In a previous post, we defined DevOps as ensuring collaboration and integration of operations and development teams through the shared goal of delivering business value. Typically, when we envision DevOps implemented in an organization, we imagine a well-oiled machine that automates

• infrastructure provisioning
• code testing
• application deployment

Ultimately, these practices are a result of applying DevOps methods and tools. DevOps works for all sizes, from a team of one to an enterprise organization.

DevOps can be seen as an extension of an Agile methodology. It requires all the knowledge and skills necessary to take a project from inception through sustainment to be contained within a dedicated project team. Organizational silos must be broken down. Only then can project risk be effectively mitigated.

While DevOps is not, strictly speaking, continuous integration, delivery, or deployment, DevOps practices do enable a team to achieve the level of coordination and understanding necessary to automate infrastructure, testing, and deployment. In particular, DevOps provides organizations a way to ensure

• collaboration between project team roles
• infrastructure as code
• automation of tasks, processes, and workflows
• monitoring of applications and infrastructure

Business value drives DevOps development. Without a DevOps mindset, organizations often find their operations, development, and testing teams working toward short-sighted incentives of creating their infrastructure, test suites, or product increment. Once an organization breaks down the silos and integrates these areas of expertise, it can focus on working together toward the common, fundamental goal of delivering business value.

Well-organized teams will find (or create) tools and techniques to enable DevOps practices in their organizations. Every organization is different and has different needs that must be met. The crux of DevOps, though, is not a killer tool or script, but a culture of collaboration and an ultimate commitment to deliver value.

Every Thursday, the SEI will publish a new blog post that offers guidelines and practical advice to organizations seeking to adopt DevOps in practice. We welcome your feedback on this series, as well as suggestions for future content. Please leave feedback in the comments section below.