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Moving to DevOps may seem like a mammoth task at first sight but once the benefits start reaping in, it makes the journey every bit worthwhile. Organizations that foresee and plan for the challenges that may arise in the change process are the ones that can benefit quicker. Often, this is an overlooked step in the DevOps transformation process leading to multiple bottle-necks involving an overspend on time and/or money.
Here's a few insights we've picked up along the way to help you understand what goes into introducing DevOps to your organization.
- Ensure all teams are on the same page
DevOps is more a cultural practice than a purely IT-based process change. This means that for you to get the most out of your DevOps transformation, all involved teams must be open and aligned to the benefits of more transparency, communication and collaboration. Encourage active participation and input collection from all team members, appropriate training and development and a fail-fast approach before, during and after implementation.
- Don’t automate everything you see
A common misconception is that DevOps = Automation. Automating tasks/processes that are repetitive, time-consuming and cost-sensitive only makes sense. However, if the process doesn’t fulfill these parameters, automation is not the most logical way to address these. Additionally, complex processes that require decision-making and manual intervention shouldn’t be automated. A workaround would be to automate small-scale and component tasks that support said complex process.
- Take baby steps
It may seem like a mammoth undertaking but it doesn’t have to be. Taking short and steady steps towards changing your development practices will ensure a smooth transition while also garnering learnings and support along the way. Resistance to change is undeniable but tempering yourself will minimize this resistance.
- Know what works for you
It’s important to remember that the mere usage of DevOps tools doesn’t translate into a successful DevOps culture. While every organization should prioritize the latter over the former, it is important to objectively assess how your current model is built and how it is intended to run in the foreseeable future. Depending on your answers for both, the benefits of adopting DevOps may or may not seem marginal. For example, if your organization is divided into separate units and intended to continue functioning that way, DevOps would not serve as the most effective solution.
- Do your calculations
It goes without saying that time and money are the next most important parameters for deciding on whether or not to proceed with DevOps for your business. It is crucial to invest the right budgets and time-frames to implement DevOps - sometimes, the benefits are not immediately visible or don’t seem substantial. Stay with the program for a sufficient amount of time before re-evaluating your decision.
Finally...
Implementing a strong DevOps module into your organization will ultimately rely on the success of the overall cultural shift and the right combination of tools and expertise you bring on-board. Challenges and hurdles are manageable when every individual from the executive level down to the developer is aligned towards common development, business and cultural goals.
Convinced? Head on over to our page for a quick ServiceNow DevOps demo or a quote.
Not convinced yet? Reach out to our team for more information on how to adopt DevOps for your workplace.
