Client: Digital Juice Inc.
Industry: Digital Media Content Creation
Project Duration: November 2014 – June 2015

Project Overview

The Website Deployment Tool was created to automate and streamline the deployment process for Digital Juice Inc., reducing manual intervention and ensuring quick, error-free deployments.

Objectives and Challenges

The primary goal was to automate the deployment process, reduce downtime, and minimize errors. Key challenges included managing complex deployment sequences, ensuring zero downtime, and implementing robust rollback mechanisms.

Technologies Used

• Backend: C#.NET, ASP.NET Web API, WCF
• Database: SQL Server
• Storage and Delivery: AWS S3
• Data Handling: Protocol Buffers
• ORM: Dapper
• Design Patterns: Singleton, Repository, Master-Slave Architecture

Solutions and Innovations

Automated Deployment:

• Developed a tool to automate the entire deployment process, reducing dependency on manual intervention.
• Implemented a master-slave architecture to manage deployments across multiple servers with minimal downtime.
• Utilized the Singleton design pattern to ensure only one instance of the master and slave applications is running on each server at any given time.

Optimizing Storage and Delivery:

• Used AWS S3 for efficient storage and delivery of deployment packages.
• Implemented integrity checks using hash verification and automated rollback mechanisms to ensure reliable deployments.

Enhancing Data Management:

• Leveraged SQL Server for logging and monitoring deployment actions, providing real-time insights and audit capabilities.
• Used Dapper as the ORM to handle database operations efficiently.

Robust Backend Architecture:

• Developed using ASP.NET Web API and WCF for robust backend services.
• Implemented Repository design pattern to manage data access logic separately from business logic.

Impact and Benefits

The Website Deployment Tool significantly improved operational efficiency:

• Reduced Deployment Times: Automated processes led to faster and more reliable deployments.
• Minimized Errors: Automated checks and rollback mechanisms reduced errors associated with manual deployments.
• Cost Savings: Eliminated the need for third-party deployment services, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Full Stack Development: Involved in both backend and frontend development, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
• Problem Solving: Addressed complex deployment issues, designed robust solutions, and implemented error-handling mechanisms.
• Collaboration: Worked closely with the technical architect, lead, and manager to ensure project success and alignment with company goals.
• Testing and Debugging: Conducted extensive testing and debugging to ensure the tool’s reliability and performance.

Personal Learnings and Takeaways

• Automation Skills: Gained deep insights into automating deployment processes and managing large-scale server environments.
• Technical Proficiency: Enhanced knowledge of C#.NET, ASP.NET Web API, WCF, and design patterns like Singleton and Repository.
• Professional Growth: Improved problem-solving abilities and developed a strong foundation in backend development and automation.

Recognition

The project was recognized within the company, earning “Employee of the Month” and “Employee of the Quarter” awards for its success and impact.

Visuals and Links

• YouTube Channel: Digital Juice TV
• Promotional Video: Digital Juice Resolution Video