Configure projects and teams in Azure DevOps

In this guide, we explore how to configure projects and teams using Azure DevOps—a robust platform that streamlines development, enhances collaboration, and secures project management processes.

Creating a New Project

Organize your development efforts by creating a new project in Azure DevOps. Sign in to your Azure DevOps account and click on New Project.

Fill in the project name and description, then select the visibility (public or private). You can also configure advanced options such as version control (Git or TFS) and choose a work item process (Agile, Scrum, or CMMI).

After entering all required details, click Create to establish your project. This action builds a dedicated workspace for managing code, work items, builds, and releases. Once the project is created, it is important to further configure the project settings to meet your workflow and security requirements.

Access project settings by clicking on the gear icon in your dashboard. From the general settings, you can update project details such as the name, description, and visibility.

For repository management, adjust Git settings and enforce policies. In the Pipelines section, configure build and release processes, and use Boards to customize work items. Security settings allow you to control access across various project resources.

Best Practices for Project Setup

• Use clear and descriptive naming conventions.
• Define appropriate access restrictions and user roles.
• Implement repository policies to maintain high standards for code quality and security.

Configuring Teams

Azure DevOps simplifies team organization by allowing you to group users for focused work item management, sprint planning, and dashboard configurations. To create a new team, navigate to your project settings and select the Teams section.

Click on New Team and provide a team name, description, and assign team members. Additionally, set default areas and iterations where applicable.

After clicking Create, your team is ready to collaborate effectively. Beyond basic setup, customize team-specific boards, backlogs, and sprint schedules to fit your organizational processes.

Managing Permissions

Proper permission management is critical for ensuring the right level of access while safeguarding your projects. To manage these permissions:

1. Go to your project settings.
2. Select Permissions.
3. Choose the team or individual user whose permissions you want to configure.
4. Assign roles (Contributor, Reader, or Admin) by setting the appropriate access levels.

Customizing Work Items and Boards

Tailoring work items and boards to your team's workflows is essential for increasing development efficiency.

Customizing Work Items

• Navigate to your organization settings.
• Under Boards, select Process.
• Choose your process template (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and adjust work item types, states, and fields according to your needs.

Customizing Boards and Backlogs

• Access your team settings.
• Customize board columns, swim lanes, and card styles.
• Configure backlog levels and view options to better reflect your project priorities.

Adjust these configurations to match your team’s processes and improve usability.

Setting Up Sprints and Iterations

Sprints and iterations allow you to manage work in clearly defined time segments. To set them up:

1. Open the project settings in your Azure DevOps project.
2. Under Boards, select Project Configuration.
3. Click on Iterations to create new sprints or iterations.
4. Define the start and end dates for each sprint.

You can also assign work items to these sprints by dragging them onto the respective sprint within the backlog view. This approach helps your team effectively plan, execute, and review tasks incrementally.

Managing Work Items

Effective management of work items is vital for tracking progress and maintaining project organization. To create or update work items:

1. Navigate to the project board.
2. Click New Work Item and choose the appropriate type (e.g., task, bug, or user story).
3. Provide the necessary details and save the work item.
4. For updates, simply edit the work item fields, modify states, and add comments as needed.

Linking related work items (like tasks, bugs, or user stories) can significantly improve traceability and project tracking.

Work Item Best Practices

• Keep descriptions clear and concise.
• Use tags to categorize and prioritize work items.
• Regularly update statuses for an accurate reflection of progress.

By incorporating these practices, you establish a robust tracking system that aligns perfectly with your development process.

Conclusion

Configuring projects and teams properly in Azure DevOps sets the foundation for collaborative success and robust project management. By following the steps outlined above—setting up projects, configuring teams, managing permissions, customizing boards and work items, and organizing sprints—you can tailor an environment that boosts productivity and maintains security.

For further insights, consider exploring the Azure DevOps Documentation and other related Microsoft DevOps Solutions.