What is Stackify?

Stackify is a comprehensive application performance monitoring (APM) tool that has been rebranded as BMC. It offers developers and DevOps teams a suite of features designed to optimize application performance, streamline troubleshooting, and enhance code quality. By integrating application performance monitoring, error tracking, and log management, Stackify provides a holistic view of application health, allowing teams to identify and resolve issues efficiently.

Features

Stackify boasts a variety of features that cater to developers and IT professionals. Here’s a breakdown of its key functionalities:

Full Lifecycle Application Performance Monitoring

• Code-Level Monitoring: Stackify provides insights at the code level, allowing developers to pinpoint performance bottlenecks and bugs effectively.
• Integrated Logs and Errors: The tool contextualizes application performance data with integrated logs and error tracking, enabling teams to troubleshoot issues more efficiently.

Retrace

Retrace is Stackify's APM tool that focuses on:

• Pinpointing Production Issues: Quickly identify and resolve production problems to minimize downtime.
• Integrated Performance Monitoring: Combines application performance monitoring, error tracking, and logging for a comprehensive troubleshooting experience.
• Comprehensive Insights: Offers detailed transaction traces and performance metrics to understand application behavior better.

Prefix

Prefix is designed for developers to ensure code quality during the development phase:

• Code Profiling and Testing: Validate code functionality in real-time as you write it, identifying hidden exceptions and slow SQL queries before they impact production.
• Instant Feedback: Provides immediate insights into application performance, enabling developers to squash bugs early in the development cycle.
• Smart Suggestions: Offers actionable insights to maximize code-level performance.

Integrated Error Tracking

• Proactive Code Improvement: Use Retrace's error tracking in QA or development environments to identify performance issues before they reach production.
• Reduced Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR): Simplifies troubleshooting with integrated error tracking and transaction trace data.

Comprehensive Transaction Tracing

• Detailed Transaction Insights: Provides a full picture of application performance by tracking transactions and understanding what the code is doing at any moment.
• Unified Profiling and Logging: Combines profiling data with logs for a more thorough analysis of performance issues.

Log Management Hub

• Centralized Logging: Consolidate all application logs into a single interface for easier access and management.
• Structured Logging: Enhance log intelligence with searchable properties, log tags, and objects.

Support for Multiple Technologies

Stackify is compatible with a wide array of programming languages and platforms, including:

• .NET
• Java
• Python
• Node.js
• Ruby
• PHP
• Kubernetes
• Azure
• AWS

This extensive support ensures that Stackify can fit seamlessly into various tech stacks, making it a versatile choice for diverse development teams.

Use Cases

Stackify is suitable for a variety of scenarios, making it an essential tool for development and operations teams. Here are some common use cases:

Application Performance Monitoring

Stackify is ideal for organizations looking to maintain high application performance. Its monitoring capabilities allow teams to:

• Identify slow transactions and performance bottlenecks.
• Monitor the health of applications in real-time.
• Optimize application performance based on actionable insights.

Error Tracking and Troubleshooting

For teams focused on improving code quality and reducing downtime, Stackify offers:

• Proactive error tracking to catch issues before they impact end-users.
• Detailed logs and transaction traces to facilitate quick troubleshooting.
• Integration with development environments to streamline error resolution.

Development and Testing

Developers can leverage Stackify during the development phase to:

• Validate application functionality with instant feedback.
• Identify and fix performance issues early in the coding process.
• Optimize SQL queries and other performance-related aspects before deployment.

DevOps Integration

For DevOps teams, Stackify supports:

• Continuous monitoring and feedback loops to enhance deployment strategies.
• Centralized logging for better collaboration between development and operations.
• The ability to set up alerts and notifications for critical performance issues.

Pricing

Stackify offers flexible pricing models tailored to different needs. While specific pricing details may vary, the following outlines the general structure:

• Free Trial: Stackify provides a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing users to explore its features before committing.
• Subscription Plans: After the trial, users can choose from various subscription plans based on their organizational needs, such as the number of applications monitored or the level of support required.
• Custom Pricing: Larger organizations or those with specific requirements may benefit from custom pricing options.

Comparison with Other Tools

Stackify stands out in the APM market due to its unique combination of features. Here’s how it compares to other popular APM tools:

Versatility

• Integration with Multiple Technologies: While many APM tools are limited to specific programming languages or frameworks, Stackify supports a wide range of technologies, making it a versatile option for diverse tech stacks.

Comprehensive Insights

• Unified Monitoring: Unlike some tools that focus solely on performance or error tracking, Stackify combines both aspects, providing a more holistic view of application health.

Developer-Centric Features

• Real-Time Feedback: Stackify’s Prefix tool enables developers to receive immediate insights during the coding process, which is not a common feature in many APM solutions.

Centralized Logging

• Log Management Hub: Stackify's centralized logging feature simplifies log management compared to other tools that may require separate log management solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness

• Flexible Pricing: Stackify’s pricing model is designed to accommodate organizations of all sizes, making it a cost-effective solution for startups and large enterprises alike.

FAQ

What types of applications can Stackify monitor?

Stackify can monitor a wide range of applications developed in various programming languages, including .NET, Java, Python, Node.js, Ruby, and PHP, among others.

How does Stackify help reduce downtime?

By providing real-time insights into application performance and integrated error tracking, Stackify enables teams to identify and resolve issues quickly, thereby minimizing downtime.

Can Stackify be used in a cloud environment?

Yes, Stackify is designed to work seamlessly with cloud environments, including AWS and Azure, making it an excellent choice for organizations leveraging cloud infrastructure.

Is there a free trial available?

Yes, Stackify offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing potential users to explore its features before making a commitment.

How does Stackify support DevOps practices?

Stackify supports DevOps practices by providing continuous monitoring, centralized logging, and real-time feedback loops, facilitating better collaboration between development and operations teams.

In conclusion, Stackify is a robust APM tool that combines application performance monitoring, error tracking, and log management into a single platform. Its versatile features, developer-centric tools, and cost-effective pricing make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize application performance and enhance code quality. Whether you are a developer, a DevOps professional, or part of an IT team, Stackify offers valuable insights to help you maintain application health and improve overall performance.