In this guide, we will explore various scenarios for working with Gitlab CI/CD Pipelines. We will provide examples of using the most commonly used options when working with CI/CD. The template library will be expanded as needed.
Table of contents
Templates
Jobs
Rules and Constraints Directives
Variables
You can easily find what CI/CD is and why it's needed through a quick internet search. Full documentation on configuring pipelines in GitLab is also readily available. Here, I'll briefly and as seamlessly as possible describe the system's operation from a bird's-eye view:
A developer submits a commit to the repository, creates a merge request through the website, or initiates a pipeline explicitly or implicitly in some other way.
The pipeline configuration selects all tasks whose conditions allow them to run in the current context.
Tasks are organized according to their respective stages.
Stages are executed sequentially, meaning that all tasks within a stage run in parallel.
If a stage fails (i.e., if at least one task in the stage fails), the pipeline typically stops (almost always).
If all stages are completed successfully, the pipeline is considered to have passed successfully.
In summary, we have:
A pipeline: a set of tasks organized into stages, where you can build, test, package code, deploy a ready build to a cloud service, and more.
A stage: a unit of organizing a pipeline, containing one or more tasks.
A task (job): a unit of work in the pipeline, consisting of a script (mandatory), launch conditions, settings for publishing/caching artifacts, and much more.
Consequently, the task when setting up CI/CD is to create a set of tasks that implement all necessary actions for building, testing, and publishing code and artifacts.
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Templates
In this section, we will provide several ready-made templates that you can use as a foundation for writing your own pipeline.
Minimal Scenario
For small tasks consisting of a couple of jobs:
stages:
- build
TASK_NAME:
stage: build
script:
- ./build_script.sh
stages: Describes the stages of our pipeline. In this example, there is only one stage.
TASK_NAME: The name of our job.
stage: The stage to which our job belongs.
script: A set of scripts to execute.
Standard Build Cycle
Typically, the CI/CD process includes the following steps:
Building the package.
Testing.
Delivery.
Deployment.
You can use the following template as a basis for such a scenario:
stages:
- build
- test
- delivery
- deploy
build-job:
stage: build
script:
- echo "Start build job"
- build-script.sh
test-job:
stage: test
script:
- echo "Start test job"
- test-script.sh
delivery-job:
stage: delivery
script:
- echo "Start delivery job"
- delivery-script.sh
deploy-job:
stage: deploy
script:
- echo "Start deploy job"
- deploy-script.sh
Jobs
In this section, we will explore options that can be applied when defining a job. The general syntax is as follows
<TASK_NAME>:
<OPTION1>: ...
<OPTION2>: ...
We will list commonly used options, and you can find the complete list in the official documentation.
Stage
Documentation
This option specifies to which stage the job belongs. For example:
stages:
- build
- test
TASK_NAME:
...
stage: build
TASK_NAME:
...
stage: test
Stages are defined in the stages directive.
There are two special stages that do not need to be defined in stages:
.pre: Runs before executing the main pipeline jobs.
.post: Executes at the end, after the main pipeline jobs have completed.
For example:
stages:
- build
- test
getVersion:
stage: .pre
script:
- VERSION=$(cat VERSION_FILE)
- echo "VERSION=${VERSION}" > variables.env
artifacts:
reports:
dotenv: variables.env
In this example, before starting all build jobs, we define a variable VERSION by reading it from a file and pass it as an artifact as a system variable.
Image
Documentation
Specifies the name of the Docker image to use if the job runs in a Docker container:
TASK_NAME:
...
image: debian:11
Before_script
Documentation
This option defines a list of commands to run before the script option and after obtaining artifacts:
TASK_NAME:
...
before_script:
- echo "Run before_script"
Script
Documentation
The main section where job tasks are executed is described in the script option. Let's explore it further.
Describing an array of commands: Simply list the commands that need to be executed sequentially in your job:
TASK_NAME:
...
script:
- command1
- command2
Long commands split into multiple lines: You may need to execute commands as part of a script (with comparison operators, for example). In this case, a multiline format is more convenient. You can use different indicators:
Using |:
TASK_NAME:
...
script:
- |
command_line1
command_line2
Using >:
TASK_NAME:
...
script:
- >
command_line1
command_line1_continue
command_line2
command_line2_continue
After_script
Documentation
A set of commands that are run after the script, even if the script fails:
TASK_NAME:
...
script:
...
after_script:
- command1
- command2
Artifacts
Documentation
Artifacts are intermediate builds or files that can be passed from one stage to another.
You can specify which files or directories will be artifacts:
TASK_NAME:
...
artifacts:
paths:
- ${PKG_NAME}.deb
- ${PKG_NAME}.rpm
- *.txt
- configs/
In this example, artifacts will include all files with names ending in .txt, ${PKG_NAME}.deb, ${PKG_NAME}.rpm, and the configs directory. ${PKG_NAME} is a variable (more on variables below).
In other jobs that run afterward, you can use these artifacts by referencing them by name, for example:
TASK_NAME_2:
...
script:
- cat *.txt
- yum -y localinstall ${PKG_NAME}.rpm
- apt -y install ./${PKG_NAME}.deb
You can also pass system variables that you defined in a file:
TASK_NAME:
...
script:
- echo -e "VERSION=1.1.1" > variables.env
...
artifacts:
reports:
dotenv: variables.env
In this example, we pass the system variable VERSION with the value 1.1.1 through the variables.env file.
If necessary, you can exclude specific files by name or pattern:
TASK_NAME:
...
artifacts:
paths:
...
exclude:
- ./.git/**/
In this example, we exclude the .git directory, which typically contains repository metadata. Note that unlike paths, exclude does not recursively include files and directories, so you need to explicitly specify objects.
Extends
Documentation
Allows you to separate a part of the script into a separate block and combine it with a job. To better understand this, let's look at a specific example:
.my_extend:
stage: build
variables:
USERNAME: my_user
script:
- extend script
TASK_NAME:
extends: .my_extend
variables:
VERSION: 123
PASSWORD: my_pwd
script:
- task script
In this case, in our TASK_NAME job, we use extends. As a result, the job will look like this:
TASK_NAME:
stage: build
variables:
VERSION: 123
PASSWORD: my_pwd
USERNAME: my_user
script:
- task script
What happened:
stage: build came from .my_extend.
Variables were merged, so the job includes VERSION, PASSWORD, and USERNAME.
The script is taken from the job (key values are not merged; the job's value takes precedence).
Environment
Documentation
Specifies a system variable that will be created for the job:
TASK_NAME:
...
environment:
RSYNC_PASSWORD: rpass
EDITOR: vi
Release
Documentation
Publishes a release on the Gitlab portal for your project:
TASK_NAME:
...
release:
name: 'Release $CI_COMMIT_TAG'
tag_name: '$CI_COMMIT_TAG'
description: 'Created using the release-cli'
assets:
links:
- name: "myprogram-${VERSION}"
url: "https://gitlab.com/master.dmosk/project/-/jobs/${CI_JOB_ID}/artifacts/raw/myprogram-${VERSION}.tar.gz"
rules:
- if: $CI_COMMIT_TAG
Please note that we use the if rule (explained below).
💡 Read more: CI/CD Pipelines and Infrastructure for E-Health Platform
Rules and Constraints Directives
To control the behavior of job execution, you can use directives with rules and conditions. You can execute or skip jobs depending on certain conditions. Several useful directives facilitate this, which we will explore in this section.
Rules
Documentation
Rules define conditions under which a job can be executed. Rules regulate different conditions using:
if
changes
exists
allow_failure
variables
The if Operator: Allows you to check a condition, such as whether a variable is equal to a specific value:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH'
In this example, the commit must be made to the default branch.
Changes: Checks whether changes have affected specific files. This check is performed using the changes option:In this example, it checks if the script.sql file has changed:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- changes:
- script.sql
Multiple Conditions: You can have multiple conditions for starting a job. Let's explore some examples.
a) If the commit is made to the default branch AND changes affect the script.sql file:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH'
changes:
- script.sql
b) If the commit is made to the default branch OR changes affect the script.sql file:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH'
- changes:
- script.sql
Checking File Existence: Determined using exists:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- exists:
- script.sql
The job will only execute if the script.sql file exists.
Allowing Job Failure: Defined with allow_failure:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- allow_failure: true
In this example, the pipeline continues even if the TASK_NAME job fails.
Conditional Variable Assignment: You can conditionally assign variables using a combination of if and variables:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH'
variables:
DEPLOY_VARIABLE: "production"
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH =~ demo'
variables:
DEPLOY_VARIABLE: "demo"
When
Documentation
Determines when a job should be run, such as on manual trigger or at specific intervals. The when directive determines when a job should run. Possible values include:
on_success (default): Runs if all previous jobs have succeeded or have allow_failure: true.
manual: Requires manual triggering (a "Run Pipeline" button appears in the GitLab CI/CD panel).
always: Runs always, regardless of previous results.
on_failure: Runs only if at least one previous job has failed.
delayed: Delays job execution. You can control the delay using the start_in directive.
never: Never runs.
Let's explore some examples:
Manual:
TASK_NAME:
...
when: manual
The job won't start until you manually trigger it in the GitLab CI/CD panel.
2. Always:
TASK_NAME:
...
when: always
The job will always run. Useful, for instance, when generating a report regardless of build results.
On_failure:
TASK_NAME:
...
on_failure: always
The job will run if there is a failure in previous stages. You can use this for sending notifications.
Delayed:
TASK_NAME:
...
when: delayed
start_in: 30 minutes
The job will be delayed by 30 minutes.
Never:
TASK_NAME:
...
when: never
The job will never run.
Using with if:
TASK_NAME:
...
rules:
- if: '$CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH'
when: manual
In this example, the job will only execute if the commit is made to the default branch and an administrator confirms the run.
Needs
Documentation
Allows you to specify conditions for job execution based on the presence of specific artifacts or completed jobs. With rules of this type, you can control the order in which jobs are executed.
Let's look at some examples.
Artifacts: This directive accepts true (default) and false. To start a job, artifacts must be uploaded in previous stages. Using this configuration:
TASK_NAME:
...
needs:
- artifacts: false
...allows the job to start without artifacts.
Job: You can start a job only after another job has completed:
TASK_NAME:
...
needs:
- job: createBuild
In this example, the task will only start after the job named createBuild has finished.
💡 Read more: Building a Robust CI/CD Pipeline for Cybersecurity Company
Variables
In this section, we will discuss user-defined variables that you can use in your pipeline scripts as well as some built-in variables that can modify the pipeline's behavior.
User-Defined Variables User-defined variables are set using the variables directive. You can define them globally for all jobs:
variables:
PKG_VER: "1.1.1"
Or for a specific job:
TASK_NAME:
...
variables:
PKG_VER: "1.1.1"
You can then use your custom variable in your script by prefixing it with a dollar sign and enclosing it in curly braces, for example:
script:
- echo ${PKG_VER}
GitLab Variables These variables help you control the build process. Let's list these variables along with descriptions of their properties:
Variable Description Example LOG_LEVEL Sets the log level. Options: debug, info, warn, error, fatal, and panic. Lower priority compared to command-line arguments --debug and --log-level. LOG_LEVEL: warning CI_DEBUG_TRACE Enables or disables debug tracing. Takes values true or false. CI_DEBUG_TRACE: true CONCURRENT Limits the number of jobs that can run simultaneously. CONCURRENT: 5 GIT_STRATEGY Controls how files are fetched from the repository. Options: clone, fetch, and none (don't fetch). GIT_STRATEGY: none
Additional Options In this section, we will cover various options that were not covered in other sections.
Workflow: Allows you to define common rules for the entire pipeline. Let's look at an example from the official GitLab documentation:
workflow:
rules:
- if: $CI_COMMIT_TITLE =~ /-draft$/
when: never
- if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "merge_request_event"
- if: $CI_COMMIT_BRANCH == $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
In this example, the pipeline:
Won't be triggered if the commit title contains "draft."
Will be triggered if the pipeline source is a merge request event.
Will be triggered if changes are made to the default branch of the repository.
Default Values: Defined in the default directive. Options with these values will be used in all jobs but can be overridden at the job level.
default:
image: centos:7
tags:
- ci-test
In this example, we've defined an image (e.g., a Docker image) and tags (which may be required for some runners).
Import Configuration from Another YAML File: This can be useful for creating a shared part of a script that you want to apply to all pipelines or for breaking down a complex script into manageable parts. It is done using the include option and has different ways to load files. Let's explore them in more detail.
a) Local File Inclusion (local):
include:
- local: .gitlab/ci/build.yml
b) Template Collections (template):
include:
- template: Custom/.gitlab-ci.yml
In this example, we include the contents of the Custom/.gitlab-ci.yml file in our script.
c) External File Available via HTTP (remote):
include:
- remote: 'https://gitlab.dmosk.ru/main/build.yml'
d) Another Project:
include:
- project: 'public-project'
ref: main
file: 'build.yml'
!reference tags: Allows you to describe a script and reuse it for different stages and tasks in your CI/CD. For example:
.apt-cache:
script:
- apt update
after_script:
- apt clean all
install:
stage: install
script:
- !reference [.apt-cache, script]
- apt install nginx
update:
stage: update
script:
- !reference [.apt-cache, script]
- apt upgrade
- !reference [.apt-cache, after_script]
Let's break down what's happening in our example:
We created a task called apt-cache. The dot at the beginning of the name tells the system not to start this task automatically when the pipeline is run. The created task consists of two sections: script and after_script. There can be more sections.
We execute the install stage. In one of the execution lines, we call apt-cache (only the commands from the script section).
In the update stage, we call apt-cache twice—the first executes commands from the script section, and the second executes those from the after_script section.
These are the fundamental concepts and options of GitLab CI/CD pipelines. You can use these directives and templates as a starting point for configuring your CI/CD pipelines efficiently. For more advanced use cases and additional options, refer to the official GitLab CI/CD documentation.
Table of contents
CI/CD Tools Table
Case Studies: Achieving Success with Gart
The Ultimate CI/CD Tools List
Exploring the Power of AWS CI/CD Tools
Conclusion
In this blog post, we delve into the world of CI/CD tools, uncovering the game-changing potential of these tools in accelerating your software delivery process. Discover the top CI/CD tools and learn from real-life case studies where Gart, a trusted industry leader, has successfully implemented CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure for e-health and entertainment software platforms. Get inspired by their achievements and gain practical insights into optimizing your development process.
CI/CD Tools Table
CI/CD ToolDescriptionLanguage SupportIntegrationDeploymentJenkinsOpen-source automation serverExtensive support for multiple languagesWide range of plugins availableFlexible deployment optionsGitLab CI/CDIntegrated CI/CD solution within GitLabWide language supportSeamless integration with GitLab repositoriesFlexible deployment optionsCircleCICloud-based CI/CD platformSupport for various languages and frameworksIntegrates with popular version control systemsSupports deployment to multiple environmentsTravis CICloud-based CI/CD service for GitHub projectsWide language supportTight integration with GitHubEasy deployment to platforms like Heroku and AWSAzure DevOps (Azure Pipelines)Comprehensive development tools by MicrosoftExtensive language supportIntegrates with Azure servicesDeployment to Azure cloud and on-premisesTeamCityCI/CD server developed by JetBrainsSupports various build and test runnersIntegrates with JetBrains IDEs and external toolsSupports flexible deployment strategiesA comparison table for some popular CI/CD tools
Case Studies: Achieving Success with Gart
CI/CD Pipelines and Infrastructure for E-Health Platform
Gart collaborated with an e-health platform to revolutionize their software delivery process. By implementing robust CI/CD pipelines and optimizing the underlying infrastructure, Gart helped the platform achieve faster releases, improved quality, and enhanced scalability.
AWS Cost Optimization and CI/CD Automation for Entertainment Software Platform
Another notable case study involves Gart's partnership with an entertainment software platform, where they tackled the dual challenges of AWS cost optimization and CI/CD automation. Gart's expertise resulted in significant cost savings by optimizing AWS resources, while simultaneously streamlining the software delivery process through efficient CI/CD pipelines. Learn more about this successful collaboration here.
These case studies highlight Gart's prowess in tailoring CI/CD solutions to diverse industries and our ability to drive tangible benefits for their clients. By leveraging Gart's expertise, you can witness firsthand how CI/CD implementation can bring about remarkable transformations in software delivery processes.
Looking for CI/CD solutions? Contact Gart for comprehensive expertise in streamlining your software delivery process.
The Ultimate CI/CD Tools List
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) tools are software solutions that help automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software applications. These tools enable development teams to streamline their workflows and deliver software updates more efficiently. Here are some popular CI/CD tools:
Jenkins
Jenkins is an open-source automation server that is widely used for CI/CD. It offers a vast array of plugins and integrations, allowing teams to build, test, and deploy applications across various platforms.
GitLab CI/CD
GitLab provides an integrated CI/CD solution within its platform. It enables teams to define pipelines using a YAML configuration file and offers features such as automatic testing, code quality checks, and deployment to various environments.
CircleCI
CircleCI is a cloud-based CI/CD platform that supports continuous integration and delivery. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for configuring pipelines and offers extensive support for a wide range of programming languages and frameworks.
Travis CI
Travis CI is a cloud-based CI/CD service primarily designed for projects hosted on GitHub. It offers a straightforward setup process and provides a range of features for building, testing, and deploying applications.
Azure DevOps
Azure DevOps is a comprehensive set of development tools provided by Microsoft. It includes Azure Pipelines, which allows teams to define and manage CI/CD pipelines for their applications. Azure Pipelines supports both cloud and on-premises deployments.
💡 Read more: CI/CD Pipelines and Infrastructure for E-Health Platform
Bamboo
Bamboo is a CI/CD server developed by Atlassian. It integrates well with other Atlassian products like Jira and Bitbucket. Bamboo offers features such as parallel builds, customizable workflows, and easy integration with external tools.
TeamCity
TeamCity is a CI/CD server developed by JetBrains. It supports a variety of build and test runners and offers a user-friendly interface for managing pipelines. TeamCity also provides advanced features like code coverage analysis and build chain visualization.
GoCD
GoCD is an open-source CI/CD tool that provides advanced workflow modeling capabilities. It enables teams to define complex pipelines and manage dependencies between different stages of the software delivery process.
Buddy
Buddy is a CI/CD platform that offers a free plan for small projects. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of programming languages, making it suitable for developers of all levels.
Drone
Drone is an open-source CI/CD platform that is highly flexible and scalable. It allows you to define your pipelines using a simple YAML configuration file and integrates with popular version control systems.
Strider
Strider is an open-source, customizable CI/CD platform that supports self-hosting. It offers features like parallel testing, deployment, and notification plugins to enhance your software delivery process.
Semaphore
Semaphore is a cloud-based CI/CD platform that provides a free tier for small projects. It supports popular programming languages and offers a simple and intuitive interface for configuring and managing your pipelines.
Concourse CI
Concourse CI is an open-source CI/CD system that focuses on simplicity and scalability. It provides a declarative pipeline configuration and supports powerful automation capabilities.
Codeship
Codeship is a cloud-based CI/CD platform that offers a free tier for small projects. It provides a simple and intuitive interface, supports various programming languages, and integrates with popular version control systems.
Ready to supercharge your software delivery? Contact Gart today and leverage our expertise in CI/CD to optimize your development process. Boost efficiency, streamline deployments, and stay ahead of the competition.
Bitbucket Pipelines
Bitbucket Pipelines is a CI/CD solution tightly integrated with Atlassian's Bitbucket. It enables you to define and execute pipelines directly from your Bitbucket repositories, offering seamless integration and easy configuration.
Wercker
Wercker is a cloud-based CI/CD platform that offers container-centric workflows. It provides seamless integration with popular container platforms like Docker and Kubernetes, enabling you to build, test, and deploy containerized applications efficiently.
Nevercode
Nevercode is a mobile-focused CI/CD platform that specializes in automating the build, testing, and deployment of mobile applications. It supports both iOS and Android development and provides a range of mobile-specific features and integrations.
Spinnaker
Spinnaker is an open-source multi-cloud CD platform that focuses on deployment orchestration. It enables you to deploy applications to multiple cloud providers with built-in support for canary deployments, rolling updates, and more.
Buildbot
Buildbot is an open-source CI/CD framework that allows you to automate build, test, and release processes. It provides a highly customizable and extensible architecture, making it suitable for complex CI/CD workflows.
Harness
Harness is a CI/CD platform that emphasizes continuous delivery and feature flagging. It offers advanced deployment strategies, observability, and monitoring capabilities to ensure smooth and reliable software releases.
IBM UrbanCode
IBM UrbanCode is an enterprise-grade CI/CD platform that provides end-to-end automation and release management. It offers features like environment management, deployment automation, and release coordination for complex enterprise applications.
Perforce Helix
Perforce Helix is a CI/CD and version control platform that supports large-scale development and collaboration. It provides a range of tools for source control, build automation, and release management.
Bitrise
Bitrise is a CI/CD platform designed specifically for mobile app development. It offers an extensive library of integrations, enabling you to automate workflows for building, testing, and deploying iOS and Android apps.
Codefresh
Codefresh is a cloud-native CI/CD platform built for Docker and Kubernetes workflows. It offers a visual pipeline editor, seamless integration with container registries, and advanced deployment features for modern application development.
CruiseControl
CruiseControl is an open-source CI tool that focuses on continuous integration. It provides a framework for automating builds, tests, and releases, and supports various build tools and version control systems.
These are just a few examples of popular CI/CD tools available in the market. The choice of tool depends on various factors such as project requirements, team preferences, and integration capabilities with other tools in your software development stack.
Exploring the Power of AWS CI/CD Tools
AWS (Amazon Web Services) offers a range of CI/CD tools and services to streamline software delivery. Here are some popular AWS CI/CD tools:
AWS CodePipeline: CodePipeline is a fully managed CI/CD service that enables you to automate your software release process. It integrates with other AWS services, such as CodeCommit, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy, to build, test, and deploy your applications.
AWS CodeBuild: CodeBuild is a fully managed build service that compiles your source code, runs tests, and produces software packages. It supports various programming languages and build environments and integrates with CodePipeline for automated builds.
AWS CodeDeploy: CodeDeploy automates the deployment of applications to instances, containers, or serverless environments. It provides capabilities for blue/green deployments, automatic rollback, and integration with CodePipeline for streamlined deployments.
AWS CodeCommit: CodeCommit is a fully managed source control service that hosts Git repositories. It provides secure and scalable version control for your code and integrates seamlessly with other AWS CI/CD tools.
AWS CodeStar: CodeStar is a fully integrated development environment (IDE) for developing, building, and deploying applications on AWS. It combines various AWS services, including CodePipeline, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy, to provide an end-to-end CI/CD experience.
These AWS CI/CD tools offer powerful capabilities to automate and streamline your software delivery process on the AWS platform. Each tool can be used independently or combined to create a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline tailored to your application requirements.
Conclusion
CI/CD tools have become indispensable in modern software development, enabling teams to streamline their delivery process, improve efficiency, and achieve faster time to market. Throughout this article, we have explored a wide range of CI/CD tools, both free and enterprise-grade, each offering unique features and capabilities. From popular options like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and CircleCI to specialized tools for mobile app development and container-centric workflows, there is a tool to fit every project's requirements.
Now is the time to embark on your CI/CD journey and leverage the power of these tools. Evaluate your project requirements, explore the tools discussed in this article, and consider partnering with experts like Gart to guide you through the implementation process. Embrace the CI/CD revolution and unlock the full potential of your software development process.
In the relentless pursuit of success, businesses often find themselves caught in the whirlwind of IT infrastructure management. The demands of keeping up with ever-evolving technologies, maintaining robust security, and optimizing operations can feel like an uphill battle. But what if I told you there's a liberating solution that could lift this weight off your shoulders and propel your organization to new heights?
Table of contents
Definition of Infrastructure Outsourcing
Benefits of IT Infrastructure Outsourcing
The Process for Outsourcing IT Infrastructure
Evaluating the Outsourcing Vendor: Ensuring Reliability and Compatibility
Why Ukraine is an Attractive Outsourcing Destination for IT Infrastructure
Long Story Short
Definition of Infrastructure Outsourcing
IT infrastructure outsourcing refers to the practice of delegating the management and operation of an organization's information technology (IT) infrastructure to external service providers. Instead of maintaining and managing the infrastructure in-house, companies opt to outsource these responsibilities to specialized third-party vendors.
IT infrastructure includes various components such as servers, networks, storage systems, data centers, and other hardware and software resources essential for supporting and running an organization's IT operations. By outsourcing their IT infrastructure, companies can leverage the expertise and resources of external providers to handle tasks like hardware procurement, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, and ongoing management.
Benefits of IT Infrastructure Outsourcing
Outsourcing IT infrastructure brings numerous benefits that contribute to business growth and success.
Manage cloud complexity
Over the past two years, there’s been a surge in cloud commitment, with more than 86% of companies reporting an increase in cloud initiatives.
Implementing cloud initiatives requires specialized skill sets and a fresh approach to achieve comprehensive transformation. Often, IT departments face skill gaps on the technical front, lacking experience with the specific tools employed by their chosen cloud provider.
Moreover, many organizations lack the expertise needed to develop a cloud strategy that fully harnesses the potential of leading platforms such as AWS or Microsoft Azure, utilizing their native tools and services.
Experienced providers of infrastructure management possess the necessary expertise to aid enterprises in selecting and configuring cloud infrastructure that can effectively meet and swiftly adapt to evolving business requirements.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Outsourcing IT infrastructure allows businesses to tap into the expertise of professionals who specialize in managing complex IT environments. As a CTO, I understand the importance of having a skilled team that can handle diverse technology domains, from network management and system administration to cybersecurity and cloud computing. By outsourcing, organizations can leverage the specialized knowledge and experience of professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. This expertise brings immense value in optimizing infrastructure performance, ensuring scalability, and implementing robust security measures.
"Gart finished migration according to schedule, made automation for infrastructure provisioning, and set up governance for new infrastructure. They continue to support us with Azure. They are professional and have a very good technical experience"
Under NDA, Software Development Company
Enhanced Focus on Core Competencies
Outsourcing IT infrastructure liberates businesses from the burden of managing complex technical operations, allowing them to focus on their core competencies. I firmly believe that organizations thrive when they can allocate their resources towards activities that directly contribute to their strategic goals. By entrusting the management and maintenance of IT infrastructure to a trusted partner like Gart, businesses can redirect their internal talent and expertise towards innovation, product development, and customer-centric initiatives.
For example, SoundCampaign, a company focused on their core business in the music industry, entrusted Gart with their infrastructure needs.
We upgraded the product infrastructure, ensuring that it was scalable, reliable, and aligned with industry best practices. Gart also assisted in migrating the compute operations to the cloud, leveraging its expertise to optimize performance and cost-efficiency.
One key initiative undertaken by Gart was the implementation of an automated CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipeline using GitHub. This automation streamlined the software development and deployment processes for SoundCampaign, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. It allowed the SoundCampaign team to focus on their core competencies of building and enhancing their social networking platform, while Gart handled the intricacies of the infrastructure and DevOps tasks.
"They completed the project on time and within the planned budget. Switching to the new infrastructure was even more accessible and seamless than we expected."
Nadav Peleg, Founder & CEO at SoundCampaign
Cost Savings and Budget Predictability
Managing an in-house IT infrastructure can be a costly endeavor. By outsourcing, businesses can reduce expenses associated with hardware and software procurement, maintenance, upgrades, and the hiring and training of IT staff.
As an outsourcing provider, Gart has already made the necessary investments in infrastructure, tools, and skilled personnel, enabling us to provide cost-effective solutions to our clients. Moreover, outsourcing IT infrastructure allows businesses to benefit from predictable budgeting, as costs are typically agreed upon in advance through service level agreements (SLAs).
"We were amazed by their prompt turnaround and persistency in fixing things! The Gart's team were able to support all our requirements, and were able to help us recover from a serious outage."
Ivan Goh, CEO & Co-Founder at BeyondRisk
Scalability and Flexibility
Business needs can change rapidly, requiring organizations to scale their IT infrastructure up or down accordingly. With outsourcing, companies have the flexibility to quickly adapt to these changing requirements. For example, Gart's clients have access to scalable resources that can accommodate their evolving needs.
Whether it's expanding server capacity, optimizing network bandwidth, or adding storage, outsourcing providers can swiftly adjust the infrastructure to support business growth or handle seasonal variations. This scalability and flexibility provide businesses with the agility necessary to respond to market dynamics and seize growth opportunities.
Robust Security Measures
Data security is a paramount concern for businesses in today's digital landscape. With outsourcing, organizations can benefit from the security expertise and technologies provided by the outsourcing partner. As the CTO of Gart, I prioritize the implementation of robust security measures, including advanced threat detection systems, data encryption, access controls, and proactive monitoring. We ensure that our clients' sensitive information remains protected from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
"The result was exactly as I expected: analysis, documentation, preferred technology stack etc. I believe these guys should grow up via expanding resources. All things I've seen were very good."
Grigoriy Legenchenko, CTO at Health-Tech Company
Piyush Tripathi About the Benefits of Outsourcing Infrastructure
Looking for answers to the question of IT infrastructure outsourcing pros and cons, we decided to seek the expert opinions on the matter. We reached out to Piyush Tripathi, who has extensive experience in infrastructure outsourcing.
Introducing the Expert
Piyush Tripathi is a highly experienced IT professional with over 10 years of industry experience. For the past ten years, he has been knee-deep in designing and maintaining database systems for significant projects. In 2020, he joined the core messaging team at Twilio and found himself at the heart of the fight against COVID-19. He played a crucial role in preparing the Twilio platform for the global vaccination program, utilizing innovative solutions to ensure scalability, compliance, and easy integration with cloud providers.
What are the potential benefits of outsourcing infrastructure?
High scale: I was leading Twilio covid 19 platform to support contact tracing. This was a fairly quick announcement as state of New York was planning to use it to help contact trace millions of people in the state and store their contact details. We needed to scale and scale fast. Doing it internally would have been very challanaging as demand could have spiked and our response could not have been swift enough to respond. Outsourcing it to cloud provider helped mitigate that, we opted for automatic scaling which added resources in infra as soon as demand increased. This gave us peace of mind that even when we were sleeping, people would continue to get contacted and vaccinated.
What expertise and capabilities would you can lose or gain by outsourcing our infrastructure?
Loose:
Infra domain knowledge: if you outsource infra, your team could loose knowledge of setting up this kind of technology. for example, during covid 19, I moved the contact database from local to cloud so overtime I anticipate that next teams would loose context of setting up and troubleshooting database internals since they will only use it as a consumer.
Control: since you outsource infra, data, business logic and access control will reside in the provider. in rare cases, for example using this data for ML training or advertising analysis, you may not know how your data or information is being used.
Gain:
Lower maintenance: since you don't have to keep an whole team, you can reduce maintenance overhead. For example during my project in 2020, I was trying to increase adoption of Sendgrid SDK program, we were able to send 50 Billion emails without much maintenance hassle. The reason was that I was working on moving a lot of data pipelines, MTA components to cloud and it reduce a lot of maintenance.
High scale: this is the primary benefits, traditional infrastructure needs people to plan and provision infrastructure in advance. when I lead the project to move our database to cloud, it was able to support storing huge amount of data. In addition, it would with automatically scale up and down depending on the demand. This was huge benefit for us because we didn't have to worry that our provisioned infra may not be enough for sudden spikes in the demand. Due to this, we were able to help over 100+ million people worldwide vaccinate
What are the potential implications for internal IT team if they choose to outsource infrastructure?
Reduced Headcount: Outsourcing infrastructure could potentially decrease the need for staff dedicated to its maintenance and control, thus leading to a reduction in headcount within the internal IT team.
Increased Collaboration: If issues arise, the internal IT team will need to collaborate with the external vendor and abide by their policies. This process can create a new dynamic of interaction that the team must adapt to.
Limited Control: The IT team may face additional challenges in debugging issues or responding to audits due to the increased bureaucracy introduced by the vendor. This lack of direct control may impact the team's efficiency and response times.
The Process for Outsourcing IT Infrastructure
Gart aims to deliver a tailored and efficient outsourcing solution for the client's IT infrastructure needs. The process encompasses thorough analysis, strategic planning, implementation, and ongoing support, all aimed at optimizing the client's IT operations and driving their business success.
Free Consultation
Project Technical Audit
Realizing Project Targets
Implementation
Documentation Updates & Reports
Maintenance & Tech Support
The process begins with a free consultation where Gart engages with the client to understand their specific IT infrastructure requirements, challenges, and goals. This initial discussion helps establish a foundation for collaboration and allows Gart to gather essential information for the project.
Than Gart conducts a comprehensive project technical audit. This involves a detailed analysis of the client's existing IT infrastructure, systems, and processes. The audit helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, providing valuable insights to tailor the outsourcing solution.
Based on the consultation and technical audit, we here at Gart work closely with the client to define clear project targets. This includes establishing specific objectives, timelines, and deliverables that align with the client's business objectives and IT requirements.
Implementation phase involves deploying the necessary resources, tools, and technologies to execute the outsourcing solution effectively. Our experienced professionals manage the transition process, ensuring a seamless integration of the outsourced IT infrastructure into the client's operations.
Throughout the outsourcing process, Gart maintains comprehensive documentation to track progress, changes, and updates. Regular reports are generated and shared with the client, providing insights into project milestones, performance metrics, and any relevant recommendations. This transparent approach allows for effective communication and ensures that the project stays on track.
Gart provides ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure the smooth operation of the outsourced IT infrastructure. This includes proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and regular maintenance activities. In case of any issues or concerns, Gart's dedicated support team is available to provide timely assistance and resolve technical challenges.
Evaluating the Outsourcing Vendor: Ensuring Reliability and Compatibility
When evaluating an outsourcing vendor, it is important to conduct thorough research to ensure their reliability and suitability for your IT infrastructure outsourcing needs. Here are some steps to follow during the vendor checkup process:
Google Search
Begin by conducting a Google search of the outsourcing vendor's name. Explore their website, social media profiles, and any relevant online presence. A well-established outsourcing vendor should have a professional website that showcases their services, expertise, and client testimonials.
Industry Platforms and Directories
Check reputable industry platforms and directories such as Clutch and GoodFirms. These platforms provide verified reviews and ratings from clients who have worked with the outsourcing vendor. Assess their overall rating, read client reviews, and evaluate their performance based on past projects.
Freelance Platforms
If the vendor operates on freelance platforms like Upwork, review their profile and client feedback. Assess their ratings, completion rates, and feedback from previous clients. This can provide insights into their professionalism, technical expertise, and adherence to deadlines.
Online Presence
Explore the vendor's presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Assess their activity, engagement, and the quality of content they share. A strong online presence indicates their commitment to transparency and communication.
Industry Certifications and Partnerships
Check if the vendor holds any relevant industry certifications, partnerships, or affiliations.
By following these steps, you can gather comprehensive information about the outsourcing vendor's reputation, credibility, and capabilities. It is important to perform due diligence to ensure that the vendor aligns with your business objectives, possesses the necessary expertise, and can be relied upon to successfully manage your IT infrastructure outsourcing requirements.
Why Ukraine is an Attractive Outsourcing Destination for IT Infrastructure
Ukraine has emerged as a prominent player in the global IT industry. With a thriving technology sector, it has become a preferred destination for outsourcing IT infrastructure needs.
Ukraine is renowned for its vast pool of highly skilled IT professionals. The country produces a significant number of IT graduates each year, equipped with strong technical expertise and a solid educational background. Ukrainian developers and engineers are well-versed in various technologies, making them capable of handling complex IT infrastructure projects with ease.
One of the major advantages of outsourcing IT infrastructure to Ukraine is the cost-effectiveness it offers. Compared to Western European and North American countries, the cost of IT services in Ukraine is significantly lower while maintaining high quality. This cost advantage enables businesses to optimize their IT budgets and allocate resources to other critical areas.
English proficiency is widespread among Ukrainian IT professionals, making communication and collaboration seamless for international clients. This proficiency eliminates language barriers and ensures effective knowledge transfer and project management. Additionally, Ukraine shares cultural compatibility with Western countries, enabling smoother integration and understanding of business practices.
Long Story Short
IT infrastructure outsourcing empowers organizations to streamline their IT operations, reduce costs, enhance performance, and leverage external expertise, allowing them to focus on their core competencies and achieve their strategic goals.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your IT infrastructure through outsourcing? Reach out to us and let's embark on a transformative journey together!
