Azure DevOps Epic
Overview
In Azure DevOps, an Epic represents a high-level business requirement or large feature area that can be broken down into smaller, more manageable work items such as Features, User Stories, and Tasks.
To effectively specify an Epic, you should ensure clarity, alignment with business goals, and a structured breakdown of work.
Define a Clear and Descriptive Title
The title should concisely describe the high-level functionality or objective of the Epic, for eaxample:
"User Authentication and Authorization System"
Provide a Detailed Description
- Clearly explain the purpose and scope of the Epic.
- Describe the business need, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- Include any background information relevant to the Epic.
Example Description:
"This Epic focuses on implementing a secure user authentication and authorization system for the platform. It will enable users to register, log in, and access restricted resources based on roles. The goal is to enhance security, improve user experience, and ensure compliance with security best practices."
Define Business Objectives
Specify what the Epic aims to achieve in business terms.
Align objectives with broader organizational goals.
Example Business Objectives:
Enable secure user authentication across all services.
or
Improve user onboarding experience by 20%.
or
Ensure compliance with GDPR and security best practices.
Define Scope and Out of Scope Items
Clearly outline what is included in the Epic and what is explicitly excluded to avoid scope creep.
Example Scope:
✅ In Scope:
- User registration and login functionality.
- Role-based access control (RBAC).
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Password reset functionality.
❌ Out of Scope:
- Social login integration (Google, Facebook).
- Single Sign-On (SSO) for enterprise customers (will be handled in a separate Epic).
Specify Acceptance Criteria
Define the conditions that must be met for the Epic to be considered complete. This helps ensure alignment between stakeholders and developers.
Example Acceptance Criteria:
- Users can register, log in, and log out successfully.
- Admins can assign and manage user roles.
- Multi-factor authentication is implemented and works as expected.
- Logging mechanisms are in place to track authentication failures.
Break Down the Epic into Features
An Epic should be further decomposed into multiple Features, which will then be broken into User Stories or Backlog Items.
Example Feature Breakdown for the Epic "User Authentication and Authorization System":
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| User Registration | Allow users to sign up with email and password. |
| Login and Logout | Enable secure user authentication with session handling. |
| Role-Based Access Control | Implement user roles and permissions for different access levels. |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Add a second layer of authentication for enhanced security. |
| Password Reset and Recovery | Allow users to reset passwords securely. |
Define Dependencies
List any dependencies that could impact the Epic’s completion.
Example Dependencies:
- Requires completion of Epic #123 – Implement Authentication API.
- Requires security compliance validation before deployment.
Specify Timeline and Milestones
Provide estimated timeframes for completing the Epic and significant milestones.
Example Timeline:
- Sprint 1-2: Develop authentication API.
- Sprint 3-4: Implement frontend authentication UI.
- Sprint 5: Integrate MFA and role-based access control.
- Sprint 6: User testing and security compliance validation.
Assign Stakeholders and Responsibilities
List key stakeholders, including Product Owners, Developers, QA, and Security Teams.
Example Stakeholders:
- Product Owner: John Doe
- Tech Lead: Jane Smith
- Security Architect: Mark Johnson
- Development Team: Backend Team Alpha, Frontend Team Beta
10. Link Related Work Items
- Link Features, User Stories, and Bugs to the Epic.
- Connect it with Dependencies, Risks, and Test Plans.
Example Links in Azure DevOps:
| Work Item Type | Linked Item |
|---|---|
| Feature | "User Registration and Login" |
| Feature | "Multi-Factor Authentication" |
| Bug | "Login button unresponsive after page refresh" |
| Risk | "Potential security vulnerability in OAuth implementation" |
Track Progress and Monitor Status
- Use Azure DevOps Dashboards to track Epic completion.
- Update Status as work progresses (e.g., New, In Progress, Completed).
- Review the Epic regularly in sprint planning and backlog grooming.
Example Azure DevOps Epic Ticket
Title: User Authentication and Authorization System
Description:
This Epic focuses on implementing a secure user authentication and authorization system. The system should allow users to register, log in, and access resources based on predefined roles. The goal is to enhance security and comply with GDPR.
Business Objectives:
- Enable secure user authentication across all services.
- Improve user onboarding experience by 20%.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and security best practices.
Scope:
In Scope:
- User registration and login.
- Role-based access control (RBAC).
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Password reset functionality.
Out of Scope:
- Social login integration (Google, Facebook).
- Single Sign-On (SSO) for enterprise customers.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Users can register, log in, and log out successfully.
- Admins can assign and manage user roles.
- Multi-factor authentication is implemented and works as expected.
Features Linked to This Epic:
- User Registration – Allow users to create accounts.
- Login and Logout – Implement authentication logic.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Assign user permissions.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Enhance security.
- Password Reset and Recovery – Implement secure password management.
Dependencies:
- Completion of Epic #123 – Implement Authentication API.
- Security compliance validation before deployment.
Timeline & Milestones:
- Sprint 1-2: Develop authentication API.
- Sprint 3-4: Implement frontend authentication UI.
- Sprint 5: Integrate MFA and role-based access control.
- Sprint 6: User testing and security compliance validation.
Stakeholders:
- Product Owner: John Doe
- Tech Lead: Jane Smith
- Security Architect: Mark Johnson
- Development Team: Backend Team Alpha, Frontend Team Beta
Status: In Progress
Best Practices for Writing an Epic in Azure DevOps
- Keep it high-level but structured – Provide enough detail to guide work but avoid unnecessary technical details.
- Define clear acceptance criteria – Make it easy to determine when the Epic is completed.
- Ensure alignment with business goals – Connect the Epic with strategic objectives.
- Break down work items effectively – Create Features, then User Stories under each Feature.
- Regularly update and review – Monitor progress and adjust scope as needed.
Conclusion
A well-defined Epic in Azure DevOps provides clear goals, scope, acceptance criteria, and dependencies, ensuring that work progresses efficiently across teams.
By following this structured approach, your development team will have a clear roadmap for delivering high-impact, well-organised features.