The DevOps way of working has already proven to be highly effective, yet many companies are still in the beginning stages of their implementations.
DevOps (Development & Operations) is a unique software development approach for businesses that are looking for shorter time-to-market lead times, lower development costs, improved quality and continuous improvements in products and services for customers and end-users.
The transition into fully utilizing DevOps is a journey that affects many elements inside an organization: processes, technologies, organizational culture, structure and even employee habits. This transformation has both opportunities and potential obstacles. But this should not be discouraging. With the right approach, adopting DevOps is easier than it might seem at first glance.
Below I list tips for avoiding typical misconceptions about DevOps implementation.
Misconception: DevOps implementation is done within a few months
It is important that the entire organisation understands that they will soon undergo a vast renovation. This change requires a considerable timescale — likely measured in years, rather than months. Also, be aware, that this is a journey without an end — you should strive for continuous improvement.
Misconception: We will succeed because a few people received DevOps training
This transformation requires the right scale of dedicated human resources. This is not a task for one person that has undergone training and participated in a series of workshops. As DevOps implementations are highly interdisciplinary, you will need a network of professionals across the organization that can foster collaboration in tight-knit teams.
Misconception: Skilled external consultants will make the DevOps transformation for us
The DevOps journey will impact your organization as a whole. This means that it cannot be handled from the outside by another organization. The bulk of the work will be done inside your own development teams. However, an external entity is useful for advocating change, guiding your path and helping the process along.
Misconception: DevOps transformation will show benefits only after years of work
Approach the transformational challenge the right way to obtain considerable benefits quickly. Based on my experience with clients, Value Stream Mapping has been extremely useful exercise for many organizations. Through this process, we have identified the most challenging areas and the areas in which DevOps will yield the most benefits. This detailed process enables us to identify the needed changes and the required effort to implement them. Thus, we have a clear roadmap, with "low-hanging fruit" at the beginning and bigger challenges waiting further along the journey. This path, which is divided into achievable incremental steps, reassures teams by continuously demonstrating that DevOps is the correct way to go. Moreover, the early results help drive the organizational change and speed up the transformation.
DevOps results speak for themselves, although it is necessary to note that each DevOps transformation is unique. In one recent Tieto DevOps service delivery, the customer's development efficiency increased by 250%, while infrastructure and operational support costs were lowered by 50% — with further cost reductions visible in licensing and tools.
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Tietoevry DevOps Advisory Services can help you proceed towards real DevOps benefits, whether you are just evaluating DevOps for your organization or have already implemented DevOps practices.
Tapani has over 30 years of experience in the IT sector, from software development to consulting, working both in development and management positions. Currently, he works as Modernization Advisor, helping to adopt DevOps practices. Tapani is a certified Scrum Master and TOGAF 9.1 Enterprise Architect.