3 Myths About Backstage
Myth 1: Backstage Automatically Enhances Developer Self-Service Experience
Explanation of Myth: There's a widespread belief that implementing Backstage is a silver bullet for improving the developer self-service experience.
Debunking the Myth:
- Backstage serves as a framework, but the onus of defining 'Self-Service' and optimizing it for specific needs lies with the platform engineering team.
- A successful self-service experience requires a thoughtful understanding of the developers' needs, careful customization of Backstage, and a commitment to continuous iteration and feedback.
Myth 2: Backstage is a Ready-to-Use Solution Out of the Box
Explanation of Myth: Many assume that Backstage can be deployed and used effectively without significant customization.
Debunking the Myth:
- Backstage is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires initial setup, configuration, and ongoing adjustments to align with an organization's specific processes and workflows.
- The platform's true potential is unlocked through customization, making it a tool that adapts to an organization rather than the other way around.
Myth 3: Backstage Replaces Existing DevOps Tools
Explanation of Myth: A common misconception is that Backstage is designed to replace existing DevOps and infrastructure tools.
Debunking the Myth:
- Backstage is intended to integrate with existing tools, creating a more cohesive and streamlined interface for developers.
- Rather than replacing tools, it augments and enhances existing workflows, bringing together various tools into a unified portal.
Bonus Myth: Backstage is an Internal Developer Platform
Explanation of Myth: Some confuse Backstage for an Internal Developer Platform, assuming it provides the same functionalities.
Debunking the Myth:
- Backstage is an Internal Developer Portal, not an IDP. While both aim to improve developer experience, they serve different purposes.
- An Internal Developer Portal, like Backstage, primarily focuses on providing a centralized interface for tools and services. In contrast, an IDP offers a more comprehensive suite of tools and capabilities for end-to-end development and operations workflow management.
- For a detailed comparison and understanding of these two concepts, read this article.
Conclusion
Understanding what Backstage is — and isn't — can significantly impact how it's implemented and utilized within an organization. By debunking these myths, organizations can make informed decisions about how Backstage can best serve their development teams and complement their existing tools and processes.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Suggested articles
Simplify Kubernetes Deployment. Learn the difficult 6-step manual process for deploying Docker containers to Kubernetes, the friction of YAML and kubectl, and how platform tools like Qovery automate the entire workflow.
Observability in DevOps: Diagnose system failures faster. Learn how true observability differs from traditional monitoring. End context-switching, reduce MTTR, and resolve unforeseen issues quickly.
Fed up of rising Heroku costs and frequent outages? This guide compares the top 10 Heroku alternatives and competitors based on features, pricing, pros, and cons—helping developers and tech leaders choose the right PaaS.
Provisioning cloud resources shouldn’t require a second stack of tools. With Qovery’s new Terraform and OpenTofu support, you can now define and deploy your infrastructure right alongside your applications. Declaratively, securely, and in one place. No external runners. No glue code. No tool sprawl.
Looking for a Flux CD alternative? Discover why Qovery stands out as the #1 choice. Compare features, pros, and cons of the top 10 platforms to simplify your deployment strategy and empower your team.
AWS Production Deployment Checklist: Ensure stable, scalable deployments. Follow this four-pillar guide covering CI standards, IaC for CD, integrated DevSecOps, and proactive application monitoring.
.webp)