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Choosing the Tools

Updated Sep 05, 2022 ·

Overview​

When choosing tools for software development, there are two main approaches:

  • Best of Breed – Selecting the best tool for each function separately.
  • Best of Suite – Choosing an integrated set of tools from a single provider.

Best of Breed​

This approach picks the best tool for each function independently.

  • You get the best product for each need.
  • Easy to replace a tool when requirements change.
  • Requires integrating multiple products.
  • Multiple vendors manage different tools.

Best of Suite​

This approach selects a single product or an integrated set of tools.

  • Unified experience across all functions.
  • One vendor handles everything.
  • May require compromises on certain features.

Choosing Between Them​

Consider these factors:

  • Cost – Best of Suite can be cheaper due to built-in integrations, but check long-term operating costs.
  • Integration – Some suite solutions may not integrate as well as advertised.
  • IT Capabilities – A small team may struggle to integrate multiple Best of Breed tools.
  • Supplier Risks – Best of Suite reduces contacts but creates a single point of failure.

Azure DevOps​

Azure DevOps is a Best of Suite tool, offering all features in one platform.

  • Strong integration across development activities.
  • Links requirements, tests, builds, and user stories.

If using a Best of Breed strategy, ensure traceability between tools.

SaaS versus Self-Hosted​

Azure DevOps Services (SaaS)​

A cloud-hosted solution managed by Microsoft.

  • Fully managed – Microsoft handles hosting, maintenance, and backups.
  • High availability – 99.9% uptime (SLA).
  • Subscription-based – Fixed price per user per month.

Azure DevOps Server (Self-Hosted)​

Installed and managed on your own infrastructure.

  • Full control – Hosted on-premises or in the cloud.
  • Self-managed – You handle installation, updates, and backups.
  • Flexible pricing – Per-user subscription or server license.

When to Choose Each​

  • Azure DevOps Services – Best if you prefer SaaS, minimal maintenance, and lower costs.
  • Azure DevOps Server – Needed for strict data control, compliance, or custom backup policies.

Key Considerations​

  • New features – Released in Services first, may not come to Server.
  • Cost & responsibility – Self-hosting adds workload but gives more control.
  • Tradeoff – Convenience vs. customization and compliance needs.

Alternatives to Azure DevOps Server​

  • Best-of-Suite

    • GitHub – Started as a source control platform, later added CI/CD, package feeds, and security features. Acquired by Microsoft in 2018.
    • GitLab – Open-source, with source control, issue tracking, CI/CD, and package management.

  • Best-of-Breed

    • Bitbucket – Source control.
    • Jira – Issue tracking and backlog management.
    • TeamCity – CI/CD for various languages.
    • Jenkins – Open-source CI/CD, mainly for Java.
    • Artifactory – Binary and package management.
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Microsoft supports both GitHub and Azure DevOps