DevOps Capabilities, Practices, and Challenges

Abstract

DevOps is a set of principles and practices to improve collaboration between development and IT Operations. Against the backdrop of the growing adoption of DevOps in a variety of software development domains, this paper describes empirical research into factors influencing its implementation. It presents findings of an in-depth exploratory case study that explored DevOps implementation in a New Zealand product development organisation. The study involved interviewing six experienced software engineers who continuously monitored and reflected on the gradual implementation of DevOps principles and practices. For this case study the use of DevOps practices led to significant benefits, including increase in deployment frequency from about 30 releases a month to an average of 120 releases per month, as well as improved natural communication and collaboration between IT development and operations personnel. We found that the support of a number of technological enablers, such as implementing an automation pipeline and cross functional organisational structures, were critical to delivering the expected benefits of DevOps. CCS CONCEPTS• Software creation and its engineering → Software creation and management KEYWORDS DevOps enablers and practices, DevOps benefits and challenges

Multicriteria decision‐making taxonomy for DevOps challenging factors using analytical hierarchy process

“…Two divergent concepts are found in the literature. [13][14][15][16] One treats DevOps as a specific job position that requires both development and operations expertise. The other claims that DevOps is an evolving need within the traditional software development industry.…”

“…The other claims that DevOps is an evolving need within the traditional software development industry. 16 Two main research streams have tackled this issue. The first clearly defines and characterizes the DevOps approach 13,16,17 and understands the benefits and challenges of implementing DevOps practices.…”

“…16 Two main research streams have tackled this issue. The first clearly defines and characterizes the DevOps approach 13,16,17 and understands the benefits and challenges of implementing DevOps practices. 13,18 For example, some studies identified collaboration, automation, and services as the key characteristics of DevOps.…”

“…13,18 For example, some studies identified collaboration, automation, and services as the key characteristics of DevOps. 16,19 Others treated it as a cultural movement that drives the developmental environment through close communication, control, and responsibility arrangements. 16 The cultural dimension enhances the trust and coordination between the development and operations teams to accelerate transformation or change.…”

“…16,19 Others treated it as a cultural movement that drives the developmental environment through close communication, control, and responsibility arrangements. 16 The cultural dimension enhances the trust and coordination between the development and operations teams to accelerate transformation or change. 20 Alternatively, Smeds et al 14 argued that the cultural dimension is not the defining characteristic of DevOps but only supports the development process capabilities.…”