Onboarding new software on a deadline: Microsoft Visual Studio App Center shutdown

With just two months to go until the deprecation date for Microsoft Visual Studio App Center, it might feel like there’s a mountain to climb.

However, with a clear plan and the right resources (spoiler alert: free templates here or at the end of this post), you can turn this challenge into a success story. Let’s get going.

5 elements of a successful App Center migration

1. Define your needs: The first task is to clearly outline what functions you rely on from App Center. Think about how each feature supports your team and projects. Knowing exactly what you need will guide all your subsequent decisions. There may be considerations beyond functionality when it comes to onboarding new software into your organization, and we’ll talk more about those in a moment.
2. Explore your options: Once you have your list of requirements, you can whittle down your options until you know which platforms meet or exceed your essential criteria, clearing away the noise. Engage vendors for demos or help creating POCs.
3. Engage your team: Early involvement of your stakeholders is crucial for a time-bound project like this one. Communication is key—prime your decision makers early on that they’re going to be needed. (We’ve got templates to help with this, too!)
4. Prepare and migrate: This is where the rubber meets the road. If your chosen provider allows, it might be as easy as flipping your POC to production. 
5. Onboarding your team: Your stakeholders and testers need to be prepared in advance for this change. We have templated communications to help you reach out at various stages of the project.

Mapping your requirements

Understanding what you need from a new platform is critical. Looking at App Center functionality, you may be looking for replacements for some or all of this functionality:

• Building: Automating the process of compiling code to maintain efficiency.
• Testing: Verifying app performance across different devices.
• Distribution: Sharing builds for feedback and approval smoothly.
• CodePush: Delivering app updates without requiring full downloads from users.
• Analytics & Diagnostics: Keeping tabs on user interactions and identifying issues early.

Other considerations

Beyond the functionality, there are other considerations that you may need to keep in mind and capture in your requirements document. Some examples:

• Compliance and security: Making sure any new solution meets your industry’s regulatory standards and your company’s security requirements.
• Budget: Ensuring your preferred replacement(s) are in the scope of available budget. 
• Reliability and support: Does your company require particular details such as uptime or support turnarounds in an SLA? 
• Scalability: Choose a platform that can grow with your team and adapt to future needs.

Tools and resources to keep things on track

To help you move fast, we’ve put together a comprehensive migration prep pack. This includes everything you need to streamline your transition:

• Requirements spreadsheet: Easily categorize and prioritize what you need most from your new software.
• Evaluation checklist: Ensure every potential solution meets your criteria.
• Business case: Help get your organization’s sign-off faster with this clear and easy pre-written structure.
• Communication templates: Pre-written emails for stakeholder engagement and onboarding communications.

Next steps

Join this upcoming webinar: Get expert advice and insights on managing your migration effectively. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn from others in the same boat. 

Download the migration pack: Equip yourself with the tools and templates to make this transition smooth and stress-free. 

By following these steps and utilizing the resources available, you can get your team where they need to be ahead of the deprecation of Microsoft Visual Studio App Center.