Power Platform ALM: DevOps for Citizen Developers
Introduction
[Explain scaling from ad-hoc app builds to governed solution lifecycle.]
Prerequisites
- Power Platform environments (Dev, Test, Prod)
- Access to Power Platform Admin Center
ALM Architecture Overview
| Layer | Purpose | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Dev | Iterative build | Maker portal |
| Test | Validation & QA | Pipelines, manual testers |
| Prod | Stable release | Change control |
| Governance | Policy & compliance | DLP policies, audit |
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Environment Strategy
[Define isolation and naming conventions]
Step 2: Solution Structuring
[Managed vs unmanaged; layering technique]
Step 3: Connection References & Environment Variables
[Abstract endpoints for portability]
Step 4: Pipelines Configuration
[Use Power Platform Pipelines or Azure DevOps]
Step 5: Managed Solution Deployment
[Export, version tagging, import validation]
Step 6: Compliance & DLP Policies
[Restrict connectors; enforce data boundaries]
Step 7: Monitoring & Audit
[Usage analytics, solution change history]
Best Practices
- Keep core solution small & modular
- Prefix components for discoverability
- Automate solution versioning
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Issue: Connection references break on import
Solution: Ensure environment variables mapped and references exist
Issue: Missing dependency on solution deploy
Solution: Run solution checker; add required component
Key Takeaways
- Structured environments enable predictable releases.
- Managed solutions enforce integrity in production.
- Governance layers protect data compliance posture.
Next Steps
- Integrate ALM with Azure DevOps boards
- Add automated regression testing via test harness apps
Additional Resources
Ready to formalize deployment governance further?