Azure Boards vs Azure DevOps: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Azure Boards and Azure DevOps are both software development tools offered by Microsoft. While Azure Boards focuses specifically on project management and tracking, Azure DevOps is a comprehensive solution that encompasses various aspects of the software development lifecycle.

1. Azure Boards: Azure Boards is a project management tool that enables teams to plan, track, and discuss work across the entire development process. It provides features such as customizable kanban boards, backlogs, work item tracking, and collaboration tools for agile planning and execution.

2. Azure DevOps: Azure DevOps, on the other hand, is a complete set of development tools that allows teams to plan, develop, test, and deliver software efficiently. It includes Azure Boards as one of its modules, along with other tools like Azure Repos for version control, Azure Pipelines for continuous integration and delivery, and Azure Test Plans for testing and quality assurance.

3. Integration and Collaboration: While Azure Boards primarily focuses on project management and tracking, Azure DevOps provides a more holistic approach by integrating all the necessary tools required for development and collaboration. This integration enables seamless communication and coordination across all stages of the development process.

4. Agile Methodology Support: Azure Boards is designed specifically for Agile methodologies and provides extensive support for Agile teams. It allows teams to implement Scrum or Kanban workflows, define sprints, track work progress, and visualize team activities. Azure DevOps, being a comprehensive solution, also supports Agile methodologies but offers additional functionalities for other development methodologies.

5. Pricing Structure: Azure Boards and Azure DevOps have different pricing structures. Azure Boards is available for free with limited features, and additional features can be purchased with a per-user license. On the other hand, Azure DevOps has different pricing tiers based on the number of users and the specific tools required. It offers more flexibility in terms of pricing options.

6. Extensibility: Azure DevOps provides a wide range of extensibility options, allowing teams to customize and extend the functionalities of the platform to meet their specific requirements. Azure Boards, as a part of Azure DevOps, inherits this extensibility and can be further customized using extensions, APIs, and integrations with other tools.

In summary, Azure Boards is a project management tool focused on agile planning and execution, while Azure DevOps is a comprehensive solution that includes Azure Boards along with other development and collaboration tools. Azure DevOps offers more integrated functionalities, supports various development methodologies, has a different pricing structure, and provides extensive extensibility options compared to Azure Boards.