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Deploying Model-Driven Apps: Simplifying ALM with Power Platform Pipelines

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Reading time: 6 minutes

Deploying model-driven apps can be a complex task, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes much easier. One of the best ways to manage this process is by using Power Platform Pipelines. In this blog post, we will explore how to use these pipelines, why ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) is important, and some details about pricing.

What Are Power Platform Pipelines?

Power Platform Pipelines are tools that help automate and manage the deployment of apps. They make it easier to move your app from development to testing and finally to production. This automation saves time, reduces errors, and makes the whole process smoother.

Why Use ALM in the Implementation Process?

Skipping ALM might seem easier at first, but it can lead to problems later. Here’s why integrating ALM from the start is a smart choice:

Understanding Environments and Their Importance

In the context of application development and deployment, environments are isolated setups where different stages of the application lifecycle occur. Having separate environments is crucial for several reasons:
The three basic environments are:
While the basic three environments are essential, having more than one test or production environment can be beneficial:

How Pipelines Helps

Power Platform Pipelines standardize how solutions are deployed across all environments, reducing the risk of inconsistencies. They automate the repetitive tasks of exporting, importing, and publishing solutions, saving significant time and reducing manual errors. Pipelines also make it easier to deploy solutions to different test environments, ensuring thorough validation without disrupting other workflows.

Solutions and Deployment with Pipelines

In Power Platform, apps and customizations are packaged as solutions. A solution is a container that holds all the components of your app, such as tables, forms, automates, etc. Power Platform Pipelines make deploying these solutions easier and more reliable by automating many steps and providing a structured process.

There are two models of solutions management in implementation:

Key Features of Power Platform Pipelines

Pricing

Power Platform Pipelines are part of the broader Power Platform suite, which includes Power Apps, Power Automate, and more. Pricing can vary based on the specific tools and features you need. Using Power Platform Pipelines is included in the Power Platform license, but you may need additional licenses if you are considering tools like Azure DevOps or GitHub, depending on your setup.

Conclusion

Deploying model-driven apps doesn’t have to be hard or stressful. With ALM, you can make the process faster, easier, and more reliable. Power Platform Pipelines take this even further by simplifying automation and giving you the tools to manage deployments like a pro.

If you’re not already using ALM in your app development process, now is the perfect time to start. Your team will thank you for the saved time and fewer headaches, and your users will appreciate the higher-quality apps.

Ready to explore Power Platform Pipelines? Start today and experience the difference!

Marco Totovic

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