Before jumping into DevOps head-first, it’s important to understand some common misconceptions and mistakes that companies make as they start their DevOps journey.
Misunderstanding the core principles of DevOps can lead to inefficiencies and setbacks. This post aims to debunk some prevalent myths and provide clarity on what DevOps truly entails. By addressing these misconceptions, you can ensure a smoother and more effective DevOps implementation in your organization.
Myth #1: DevOps requires a DevOps team
Perhaps the first mistake leaders make when adopting DevOps is forming a DevOps Team. While this may seem reasonable at first, companies often find that a DevOps team may hinder performance in the long run.
DevOps is built on increasing efficiency, eliminating silos, streamlining, and fostering cultural buy-in. Creating a DevOps team can add silo to work around, generating more handoff waste in the process. Plus, by assigning one team to focus on DevOps, you eliminate the opportunity for the rest of the organization to learn and buy-in for themselves.
If you’d like to form a DevOps team to get the ball rolling, make sure they’re dissolved into the organization first.
Myth #2: DevOps is a tool
When learning about DevOps, many IT leaders initiate the process by asking, “What tool can I implement that will initiate our DevOps Transformation?” But DevOps is much more than just a tool to be purchased or software to be downloaded. Using Jenkins, Git, or Kubernetes doesn’t mean you “do DevOps.”
What IT leaders must remember is that DevOps requires a cultural shift and transformation from the inside out. A team could use the most efficient tools in the world, but if their organizational structure, mentality, and architecture are not equipped to match, they will not get far.
Cultural changes must be considered just as important (or more important) than any other transformation within the business. Only when your leadership, team members, and departments are invested in and aligned with the process will you start to see real change.
Myth #3: DevOps just affects IT
As discussed previously, the success of IT can and will eventually ripple through an organization. The time and attention you put into IT could have the power to make or break your business goals. As an executive considering DevOps, assuming its impact will only touch IT could hold your business back from its full potential.
To fully embrace DevOps, everyone must let go of the idea that IT stands independent from the rest of the organization and begin seeing IT as a strategic asset. This will require executive support.
Understanding and addressing these common misconceptions about DevOps is crucial for a successful transformation. DevOps is not just a set of tools or a specific team but a cultural and organizational shift that requires buy-in from all levels of the company. By fostering collaboration, embracing cultural change, and seeing IT as a strategic asset, organizations can unlock the full potential of DevOps.
Navigating your DevOps journey
Whether you’re just getting started on your DevOps journey, or trying to go deeper in understanding, check out our free DevOps guide.
