you a real-time overview of your environments, their statuses, and the versions deployed. It helps your teams stay updated on your deployment status.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Tools

• Integration Capabilities: How well does the tool work with your existing systems?
• Ease of Use: Is the tool user-friendly, especially for team members who aren’t technical experts?
• Community and Support: Does the tool have strong community or official support?
• Scalability: Can the tool meet your current needs and grow with your project?