Why Do DevOps Strategies Fail? 5 Possible Reasons

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In a world built around high-functioning software products and advanced devices, it’s no wonder that software developers are constantly on the lookout for the next amazing methodology that will help increase productivity.

That’s why DevOps implementations and strategies quickly became one of the buzzwords of the IT world. Every developer who wants to be at the top must at least consider DevOps as an option.

But why is everyone so charmed by the idea? Well, those who manage a successful implementation have indeed amazing results (faster deploys, lower costs, fewer post-release bugs, and so on).

But there is a downside. DevOps only works if all the necessary conditions are met. In fact, according to Gartner, 75% of DevOps initiatives will fail to meet expectations due to specific errors in implementation. When we draw the line, it’s easy to remark five main reasons for failure (among others):

Lack of Proper Guidance

DevOps is not just about bringing more advanced tools into the mix and mashing developers and operations staff into one team. The process is about changing the old product development standards that encourage silos and promote collaboration between these two teams. However, it’s hard to do this without proper guidance from a professional.

Let’s face it, a successful DevOps strategy implementation requires most businesses to hire a consulting company that specializes in this type of project. You may not like it, but bringing someone from outside the company is the safest and quickest way to reach DevOps levels.

Unrealistic Expectations

Nothing changes overnight. DevOps is one of those processes that could take years to show up tangible results. Given its complexity and the type of elements it involves (people, strategies, devices, processes, and others), it’s easy to understand why the implementation needs to be performed gradually and at a comfortable pace.

While the promises are tempting (who doesn’t want speedy deployments with fewer errors?), the management needs to have vision in order to grasp the entire process.

No Security Integration

DevOps is all about flexible communication encouraging collaboration between remote and hybrid teams. However, in a world this open there’s also the risk of exposure to cyber threats which is why IT companies that use the DevOps model, must make security a priority. This means that each step of the development and operations life cycle must be implemented with security in mind. But, just like DevOps is about cultural change, security integration is about a change of mentality when it comes to the way we’re used to doing things.

Lack of Understanding

DevOps is not about upgrading your tools. Sure, your tech nerds will be happy to play with new tools that may bring a small improvement in the workflow (especially if you start thinking about automation), but overall, nothing will change.

DevOps requires a fundamental transformation of the development process. This means that the focus needs to shift from the product to the customer. Plus, the process requires everyone involved to change their way of thinking and doing things. This type of transformation is difficult and slow, but it’s necessary.

No Involvement from Decision-makers

In the standard development methodology, business owners and/or product managers are the ones who talk with the customer and decide on the production steps and delivery date. They do so without consulting too much with the software engineers and other specialists who will do the actual work.

Therefore, the engineers work on the code, within the specified deadline, and pass it on to the testers. Next, there’s a back-and-forth between developers and testers, after which the product goes to the customer. At this stage, if the customer doesn’t ask for added features, changes, and other things, the product can enter the launching phase.

With DevOps, the process described above is completely changed. First of all, a successful DevOps implementation requires owners and product managers to work closely with software engineers in order to decide on the steps and deadlines. Next, the work happens in shorter increments and the customer’s feedback is necessary after each step. This way, if any major changes occur, they can happen while the product is in the building stage.

Wrap Up

The main reasons why a DevOps implementation fails are the lack of vision from the decision-makers and the natural resistance to change of the employees. The right path to success starts with proper analysis and open discussions with everyone involved.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes