Currently, there are two common scenarios: organizations that work with DevOps practices and those who are working to implement them. Yet, not many are prepared to take on such a powerful tool. As expected, those who are set on reaping the rewards that DevOps provides will need to pass a series of challenges. Knowing where to start and what to look for is key to getting started on the right path. What kind of obstacles can you expect? We’re glad you asked!

Difficulty in Adjusting

Changes for the better are always great but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy process. Sometimes, there can be some resistance. It’s common for employees, management, stakeholders, among others, to have some difficulty in leaving familiar systems and approaches behind. After all, it’s a new methodology, an “unknown” journey but, at the same time, it can lead to a massive transformation. Although there might be a need or desire to go all-in with DevOps, it’s crucial to take it slow. Choosing a small application that you can remodel to work with existing procedures is a great way to start. This allows your team to gradually adopt all the new and needed processes towards the result: working flawlessly and at full-scale while reaping DevOps benefits.

Experimentation and Learning with DevOps

When it comes to implementing DevOps, there isn’t a checklist that tells you what tools you need to acquire, what changes need to happen in the team, and what the next move should be. DevOps needs to start with a plan, where do you need to go and what do you need to achieve? Along the way, adjustments will have to be made and that’s ok. It’s important to have a culture of experimentation and learning. Spoiler alert: It rarely ends up as you expected or imagined.

Sometimes, your team might just need a starting point. In other words, a knowledgeable person that can show them how to start and the ways do develop it. In this case, sometimes help from a third party is important. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also help your employees feel more comfortable, knowing there’s someone they can count on for the toughest challenges and equally important, by not feeling the need to have the answer for something they don’t know how to do.

Don’t Let The Budget Slip

It’s no news that without money, no business can survive. After all, to make money you must invest money. Once again, this is especially true in the IT industry and as you guessed it, the same happens when your implementing DevOps due to the many needs that will arise, such as new tools, training, skills, and processes. It’s not uncommon for employee performance to decrease due to the impact of the change, leading to the application of a new methodology. This can result in a financial problem, so planning is a must. Make sure your organization is prepared if such a situation ever occurs. The advantages that DevOps will bring will benefit your businesses tremendously. However, it’s important to watch the budget closely.

Give It Time

The change to DevOps won’t be at F1-speed. Remember, your implementing a completely new methodology, which means learning a new approach and getting used to it. As with any change, doubts will arise, people will question its necessity or worth. It will take time to sink in the work-flow but when it does, you’ll see the changes.

DevOps is one of the most important trends in IT with good reason. Its benefits are widely known, from increase collaboration and security to more frequent releases and high-performing teams, organizations can deliver their products at a more frequent rate. Shifting to a DevOps culture isn’t easy, along the way there will be challenges but with the help of your A-team and with the support of seasoned third party, such as Nearshore Portugal with experienced professionals, you’ll be able to practice faster implementation and delivery, with lower development costs.