Cloud-Based Continuous Integration & Continuous Delivery

Cloud-based continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) is an approach where CI/CD pipelines are hosted on cloud infrastructure, offering benefits such as enhanced scalability, increased pipeline performance, and cost savings. Unlike on-premises CI/CD, which requires managing hardware and resources internally, cloud-based CI/CD allows teams to automate delivery processes without maintaining the underlying infrastructure, thus focusing on consistent workflows and scalability. While cloud-based CI/CD provides flexibility and ease of use, it involves trade-offs like less control over the environment and potential vendor lock-in. Various models exist, from fully managed services like GitHub Actions and GitLab CI/CD to self-managed systems running on cloud infrastructure, offering different levels of customization and control. Specialized tools like Spacelift offer additional features for infrastructure automation, making cloud-based CI/CD an appealing choice for teams aiming to streamline their development processes, though on-premises solutions may still be preferable for those with strict compliance and data residency requirements.