5 Team Foundation Server Books to Elevate Your Software Projects

Recommended by Ed Blankenship, Steven St. Jean, and Steve Resnick for mastering Team Foundation Server tools and workflows

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if you could unlock the full potential of your software development lifecycle with Team Foundation Server (TFS)? As organizations increasingly demand faster delivery and tighter collaboration, mastering TFS has become crucial. This platform is not just about version control; it’s the backbone for Agile project management, build automation, and release workflows that keep teams in sync.

Experts like Ed Blankenship, a Microsoft MVP and program manager deeply involved in TFS development, and Steven St. Jean, a Senior ALM Consultant at Microsoft, have shaped some of the most trusted guides in this field. Their firsthand experience navigating TFS's evolving features helps developers and project managers cut through complexity to apply best practices effectively.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and detailed insights, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, or team needs might consider creating a personalized Team Foundation Server book that builds on these insights to accelerate learning and implementation.

Best for mastering TFS 2013 workflows
Steven St. Jean, a Senior ALM Consultant with Microsoft’s Premier Support for Developers team, brings his deep expertise in software development and lifecycle management to this book. His role at Microsoft provides him with firsthand insight into Team Foundation Server and Visual Studio tools, making this guide a thorough walkthrough of TFS 2013's features and capabilities. His experience ensures that you receive advice rooted in practical application rather than theory, directly benefiting developers and project managers looking to enhance productivity and software delivery.
Professional Team Foundation Server 2013 book cover

by Steven St. Jean, Damian Brady, Ed Blankenship, Martin Woodward, Grant Holliday··You?

2014·912 pages·Team Foundation Server, Agile Project Management, Test Case Management, Release Management, Version Control

Drawing from his extensive background as a Senior ALM Consultant within Microsoft's Premier Support for Developers team, Steven St. Jean co-authors a guide that demystifies Team Foundation Server 2013's expanded capabilities across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. You’ll gain concrete skills in Agile project management, test-case management, and release automation, alongside insights into version control and extensibility through TFS extensions. The book also serves as a solid preparation tool for the TFS certification exam, making it particularly useful if you're a developer, project manager, or tester aiming to deepen your command of Microsoft’s ALM ecosystem. Specific chapters dissect workflows and administration, helping you streamline your team's software delivery processes without jargon or fluff.

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Best for foundational TFS management skills
Ed Blankenship, a Microsoft MVP and recognized expert in software development, brings deep experience with Team Foundation Server to this authoritative guide. His extensive work with TFS in industry projects informs the book’s clear approach to mastering TFS 2010, making it a practical resource for anyone aiming to optimize software management within Microsoft’s ALM suite.
Professional Team Foundation Server 2010 book cover

by Ed Blankenship, Martin Woodward, Grant Holliday, Brian Keller··You?

2011·720 pages·Team Foundation Server, Visual Studio, Software Development, Project Management, Team Collaboration

During the rapid evolution of Team Foundation Server, Ed Blankenship and his co-authors, all seasoned Microsoft insiders and MVPs, crafted this guide to demystify TFS 2010's expanding capabilities. You’ll gain practical skills for managing everything from version control and work item tracking to build automation and reporting, with detailed chapters that cater to developers, project managers, testers, and administrators alike. For example, the book explains how to leverage TFS extensibility by writing custom extensions, a feature often overlooked yet crucial for tailoring your development workflow. If you’re involved in enterprise software delivery using Microsoft tools, this book offers a solid grounding without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for personalized learning paths
This AI-created book on Team Foundation Server is tailored to your skill level, background, and specific interests. You share which TFS features you want to focus on and your goals, and the book is crafted to fit exactly what you need. This personalized approach helps you navigate TFS’s complex ecosystem without unnecessary detours, giving you a clear, relevant path to mastery. It’s like having a guide who knows what matters most for your projects and learning style.
2025·50-300 pages·Team Foundation Server, Version Control, Build Automation, Agile Integration, Release Management

This tailored book explores the full spectrum of Team Foundation Server (TFS) features, crafted to align precisely with your background and learning goals. It examines core concepts such as version control, build automation, and Agile project workflows, while delving into advanced topics that matter most to your experience level and interests. By focusing on your specific needs, the content reveals how TFS supports team collaboration, release management, and continuous integration within software development lifecycles. This personalized guide offers a focused journey through TFS's capabilities, making complex workflows accessible and relevant to your unique context.

Tailored Guide
Workflow Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for agile project managers using TFS
Steve Resnick brings his experience as founder and managing director of BlueMetal Architects, alongside Aaron Bjork, a senior program manager at Microsoft focusing on Agile tooling for Team Foundation Server, and Michael de la Maza, an Agile coach with extensive training credentials. Their combined expertise shapes this guide, which addresses the practical challenges of running agile projects within the Microsoft ecosystem, providing you with insights drawn from years of industry and product development leadership.
Professional Scrum with Team Foundation Server 2010 book cover

by Steve Resnick, Aaron Bjork, Michael de la Maza··You?

2011·336 pages·Scrum, Team Foundation Server, Visual Studio, Agile, Project Management

While working as a senior program manager at Microsoft, Aaron Bjork teamed up with industry experts Steve Resnick and Michael de la Maza to tackle the complexities of integrating Scrum with Microsoft's Team Foundation Server. This book dives into how Visual Studio's project management tools can be harnessed for agile software development, blending traditional Scrum methods with the Microsoft Solutions Framework. You'll find detailed guidance on team and process models, tracking assets, and practical tactics for managing budgets and communication within agile projects. If your work revolves around Microsoft-based development and you want to align Scrum principles with TFS tools, this book offers a grounded approach without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for optimizing TFS 2012 projects
Ed Blankenship, the Microsoft Program Manager for Lab Management scenarios within Team Foundation Server and Visual Studio ALM, leads this authoritative guide. Known for his multiple Microsoft MVP awards in Visual Studio ALM and Team Foundation Server, Ed brings insider expertise to the 2012 edition. His deep involvement with the product and community, including speaking engagements at Microsoft TechEd, ensures the book is grounded in real-world use and updated features, making it a valuable reference for professionals working with TFS.
Professional Team Foundation Server 2012 book cover

by Ed Blankenship, Martin Woodward, Grant Holliday, Brian Keller··You?

2013·792 pages·Team Foundation Server, Software Development, Project Management, Version Control, Build Automation

When Ed Blankenship and his co-authors, all deeply embedded in Microsoft's ALM ecosystem, wrote this book, their goal was to demystify Team Foundation Server 2012 for developers and project managers alike. You’ll learn not just the basics of TFS but also delve into project management, version control, build automation, test case management, and extensibility options, all supported with practical insights from Microsoft insiders. The book is structured to serve both those preparing for TFS certification and professionals aiming to optimize their software management workflows. If you’re involved in software projects that rely on Microsoft tools, this book offers a thorough grounding without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

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Best for strategic TFS project oversight
Gerardus Blokdyk is an acclaimed best-selling author known for his expertise in self-assessment methodologies and project management. With a focus on practical applications, he has authored numerous guides that help professionals navigate complex topics effectively. His deep understanding of project dynamics and organizational change informs this detailed guide to Team Foundation Server, providing you with tools and frameworks to confidently assess and manage your TFS initiatives.
2021·304 pages·Team Foundation Server, Strategy, Project Management, Cost Planning, Self Assessment

Gerardus Blokdyk leverages his extensive background in project management and self-assessment methodologies to tackle the complexities of Team Foundation Server (TFS) in this guide. You’ll find a deep dive into evaluating organizational culture readiness, managing TFS project costs, and understanding strategic planning through detailed checklists and project management templates. The book offers practical tools like a self-assessment Excel dashboard that dynamically prioritizes your TFS projects, helping you identify critical tasks and outcomes clearly. If you’re responsible for overseeing TFS implementation or aiming to refine your TFS management skills, this book equips you with structured frameworks and actionable insights tailored to your needs.

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Best for rapid skill growth
This AI-created book on Team Foundation Server is crafted based on your experience level and learning goals. You share which TFS features you want to focus on and your current proficiency, and the book matches those needs precisely. This tailored approach makes it easier to focus on what’s essential for you, avoiding irrelevant details and helping you gain practical TFS skills quickly. A personalized pathway like this turns complex TFS workflows into clear, manageable steps tailored to your unique background.
2025·50-300 pages·Team Foundation Server, Version Control, Build Automation, Agile Management, Work Item Tracking

This tailored book offers a focused, step-by-step pathway to quickly gain proficiency in Team Foundation Server (TFS). It explores essential TFS concepts and practical workflows, covering version control, build automation, and agile project management tailored to your background and goals. By concentrating on the areas that matter most to you, this personalized guide reveals how to navigate TFS features efficiently, accelerating your mastery within a month. The content matches your specific interests and experience level, bridging foundational knowledge with actionable steps for real-world application. Whether you’re new to TFS or aiming to sharpen your skills rapidly, this book creates a clear, tailored learning journey designed to boost your confidence and effectiveness in managing software projects.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Skill Acquisition
1,000+ Happy Readers

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Conclusion

Across these five books, several themes emerge: deep expertise in TFS administration, practical Agile integration, and strategic project oversight. If you're tackling TFS for the first time, "Professional Team Foundation Server 2010" offers a solid foundation. For hands-on Agile practitioners, "Professional Scrum with Team Foundation Server 2010" bridges methodology with Microsoft tooling.

Those aiming to stay current with evolving TFS capabilities will find "Professional Team Foundation Server 2013" and "Professional Team Foundation Server 2012" invaluable. Meanwhile, "Team Foundation Server A Complete Guide" serves project managers seeking frameworks for assessing and managing TFS initiatives strategically.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Team Foundation Server book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and sharpen your TFS expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Professional Team Foundation Server 2010" for foundational knowledge. It covers core TFS concepts, making it easier to grasp later editions focused on newer features.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Team Foundation Server?

No, they range from beginner-friendly to advanced. "Professional Team Foundation Server 2010" provides accessible entry points, while later editions build on that base.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Begin with the earlier editions like 2010 or 2012 to understand core concepts, then move to newer editions like 2013 for recent features and integrations.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Professional Scrum with Team Foundation Server 2010" balances theory and practice by applying Scrum principles within TFS tools, while others emphasize practical administration and workflows.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Team Foundation Server?

Some prior knowledge helps, but key books like "Professional Team Foundation Server 2010" are written to guide newcomers through foundational concepts effectively.

Can personalized books help me better than these expert guides?

Yes. While these expert books offer solid frameworks, personalized books tailor insights to your experience and goals, bridging theory with your unique Team Foundation Server challenges. Consider creating your own tailored TFS book for targeted learning.

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