Azure DevOps Server Installation and Setup Guide

Azure DevOps Server is a powerful tool for teams, allowing for streamlined collaboration and efficient project management.

You can install Azure DevOps Server on a physical machine or a virtual machine, and it supports a range of operating systems, including Windows Server 2019 and 2022.

The installation process involves several key steps, including setting up the database and configuring the server.

To get started, you'll need to download the Azure DevOps Server installer from the Microsoft website, which is available in multiple languages.

Azure DevOps Server offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for on-premises deployment.

You can install Azure DevOps Server on a dedicated server or cluster of servers within your organization's network.

It requires infrastructure and system resources to run, including a Windows Server operating system.

Azure DevOps Server supports both Git and Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) for source code management.

You can choose the version control system that best suits your team's needs.

Azure DevOps Server includes work item tracking features, allowing teams to manage and track their work items, user stories, bugs, and other tasks.

You can define custom work item types and process templates.

For large organizations, Azure DevOps Server can be scaled by deploying additional server instances and using load balancing to distribute the workload.

Licensing for Azure DevOps Server is based on the number of users who require access to the system.

Microsoft offers different licensing options, including Client Access Licenses (CALs) and Express editions for smaller teams.

Azure DevOps Server provides project management tools for agile planning, task boards, backlog management, and sprint planning.

It supports Agile, Scrum, and CMMI methodologies.

You can integrate Azure DevOps Server with various development tools, including Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code.

Additionally, it can be integrated with other third-party tools and services using REST APIs.

Azure DevOps Server offers reporting and analytics capabilities to track project progress, monitor team performance, and generate custom reports.

It provides robust security features, including role-based access control (RBAC), to manage user access and permissions for different areas of the system.

To install Azure DevOps Server, you'll need to meet some prerequisites. Prepare a single computer that satisfies the system requirements, which is a must-have for a successful installation.

You'll also need to set up a supported version of SQL Server, specifically the Database Engine and Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search features. This is a requirement for on-premises installations, and it's recommended to use SQL Server Express only for personal or evaluation deployments.

To support the Search extension, you'll need to provide a user name and password, and also install Oracle Server JRE 8 (Update 60 or higher). This is necessary for features like Code, Work Item, and Wiki search.

Here are the system requirements to keep in mind:

Once you've met these prerequisites, you're ready to download and install Azure DevOps Server.

To set up Azure DevOps on-premises, you'll need a single computer that meets the system requirements.

First, ensure the computer satisfies the system requirements. This is a must-have for a smooth installation process.

You'll also need to set up a supported version of SQL Server. If you don't plan to use SQL Server Express, install the Database Engine and Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search features.

For SQL Server Express, use it only for personal or evaluation deployments. Paid copies of Azure DevOps on-premises include a SQL Server Standard license, so you can opt for that instead.

The account you use to configure the installation must be a member of the sysadmin server role in SQL Server. This is a requirement for the installation and configuration process.

To support installation and configuration of the Search extension, you need to provide a user name and password. This will enable the Code, Work Item, and Wiki search features.

You'll also need Oracle Server JRE 8 (Update 60 or higher) for Search. You can download and install or update to the latest version by accepting the Oracle Binary Code License Agreement for Server JRE and selecting Configure.

Here's a quick rundown of the system requirements:

Before you begin the installation process, you need to decide between a fresh installation and a current installation. You can choose to do a fresh installation or add an existing on-perm server to the current installation.

To start, you'll need to agree to the License statement and click on Next. This is where you'll also decide between a Basic or Advanced installation. If you opt for Advanced installation, you'll need to have a SQL server installed and a database created with accounts to map it with the Azure Devops server.

You can choose to install the SQL server Express model or link to an existing SQL server installation. Either way, this step is crucial for a successful Advanced installation.

The installation process for Azure DevOps Server involves three main steps: preparation, installation, and configuration. Preparation is a crucial step where you review and follow the system requirements to ensure your servers are ready for the installation.

To prepare your servers, you'll need to review the system requirements, which can be found on the VisualStudio.com or the Volume Licensing Service Center.

The installation process involves placing executables on your server and running an installer. You can download the installer from VisualStudio.com or the Volume Licensing Service Center.

The installer will copy files onto your machine, and you can verify the installation by checking the C:\Program Files\Azure DevOps Server 2019 folder.

To configure your installation, you can choose to run the Start Wizard or exit and configure using an unattended install. If you choose to exit, you'll need to create an ini file to configure the machine(s) using that ini file.

Here are the steps to download and install Azure DevOps Server:

Note that customizations made outside of the Configuration Center wizard may not be retained during upgrades, so it's recommended to reapply them after the upgrade process.