Ad-hoc segregation refers to the initial and basic level of environmental maturity where segregation practices are minimal or nonexistent. In this scenario, test environments are set up on an as-needed basis without a defined structure or standards. To establish a more structured and efficient environment strategy for ad-hoc segregation, the following steps can be followed:
Assess the Current State
- Evaluate the existing test environment setup and identify areas where segregation is lacking or inconsistent
- Understand the pain points and challenges faced due to the ad-hoc nature of environment provisioning and management
- Document the current processes, resources, configurations, and dependencies in setting up test environments
Define Segregation Guidelines
- Establish basic guidelines and principles for environment segregation based on the needs and constraints
- Define criteria for segregating environments, such as by projects, teams, or testing stages
- Determine the scope of segregation, including resources like databases, servers, networks, and configurations
Standardize Configurations
- Document standardized configurations for different types of test environments
- Define a set of recommended software versions, dependencies, and configurations for each environment type
- Encourage teams to adhere to standardized configurations to ensure consistency and ease of management
Communicate and Train
- Educate the development and testing teams about the importance of environment segregation and the defined guidelines
- Communicate the benefits of following segregation practices, such as reduced conflicts, improved stability, and easier troubleshooting
- Conduct training sessions or workshops to ensure teams understand how to implement and manage segregated environments
Documentation and Visibility
- Maintain clear documentation outlining the process and requirements for setting up segregated test environments
- Create a central repository or knowledge base to store and share this documentation with relevant teams
- Ensure visibility of the available test environments, their purpose, and the procedures for requesting and using them
Continuous Improvement
- Regularly review and refine the environment strategy based on feedback and lessons learned
- Encourage teams to provide input and suggestions for improving environment segregation practices
- Monitor and address any issues or conflicts arising from the ad-hoc nature of the environment setup.
Tooling and Automation (optional)
- If feasible, implement basic tooling and automation to streamline environment provisioning and management
- Explore lightweight tools or scripts that can assist in automating certain aspects of environment setup, such as server configuration or database creation
While ad-hoc segregation may not provide the same level of control and efficiency as more mature segregation levels, following these steps can help improve test environments' overall organization and structure. It establishes basic guidelines and communication channels to ensure a minimum level of segregation and sets the foundation for further improvements in the environmental strategy.
