Application Release Automation – ARA

Application Release Automation (ARA) is an IT process that uses tools to manage and automate the deployment of software applications across different environments. It helps organizations release software faster, more reliably, and with fewer manual steps.

ARA brings together people, systems, and tools to coordinate the release of applications from development through testing and into production. It ensures that the correct version of an application is deployed in the correct environment, with all necessary configurations. ARA is an essential part of modern software delivery, especially in fast-moving DevOps environments.

Key Aspects

• Application Release Automation tools reduce human errors by managing complex release tasks through scripts and templates.
• ARA supports version control, rollback options, and environment consistency for reliable software delivery.
• It integrates with other tools such as CI/CD pipelines, configuration management systems, and IT service management platforms.
• ARA enhances team collaboration by providing clear visibility into release activities, timing, and responsibilities.
• Popular ARA tools include IBM UrbanCode Deploy, Octopus Deploy, and XebiaLabs Deploy (now part of Digital.ai).

Automation of Manual Tasks

One of the main benefits of Application Release Automation is the reduction of manual work. Many software releases involve repetitive steps, such as copying files, updating configurations, restarting services, and running scripts. Doing these tasks by hand increases the risk of mistakes and delays.

ARA tools solve this problem by using reusable templates and automated workflows. These tools let IT teams define exactly how the software should be deployed, ensuring consistent results every time. This level of automation speeds up the release process, reduces stress on teams, and makes outcomes more predictable.

Version Control and Rollback

ARA includes strong support for version control, which is tracking and managing different versions of software releases. This ensures that the right version is delivered to the correct environment, avoiding issues caused by incorrect code or configurations.

If a release causes problems, ARA tools allow teams to roll back to a previous working version. This rollback feature helps limit damage during errors and allows operations to return to normal quickly. These capabilities are essential for maintaining high availability and trust in the software delivery process.

Integration with DevOps Tools

Application Release Automation works closely with other tools commonly used in DevOps and IT environments. For example, ARA tools can connect with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) systems like Jenkins or GitLab CI. These integrations help automate the process from code development to live deployment.

ARA also connects with infrastructure tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef and ticketing systems like ServiceNow. By integrating with these tools, ARA supports a more streamlined and efficient process for software delivery and operational control.

Collaboration and Visibility

ARA improves communication between development, operations, and quality assurance teams. Through dashboards or reports provided by ARA platforms, each team can view deployment progress, timelines, and task ownership. This transparency is valuable for coordinating complex releases.

Better visibility also means better accountability. When teams can see what is being deployed, when, and by whom, they can plan better and reduce misunderstandings. This shared view of the release process helps reduce delays and increases confidence in deployment outcomes.

Common ARA Tools

Several tools support Application Release Automation and are widely used in the IT industry. IBM UrbanCode Deploy is a powerful enterprise tool that manages complex release pipelines and multi-tier applications. Octopus Deploy is popular for .NET and Windows-based environments and provides strong integration with build servers.

XebiaLabs Deploy, now part of Digital.ai, offers broad features for scaling ARA across large organizations. Other tools like Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions also provide ARA features as part of larger DevOps toolsets. The choice of tool depends on the organization’s infrastructure, development languages, and existing software practices.

Conclusion

Application Release Automation helps organizations deliver software faster, with greater reliability and control. It plays a vital role in modern IT operations by combining automation, integration, and collaboration.

Application Release Automation Demo – 3 mins