DevOps for Microsoft Dynamics

The repository for DevOps for Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement https://github.com/devkeydet/dyn365-ce-devops

Much has been written about how Microsoft Dynamics may be used to create software solutions using configuration to replace extensive coding needed for traditional software development. This "low code" approach can save time and reduce costs for building and implementing business solutions for some scenarios.

At the same time, development tools and processes for "low code" are not as mature as those for most software development, especially for large and complex projects with multiple developers. The tools are catching up and Dynamics implementers and administrators are adopting best practices for rolling out Dynamics solutions. One of the most important of these approaches is DevOps. The goal of DevOps is to shorten the time between software iterations by integrating development and operations processes. One of the chief ways to accomplish this goal is through automation of the software build and deployment processes.

Last weekend I attended a session on DevOps for Microsoft Dynamics at the Washington, DC 365Saturday event, presented by Microsoft's Carlton Colter. Mr. Colter explained how Dynamics developers can implement DevOps in their organization, and highlighted features in Azure DevOps (formerly Visual Studio Team Services). He demonstrated how to automate build and deployment steps.

Microsoft's Marc Schweigert has long been a leader in Microsoft developer tools and recently has focused on Dynamics 365. He shared his insights at this session and answered questions from the audience. Mr. Schweigert has created a series of videos to explain DevOps for Dynamics, starting with these introductions:

From Build and deployment automation of PowerApps & Flow using Azure DevOps

Intro to DevOps for Dynamics 365

Step-by-step videos provide additional detailed information:

part 1

part 2

If Dynamics saves you development time, you want to be sure that it is not wasted in the testing and deployment process. Automation can help with many of the tasks and lead to solutions with fewer defects.

The DevOps automation process can be complex, and it requires code, but in the long run it will save money for nearly any organization committed to "low code" development.

Additional Sources

BDD for Dynamics 365 CE – Part 1 – Intro

DevOps for Microsoft Dynamics

Innofactor DevOps tools for Microsoft Dynamics 365

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