Deploying your app for customers doesn't have to hurt so much

Independent research commissioned by Replicated highlights the challenges and inefficiencies faced by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) when deploying applications in customer-managed environments, which include public and private clouds, hybrid setups, and on-premises data centers, as opposed to pure SaaS models. The study reveals that Proof of Concepts (POCs) and production installations often encounter significant delays, with only a small fraction completed swiftly, affecting sales cycles and developer productivity. Many vendors find that POCs and installations are prolonged due to customer delays, access issues, compatibility problems, and the complexity of the processes. Additionally, the frequent need for developers to assist with installations diverts them from their primary tasks, impacting development schedules. The research underscores the potential benefits of using platform installer approaches, such as those involving Kubernetes clusters, to streamline these processes and improve time-to-value after sales are closed. With data collected from a diverse group of professionals globally, the study aims to provide insights into the current trends and challenges in software deployment in customer-managed environments.