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StoriesOnBoard and Azure DevOps integration overview

Science & Technology

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to connect your StoriesOnBoard story map to your Azure DevOps product backlog to enable real-time, bidirectional synchronization of your entire project structure across both platforms. This integration can enhance team collaboration and streamline the planning process.

Importance of a Story Map

The visual layout of a story map in StoriesOnBoard provides a clearer understanding of your project goals. It allows team members and stakeholders to communicate effectively, plan their product, and stay organized. The user map enables teams to define user personas, visualize goals, and track user journeys. User stories can be organized into releases and prioritized accordingly, offering a user-centered approach that promotes a big-picture perspective.

Setting Up the Integration

To connect StoriesOnBoard with Azure DevOps, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Integration Settings: Open the integration settings within the StoriesOnBoard interface and select Azure DevOps.

  2. Authenticate and Select Project: Paste your Azure DevOps URL to authenticate. Select the project you wish to connect to your story map.

  3. Choose Synchronization Hierarchy: Decide whether to sync at the epic, feature, or user story level. The hierarchy allows for the top-level cards to be mapped as epics, the second level as features, and the third level as user stories.

  4. Set Area Path and Status Mapping: Define your area paths for export and establish mappings for card statuses between StoriesOnBoard and Azure DevOps.

  5. Enable Real-time Synchronization: Specify what elements (titles, descriptions, estimations) you wish to sync in real-time between both platforms.

Enhancing Team Collaboration

With the integration active, team members can access the story map interface to have relevant discussions throughout each project phase. From user persona creation and planning to backlog management, everyone has visibility into the progress of user stories.

  • User Story Management: When a new card is created in StoriesOnBoard, it can be pushed to Azure DevOps, creating a corresponding work item. The real-time updates mean that actions taken on either platform are reflected across both.

  • Release Management: As user stories are pushed to Azure DevOps, corresponding releases can be synchronized as well. This includes details such as release goals, start and end dates, and any associated reports.

  • Bidirectional Updates: Changes made to user stories, whether in Azure DevOps or StoriesOnBoard, automatically sync with the other platform. This capability ensures that all team members are updated with the most current information.

Conclusion

The integration between StoriesOnBoard and Azure DevOps provides a robust framework for managing product backlogs efficiently. It fosters collaboration by offering a visual representation of user stories, enhancing communication, and ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned throughout the product development lifecycle.

Keywords

  • StoriesOnBoard
  • Azure DevOps
  • Integration
  • User Stories
  • Synchronization
  • Product Backlog
  • User Personas
  • Visual Mapping
  • Workflow
  • Collaboration

FAQ

Q1: What is the benefit of integrating StoriesOnBoard with Azure DevOps?
A: The integration facilitates real-time, bidirectional synchronization of project elements, improving team collaboration and communication.

Q2: Can I choose what gets synchronized between the two platforms?
A: Yes, you can select specific elements such as titles, descriptions, and estimations to sync in real-time according to your project needs.

Q3: What types of items can I synchronize?
A: You can sync epics, features, and user stories from StoriesOnBoard to Azure DevOps and vice versa.

Q4: Is it possible to manage releases through this integration?
A: Yes, the integration allows for release management, including synchronization of release goals and timelines.

Q5: How does the bidirectional update feature work?
A: Any changes made to a user story on either platform will automatically update the corresponding item on the other platform, ensuring consistency and current information.