What is the Ideal DevOps Model?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the ideal DevOps model. Every business is different and will have different needs for implementing a DevOps operating model. However, there are some fundamental principles that all companies should keep in mind when looking to implement DevOps. We will discuss the main principles of DevOps and its maturity model. We will also explore how businesses can be successful by implementing DevOps and what the benefits of doing so are.
What is a DevOps model, and what are the objectives?
The model is a way of thinking about and approaching software development that emphasizes communication, collaboration, integration, automation, and measurement of cooperation between software developers and other IT professionals.
A DevOps Model objectives are to:
- Improve the speed of delivery
- Reduce the time it takes to go from idea to value
- Improve quality and predictability
- Increase transparency
- Enable better communication
- Help you work smarter
What are the types of DevOps?
Development
Operations
Security
Each type has its own set of tools, processes, and practices.
Development teams use DevOps to automate their workflows and improve their collaboration. Operations teams use it to manage infrastructure and deployments. Security teams use it to secure applications and data.
What are the main principles of DevOps?
The model is built on principles that can be applied to any organization, no matter its size or industry. These principles are:
- Continuous Integration
- Continuous Delivery
- Continuous Testing
- Infrastructure as Code
- Monitoring and Logging
These principles are intended to help businesses improve the speed of delivery while also reducing the time it takes to go from idea to value. They also aim to improve quality and predictability and increase transparency and improve communication.
DevOps Operating Model:
What is the Ideal DevOps Model?
DevOps is often described as an operating model that combines the best aspects of both development and operations. Organizations, however, need to determine what more they need to achieve desired results. Continuous learning from both the teams and the organization is critical. This is because the DevOps operating model determines growth through technology and processes operated by such individuals and entities.
The Centralized, Decentralized, and Hybrid Models are examples of operating models. Each model has unique strengths worthy for an organization to consider before deciding which suits them. The centralized model is suitable if you are seeking easier management and control. The Hybrid model is ideal if you seek faster delivery and increased agility.
The Decentralized model is suitable if you seek more innovative ideas as it allows for more creativity.
DevOps practice/implementation
Implementing the model requires technical and cultural changes. Technical practices include things like automation, continuous delivery, microservices, etc. Cultural practices include hiring the right people, establishing the right processes, and sharing information effectively.
The goal of DevOps is to bring these two worlds together by automating the process of software delivery and making it more efficient.
Many tools are available to help businesses automate their workflows, but not all of them are created equal. The right tool for your organization will depend on your specific needs.
DevOps Maturity Model
The maturity model is a framework that businesses can use to assess their current status of DevOps adoption and identify areas where they need to improve.
Organizational DevOps maturity can be gauged by automation, culture and strategy, structure and process, and collaboration & sharing.
The model has five levels: ad hoc, repeatable, manageable, optimized, and adaptive. Each group represents a different stage in the journey to DevOps maturity.
- Ad-hoc: The first stage of the maturity model is characterized by manual processes and little to no automation.
- Repeatable: The second stage of the maturity model is characterized by some automation and beginning to standardize processes.
- Managed: The third stage of the maturity model is characterized by more advanced automation and better process management.
- Optimized: The fourth stage of the maturity model is characterized by extensive automation and processes constantly being tweaked for improved performance.
- Adaptive: The fifth and final stage of the maturity model is characterized by continuous integration and delivery and a culture of continual learning.
There are vital aspects to consider in the maturity model. Different tools & frameworks used across other teams need to be coordinated: there should be a standardization of processes and culture across the organization. A mechanism needs to be in place to track progress and performance.
Proof-of-concept implementations should be done to validate new ideas before implementing them organization-wide. In addition to carefully selecting tools and processes, choosing 3-4 teams facilitates faster feedback loops and an easier-to-manage scope. Teams are mentored for self-sufficiency and autonomy in their day-to-day operations.
Sustained and Repeatable DevOps are an excellent option for businesses wishing to improve their speed of delivery and the time taken to go from idea to value. DevOps Governance is done through the CIO with the help of a Chief DevOps Officer. Optimized DevOps go a long way in increasing predictability as well as quality.
Lessons learned using continuous feedback are incorporated back to improve the DevOps implementations.
DevOps Model Pros and Cons
Pros
- Shorter time to market
- Faster delivery of features
- Increased collaboration and communication
- Greater customer satisfaction
- Improved quality
Cons
- Organizational silos
- Lack of communication
- Lack of collaboration
- Cultural differences
Tips to overcome these challenges
- Adopt an automation first mindset
- Work to increase communication and collaboration
- Establish a shared understanding of what DevOps means for your organization
The model can help businesses be successful by increasing communication and collaboration, improving quality, and reducing time to market. However, companies need to be aware of some of the challenges of implementing DevOps. The ideal model considers the unique needs of each business and strives to find the perfect balance between collaboration, communication, quality, and speed. The maturity model is a valuable framework for enterprises to assess their DevOps journey and identify areas for improvement.
What is your ideal model? Contact us and let us know.