A workflow consists of an assorted number of tasks and usually follows an algorithm that decides the order based on external or internal contributing factors.
In the DevSecOps world, getting the right sequence at the right time and place is paramount. Various critical tasks need to be ‘orchestrated’ in the right sequence, order or algorithm for desired results.
While the tasks themselves are largely automated, the real challenge lies in connecting them more seamlessly. Orchestration tools shine in this area, serving as the linchpin that binds individual tasks together.
Job orchestration is the process of automating the sequence and management of multiple tasks that form a workflow or process. It should be capable of handling all scenarios, complexities and system dependencies. The goal of automating workflows is to enhance efficiencies while minimizing redundancy and business costs.
Enterprises can opt for niche tools or go for a consolidated platform to orchestrate DevSecOps workflows. Using a common platform provides better integration between the different tasks and fosters democratization between DevOps stakeholders. However, there are a few best practices that one must follow while implementing job orchestration in the DevSecOps environment.
Best Practices for Job Orchestration in DevSecOps
1.Define Your DevSecOps Pipelines Clearly
DevSecOps processes are structured into phases, each with a multitude of tasks to be executed. For instance, in a rollout scenario, nodes need to be scanned. This requires a pre-prepared node list and the execution of some scripts. Lastly, the status needs to be checked again. All these tasks might need to be performed at a specific time, for a specific region and in a specific manner (for instance, ten at a time). Orchestrating these tasks becomes an easier process with well-defined DevSecOps pipelines.
2.Adopt the “As-Code” Methodology
In a modern deployment pipeline, your orchestration tool enables you to automate your workflow with code. When you use code to define your workflow, your processes become more flexible, efficient and consistent. It also creates a common language understood by disparate team members and aids in better cross-collaboration. In short, using an ‘as-code’ method to orchestrate your workflows fosters democratization in DevOps.
3.Choose Scalable Tools
If you’re a growing enterprise, scalability is a factor you cannot ignore. Orchestrating a few tasks for a small number of nodes is easy. But, does your tool scale when your environment changes? Does it scale when the number of nodes increases significantly? Does it scale when your IT architecture changes? Test for scalability before you decide.
4.Incorporate Security Early On
Make sure that security is ingrained in all your workflow processes right from the beginning. Shifting security left is the single most important factor in DevSecOps. Staying true to this philosophy necessitates that all platforms, including the orchestration tool that you use, imbibe security as part of their process.
5.Implement Version Control
Using an as-code method for orchestration means that you will be writing scripts to define the workflows. Therefore, it goes without saying that you must keep your orchestration scripts under version control to maintain consistency and traceability and to promote collaboration amongst team members. Additionally, your versioned scripts minimize redundancy. Even an orchestration script written for an ad-hoc event can be reused in similar settings in the future.
6.Provide Greater Cross-Team Visibility
The importance of collaboration in the DevSecOps process cannot be stressed enough. To nurture this culture, it is important that all stakeholders have complete visibility or, at minimum, visibility that caters to their role. Using an orchestration tool provides a consolidated view, either as a dashboard or report.
7.Include Security and Compliance Scans
Consistent security and compliance checks help identify vulnerabilities and maintain regulatory and organizational policies in your DevSecOps pipelines.
These are just some of the best practices to adhere to while working with job orchestration tools in DevOps. Job orchestration is critical in this era of complex IT environments and DevSecOps practices.
When you integrate and manage numerous tasks and processes with the help of an orchestration tool, you’re moving towards greater efficiency, lowered costs, fewer errors and faster time to market. All of these encompass DevOps—continuous delivery and continuous improvement.
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