Application-release automation (ARA) refers to the process of packaging and deploying an application or update of an application from development, across various environments, and ultimately to production. ARA solutions must combine the abilities of deployment automation, environment management and modeling, and release coordination.
Relationship with DevOps
ARA tools can help to cultivate DevOps best practices by providing a combination of automation, environment modeling and workflow-management capabilities. These practices help teams deliver software rapidly, reliably and responsibly. In particular, ARA can assist with continuous delivery.
Relationship with deployment
ARA deploys applications using structured release-automation techniques that can allow for increased visibility of deployed software. It combines workload automation and release-management tools as they relate to release packages, as well as movement through different environments within the DevOps pipeline. ARA tools help regulate deployments, environments, and releases.
ARA Solutions
All ARA solutions must include capabilities in automation, environment modeling, and release coordination. Additionally, the solution must provide this functionality without reliance on other tools.
| Solution | Released by |
|---|---|
| BuildMaster | Inedo |
| CA Release Automation and Automic | CA Technologies |
| DeployHub | OpenMake Software |
| Deployment Automation (formerly Serena Deployment Automation) | Micro Focus |
| CloudBees Release Automation (formerly Electric Flow) | CloudBees |
| Hybrid Cloud Management (Ultimate Edition) | Micro Focus |
| IBM UrbanCode Deploy | IBM |
| Puppet Enterprise | Puppet |
| Release Lifecycle Management | BMC Software |
| Visual Studio Release Management | Microsoft |
| XL Deploy & XL Release | XebiaLabs |
