Deploying a new Web application is a complex and dynamic process involving a combination of testing and planning. While each application features unique challenges regarding its deployment, the following checklist is designed to provide you with a general guide toward true and sustained application success.
Collaborations Between Network Departments
Perhaps one of the most notable mistakes any application development team can make is not establishing clear communication and collaboration between other departments. Its important to remember that an application is merely an extension of the rest of a network. Therefore, in order for the entire “machine” to run smoothly, every component must work flawlessly with all connecting physical and virtual components. Therefore, strive to retain clear and constant communication throughout the development and deployment phase.
Automate As Much As Possible
The biggest mistakes made within the deployment and development of Web applications come from human error. Therefore, one of the most important steps in cultivating a successful application is automating as much as possible. By turning to various scripts to execute simple tasks, you eliminate the possibility of human error. Thanks to the evolution of automation software and script development, executing automation tasks is easy, even for the most novice of administrators.
Keep Post-Deployment Change to a Minimum
As with many elements within a website enterprise, once an application has been deployed, keep changes made to its infrastructure or communication methods at a minimal. Without proper communication and preparation, even the smallest of changes can prove disastrous for the performance and stability of an application. If a change is needed to correct an error, work with the development team to implement a correction that does not disrupt the communication of other application components.
Establish Synthetic Transaction Checks
In order to see if the communication between an application and its various components is as it should be, developers must implement synthetic transaction tests. These tests “interact” with an application just as a user will. By using automation software and instructing each step, synthetic transaction tests ensure each level of your application operates as it should. This is imperative for any application, regardless of size and purpose, after deployment. Many times, synthetic transaction tests catch critical errors before they have time to influence experiences had by users. There is a wide range of programs that you can use to automate this process, such as a free program like Every-Step Automation, or even a paid suite of tools.
Server Utilization Monitoring
While your application may be communicating as it should, if its server utilization is too high, the overall performance of the application (and ultimately the website) will suffer. This level of application monitoring ensures that all necessary servers are online and capable of handling current and projected traffic. Make sure to establish agents to monitor: virtual memory usage, network usage, disk usage and CPU utilization rate. Through these monitoring reports youre given a clear insight into the operation and performance of your application.