DevOps services combine two key elements: software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). Introduced in 2009 by Patrick Debois, DevOps sought to use agile software development methodology to address the challenges of the traditional separation of software development and IT operations that were so common in the technology sector.
As a set of practices and tools, DevOps facilitates the collaboration of IT operations and development teams throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Automation in DevOps includes the entire build-test-release cycle, thereby enabling continuous integration and development pipelines.
The ability of DevOps to speed up timelines and reduce costs made it highly attractive for organizations, and its popularity continues to grow.
But while DevOps solves many challenges, implementing this philosophy also produces other ones. This blog outlines some of the most common problems in DevOps adoption – and how to overcome them.
Here are the 6 Challenges with DevOps Adoption and How to Overcome Them
Challenge #1: Organizational Culture
DevOps practices require a shift in organizational thinking, which will require more effort than you might think. Everyone wants to save money and produce better outcomes faster. But that doesn’t mean they understand what DevOps does, or how it works. As a result, you will likely encounter resistance from unexpected places.
DevOps represents a cultural shift in custom software development by creating a seamless workflow between software development and IT operations. But it’s highly like your teams aren’t used to working like that. Take time to outline DevOps practices and show how they will work in your organization. Make sure everyone understands the basic components of DevOps and what they will look like in their daily jobs. Also, focus on getting buy-in from your team before you get too far.
Challenge #2: Tools
DevOps methodology enables the collaboration of both development and IT operations teams throughout the entire software development lifecycle with a set of tools that extend automation beyond the build phase. (Read this blog for some of today’s top DevOps tools.)
The tools you choose depend on the type of infrastructure you want to use to develop your software. We recommend working with DevOps consulting experts like InApp to make sure you have the right tools in place. Selecting the correct tools is essential for the continuous deployment of successful software development projects.
Challenge #3: Training
The scope of changes required by DevOps requires training. We don’t mean just training on the tools you use, but also the basic tenets of DevOps. Start with training to promote a deeper understanding of how to employ DevOps practices to improve collaborative efforts throughout the entire software development lifecycle.
Again, this challenge is best managed by working with experts. InApp can help you implement a DevOps culture, improve your release process, and create a more efficient infrastructure. We also offer training to help your team learn DevOps best practices and get you on the road to success.
Challenge #4: Cross-functional teams
One of the biggest shifts in DevOps is the move away from specialized team members that traditionally worked in silos. Instead, you’re building cross-functional teams, that integrate all functions: front end, backend, infrastructure, testing, quality assurance, maintenance, etc.
The solution to this challenge also requires a shift in organizational thinking, as well as training. Invest in both technical and interpersonal skills for your team to smooth this transition. It improves both collaboration and communication within software development to shorten the development lifecycle, while also enabling continuous delivery and high quality.
Challenge #5: Microservices
To implement DevOps, you need a set of tools that will enable these collaborative efforts throughout the entire software development lifecycle. One such tool is microservices, an architectural and organizational approach to software development where software is composed of small independent services that communicate over well-defined APIs. Microservices make applications easier to scale and faster to develop, enabling innovation and accelerating time-to-market for new features.
Do your due diligence beforehand to make sure your team has the training and support they need for this switch. Again, this shift involves changes to mindset, so think beyond technical training to get it right.
Challenge #6: Test automation
DevOps relies on automation testing to improve productivity, as well as enable quality. But automation testing tools need to be used correctly to be effective. It’s not enough to pick a tool and run with it. You need an automated testing strategy to gain the benefits of reducing maintenance costs while boosting software performance.
Test automation comprises multiple factors, and one of the biggest challenges is considering them all. Again, we recommend working with experienced DevOps consultants. A solid testing automation strategy makes it easier to reap the benefits of a DevOps approach.
Why Choose InApp?
InApp’s DevOps assessment, automation, and management services empower clients with a delivery stream that drives business transformation. We use the power of DevOps to facilitate continuous software development by aligning IT strategy with IT infrastructure to improve operations and cut costs, while also helping clients quickly adapt to sudden challenges and requirements. Learn more about how InApp helped one client implement a DevOps solution to effectively manage IT infrastructure.
