Skilift

Next-Generation GitOps Deployment Framework
Lightning
Fast Deployments
Minimal
Human Intervention
Complete
Automated Validation

Framework Overview

Pull-based GitOps model for deploying cloud services with zero human intervention

GitOps Model

Pull-based deployment where infrastructure state is declared in Git repositories. Continuous monitoring for changes with automatic cluster updates.

Infrastructure as Code

Declarative YAML configurations define the desired state of resources. Version-controlled infrastructure for complete audit trails.

Automated Pipeline

Integrated automation for testing, validation, and deployment. Ensures consistent and reliable releases across all environments.

Architecture Components

📦

Helm Chart Repository

Each service maintains its helm charts with manifests, templates, and dependencies like Vault configurations.

📋

Manifest Repository

Contains HelmRelease and Kustomization manifests for services - the source for Flux-based deployments.

🔧

Common Resources

Manages shared resources like zone-info configmaps containing zone metadata used by all helm charts.

🚀

CI/CD Pipeline

Automated pipelines for chart validation, testing, and pushing to container registries.

⚡

Flux Bootstrap

Onboards deployment zones with credentials and initial Kustomizations for service management.

🤖

Automation Pack

StackStorm pack containing actions and aliases that orchestrate the entire deployment process.

Our Mission

Empower teams with a reliable, automated deployment framework that reduces human errors, boosts operational efficiency, and speeds up service delivery.

✓ Zero Human Errors
✓ Boosted Efficiency
✓ Rapid Delivery

Our Impact

This framework reduces operational costs by minimizing manual interventions (reducing Human Touch Time), enabling developers to confidently manage deployments, improving overall product delivery cycles.

Skilift provides automation that enables the safe and consistent delivery of changes from staging to canary to production zones.

Key Benefits of Skilift Deployment Framework

Pull-Based Deployment Framework

  • Eliminate reliance on GitLab Runners
  • Utilize automation to minimize HTT (Human Touch Time) for deployments
  • Enhanced scalability for growing infrastructure

Staggered Rollout

  • Gradually rolling out changes to minimize impact scope
  • Controlled deployment with feedback mechanisms
  • Increased reliability on service deployments

Pre/Post Deployment Validation

  • Integration with Traffic Controller for pre-validation checkpoint
  • Cerberus conducts post-deployment validation

Unified Deployment Framework

  • Supports deployment to any Kubernetes containerized infrastructure
  • Unified deployment solution for multiple zone types
  • Consistent deployment experience across environments
  • Comprehensive validation at every deployment stage
Skilift Workflow
Promote + Deploy workflow with manual triggers and automated scheduled triggers
▼
Rollout Workflow
Deploy Only workflow with zone-specific and level-specific deployment capabilities
▼
Turbo Workflow
Emergency Quick Rollout for critical deployments requiring immediate action
▼
22+
Active Components
8
Deployment Levels
50%
Reduced Deploy Time
Zero
Human Touch Time

Available Software Components

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GFN Skilift - A Unified View of Various Deployment Workflows

Our deployment framework provides three distinct workflows to handle different deployment scenarios, from standard releases to emergency rollouts. Each workflow is designed to minimize risk while maximizing deployment efficiency.

Resources & Documentation

📊 Executive presentation (GFN Engineering Sync - 4th Feb, 2025) 📄 Presentation deck - GFN Skilift office hours

Ready to streamline your deployments?

Explore our Software Components to view and manage your service configurations across all levels.

View Software Components →