A system for automating the life cycle of a software application is provided. The software application utilizes computing resources distributed over a network. A representative system includes creating logic operable to create a task list which describes how at least one stage in the application life cycle is to be performed, and processing logic responsive to the creating logic, operable to process the task list to perform at least one stage in the application life cycle. The processing logic is integrated with a development environment, and the development environment is used to develop the software application.