When you deploy your app into the cloud, you have the possibility of making your deployment a success.

In essence, to do this, you will need to follow the best practices for cloud deployment. Fortunately, you don’t have to go anywhere to learn them, because we will be covering them.

In this article, we will go over the basics of app deployment so that you can ensure that your project is a success.

So whenever you’re ready to learn, get your notes out and keep reading.

Cloud Application Deployment Scenarios

If you do decide to deploy your application in a cloud, there are three primary options to choose from. They are IaaS, SaaS and PaaS. Your choice will depend on your specific requirements about the application.

Infrastructure As A Service Deployment

In this scenario, the building infrastructure for apps in the cloud is provisioned entirely for you. This is the most basic of cloud services, no matter who the provider is.

The vendor will provide the operating system and virtual machine (learn how to use VMware), usually Linux but also Windows in some cases. The caveat is that you will have to install application runtimes, libraries, and application-required databases.

Platform As A Service Deployment

In this scenario which is a deployment environment, you will get databases, dev tools, and libraries. All you will need to install is the data and deploying apps. This environment is completely and regularly managed by the provider.

On the other hand, you will have no choice over the packages provided to you, so if you don’t like or need what they offer, you’re out of luck.

Software As A Service Deployment

In this scenario, everything is provided to you, except the application data. Vendors will provide coding tools to modify the provided material, but you wills still are working with the application they offer.

For instance, Salesforce has customizable CRM software, but it’s always going to be a Salesforce product and many changes are out of reach. Almost all apps require some sort of database, and even though most vendors offer NoSQL or SQL. The smaller the provider, the fewer the options.

Cloud providers will also offer vertical, horizontal scaling, and load balancing for app usage spikes.

Application State

Most providers who provide a Platform As A Service will want you to work with a specific development, in which case your projects will not be affected by the limitations of previous work.

Thus, porting legacy applications to the platform might prove to be a challenge. Primarily, because the file systems are ephemeral out of the box and they don’t allow for application or resource state saving on the system.

This is why you might want to think about the possibility of your applications being stateless. To receive the benefits of cloud infrastructure, you will need to use a stateless application design. To do this, you will have to consider the following practices:

1. Use databases for user-related assets to be stored

2. Allow application containers and servers to maintain the session state of users over the cluster

3. Do not store user assets or files on the physical system of the server where your code is deployed

4. Use a cloud-based storage service and deliver assets with a REST API

While many cloud providers will provide aesthetic proprietary API to reduce the amount of work you will have to do, you should avoid this at all costs. These APIs are nothing more than an attempt to get you vendor-locked within their ecosystem, which will make it hard to move your application to other providers.

To avoid this, stick with reputable stacks on your application, including storage tiers, database tiers, and microservice endpoints that you want. While the upfront cost will be higher, your technical indebtment will be reduced greatly, which will save you lots of time and money.

App Deployment Best Practices

There is a variety of best practices that should be kept in mind when you’re considering app deployment in the cloud. So make sure you’re taking notes on this part because it’s the most important.

Simplicity

First and foremost, you should retain simplicity in your installation structure. This means minimal file distribution. Do not install libraries that will not be used and don’t spread files all over the system.

Consistency

Next, you want to ensure that you have a consistent mechanism for deployment. Do not make drastic changes in your development, test, and deployment.

Organization

To keep going, you will need to make sure that you organize your workflow. Remove obsolete files when installing new versions. Always delete old files before starting an installation process.

Security

Focusing on security is very important. Your company will depend on it. Always test your application parameters to find potential entry points for attackers, considering using security tools.

Planning

Always have a roll-back plan if something goes wrong. Having another back-up plan might just save your enterprise when problems occur, and they certainly will.

Agile

Agile deployment is one of the greatest things when it comes to quick and continuous deployment and delivery. However, it only works if you use the considerations above.

Execution

Consider making use of a deployment checklist. There’s a reason specialists go through checklists before starting their projects. Imagine a pilot not checking their dash before taking-off, things can slip off the mind.

Continuity

Always use continuous server integration. One of the greatest problems in projects is finding out why code works on a devs computer but does not work in deployment environments.

A continuous integration server pulls source code and tests it together in real-time, that’s why CI servers are known as build servers.

Automation

Automate whenever possible. Automation should be done at the level of deployment as early as possible. Scripting is also something you can use in non-Microsoft environments.

Finally, make sure that you’re using the right tools. The software requires research. There is no lack of tools available for deployment, no matter your enterprise scenario or budget, you can find something right for you.

Technology Unhinged

Now that you know how to go about your app deployment, you are that much closer to ensuring that your project is a success. As long as you follow the best practices and fill your knowledge gaps with research, you will succeed.

If you’re interested in learning more about modern technologies and cloud environments, check out some of our other articles on the sidebar or down below.