AWS and DevOps

AWS and DevOps are two essentials for many businesses. So, what is AWS, how is it related to DevOps, and what is its role in business?

Amazon Web Services, also known as AWS, is a cloud service offering application providers and third-party vendors various features and services that manage and document business processes.¹ This platform offers approximately 200 features to help customize and manage business flows, tailor services, and access business-related services and data. Those working in IT or working with IT teams may acquire a certification to work within the platform to assist those working in DevOps in creating a more effective workflow. 

These professionals use the AWS console to navigate and collaborate when working with the AWS platform. They communicate with DevOps engineers to create optimal task results within a system. But what is a DevOps engineer? A DevOps engineer is an IT professional coordinating efforts between software developers, system specialists, and app management to facilitate a smooth workflow, catch errors, and log activities for more precise communication between departments.

The DevOps engineers work closely with those certified in AWS services to ensure daily tasks are met, adequate security is in place, and workflows are continuously optimized using various tools to communicate and refine business services.

DevOps Tools

Amazon Web Services has many tools available for use by DevOps professionals. AWS tooling provides a way to navigate and manage a complex internal environment and automate and scale business accordingly at any time. AWS is highly efficient in integrating automation to make processes more efficient and less costly to a company. The AWS services also allow DevOps teams to modify and build products and services that make a business more efficient and capable. That adds up to being more competitive and reliable within a given market.

The AWS DevOps tools are versatile and easily managed by capable DevOps teams. Another benefit mentioned is AWS documentation which allows other professionals in IT to access details about processes and events that can enlighten them when carrying out tasks and reduce errors within the system. It is one of the most widely used DevOps tools in existence today. 

DevOps teams can access AWS tutorial details to help them understand what AWS can do and how to use it or understand it when working with your DevOps engineers. That action ensures everyone is on the same page, can execute the process, and communicate clearly across the board. That understanding then provides a seamless deployment or development of software for your business. 

AWS vs. Azure

While Azure and AWS are both DevOps tools, they vary in many aspects. The AWS DevOps tools can include the code pipeline, CodeStar, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy. This service offered by Amazon is intended to assist the team with building and testing applications. You can then deploy them and use the pay-as-you-go option to scale usage. 

Regarding the CodeBuild tool, you can simplify the code integration process for your connected software or applications. This eliminates the need for a build server. CodeDeploy provides a way to deploy at any point, regardless of internal instances. The CodeStar tool offers flexibility and convenience for building software or applications because you can do it directly within AWS. It is an all-in-one solution packed with features that make DevOps more effective. 

On the other hand, Azure is a Microsoft DevOps service that offers Pipelines, Artifacts, Boards, Test Plans, and Repos. In relation to the Pipelines, Azure can allow for the integration of control systems via the Azure DevOps server. It can target and deploy code and support languages like Python or JavaScript. With the Repository tool, you can easily manage and test code versions at will. When you are ready, you can deploy them into production. 

The Artifacts tool, for example, allows you to create packages and even host them while sharing them with other professionals in various teams. Test Plans offer case management options that validate code and enable you to use it in scenarios with single or multiple test cases. 

Azure Boards can enable you to manage your software internally with customized dashboards, allowing supervising team members to monitor and assign workloads through the dashboard. Azure DevOps Tools are more focused on sharing and coordination. Assure DevOps tools can easily manage teams and workloads while offering transparency for better communication. 

In terms of similarities, they both allow for automation but offer very different tools designed to create customized workflows within a company's systems. 

DevOps Lifecycle

There are several phases in the AWS DevOps life cycle that allow for the planning, coding, and execution of software and apps within your systems. They include the following. 

* Continuous development

* Continuous testing

* Continuous integration

* Continuous deployment

* Continuous monitoring 

Continuous Development

This part of the life cycle is associated with the planning of software and then coding. While the planning stage does not require any tools, the maintenance of the code will require you to use several tools with the DevOps delivery pipeline. 

Continuous Testing 

This part of the lifecycle is where the software is tested to determine if there are any bugs to address. This automation provides for QA testing and uses containers for test simulations. 

Continuous Integration

This phase is the primary function of DevOps methodology. The DevOps engineer can work in this cycle to change codes and detect and handle any errors or problems with software or apps. This is the way in which the DevOps team ensures a smooth execution and provides the desired results for the end users. 

Continuous Deployment

This is the final stage of the DevOps lifecycle and where the code is then deployed. The code is sent to the production services and allows for functionality. This is where configuration management tools are necessary to achieve a smooth flow of code and maintain a high level of consistency and a job focus for the DevOps example. 

Do DevOps Engineers Code?

One of the functions of a DevOps engineer is coding. They can use various languages, such as Linux and Python, to deploy through CodeDeploy or another similar tool to facilitate tasks and help reach a company's software and app development goals. 

In short, the DevOps team handles all tasks and services necessary for the software or apps to work before, during, and after deployment. They assist in every stage of development, execution, and deployment related to releasing code into a platform's environment. Using AWS requires DevOps professionals to have various skills and talents, including in-depth knowledge of the importance and e-education of automation—use of containers, infrastructure as code, configuration management, and continuous delivery.

They must also know how to implement cloud best practices and security functions. They are responsible for coordinating and overseeing IT operations and production systems management.

Another internal position that is similar to DevOps is Agile. However, there is a primary difference. Agile is related to a philosophy about delivering a software product, whereas DevOps can inform continuous code deployment. This job is completed through automation and the latest technology tools. Regarding DevOps vs. Agile, DevOps plays a more integral hands-on role related to functionality.

In cases where other teams plan to integrate with DevOps, a DevOps tutorial may provide a valuable understanding of where they can grow and excel from this collaboration and integration. 

AWS Devops Guru

DevOps can use AWS projects to further your business practices in many ways. These AWS DevOps projects can include house price predictions and IoT anomaly detection. They can also use IoT data analysis using AWS to gain insights and create observability within systems.

Not only can DevOps engineers use AWS, but they can also use AWS subsidiaries for further options. Some Amazon web services subsidiaries that may assist in DevOps workflows can include CloudEndure, AWS Elemental, Wicr, and TeamSQL Inc. These subsidiaries allow for greater flexibility, customization, and better handling of DevOps tasks related to your company.

Another significant Amazon subsidiary is Amazon DevOps Guru. This Machine Learning product allows DevOps teams to consolidate operational data and continuously analyze data from various sources. It helps reduce the reliance on multiple tools and effectively streamlines the organization and execution of processes from a single dashboard. 

If you would like to learn more about AWS DevOps projects and more, check out an AWS DevOps blog to better understand their responsibilities, functions, and capabilities.⁴ 

Do You Need DevOps Engineers?

If you just realized you need DevOps engineers to help propel your business to new heights and create a reliable workflow for your company, you can count on Torc to provide highly trained and qualified talent.

Our vetting process is extensive because we want to source and provide talent that can jump right into your business workflow to deliver exceptional results. Find out how to get matched with a DevOps engineer who can immediately offer you the needed services. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help. We are dedicated to helping companies in many industries find the talent they need to excel.