DevOps has grown exponentially since being introduced a little more than a decade ago. It is a proven method to ensure symbiosis between teams and ensure a substantial decrease in time in the software development cycle. However, the implementation of the DevOps methodology can be tricky. There are a few issues with DevOps that need careful handling.  

Gartner predicts that through 2022, 75% of DevOps initiatives will fail to meet expectations due to issues around organizational learning and change. (Find the detailed report here- Secret to DevOps Success) 

So, what are the reasons that such a tried and tested method fails? Well, the answer lies with execution. Basically, it becomes a people issue rather than a process issue whenever DevOps fails.  While a collaborative mindset is essential, the true DevOps transformation can only happen by overhauling your IT infrastructure, team dynamics, and organizational culture.  

Issues with DevOps Implementation 

Choosing the right tools: 
 
 

A big change, such as DevOps, requires the introduction of multiple tools to equip your team with assets that help achieve set goals. However, with so many options to choose from, deciding on a tool can be difficult. Here is a list of top 10 DevOps tools that can help your decision making.  

In an Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) infobrief, 49% of respondents agreed that DevOps had created a need for integrations across the management toolset. Simply put, all your tools need to interact with each other in order to build a robust and productive DevOps ecology. However, rarely do decision-makers think from that perspective. They either choose a cost-effective option or one that they are comfortable with. Additionally, not all tools are developed in a way to interact with each other. That’s why you need an enterprise application integration tool to provide a secure API or web service.  

Conducting manual testing: 
 
 

Manual testing is one of the biggest issues with DevOps implementation. It can limit your options when it comes to continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), the basics of DevOps. Additionally, manual testing may produce defects that can create a delay in software deployment and mean more work for the developers. Deployment failures can produce project setbacks and failed system stability. So, it is always a good idea to start automated testing as soon as you shift to DevOps as your functioning methodology.  

Establishing effective communication: 
 
 

The companies that run DevOps successfully thrive on communication. Communication lets you break down team barriers, drive cultural shifts, help implement plans, and make everyone involved understand ‘Why” they are doing DevOps. With a robust communication channel, your team can break out from silos and act cohesively towards a common goal. Additionally, planning and status meetings should be an important part of your DevOps methodology. Remember, communication does not come to everyone naturally. So, a proactive culture needs to be developed thoroughly. Documenting everything as well as providing constructive feedback should be the norm to ensure nothing important sleeps through the cracks.  

Security lapses due to time constraints: 

In the dynamic environment of DevOps, security can take a backseat. It is a bad idea to implement adequate security measures just before production. Continuing on our first point, if, as an organization, you are dependent on manual testing, chances are important security steps can be missed or delayed. What we are trying to say is much like everything else, security should be automated too. Manual security check to handle instream of new codes daily is bound to fail. With DevSecOps, you can introduce security at the beginning of the software development cycle to ensure the entire delivery pipeline is protected.  

Deciding whether to automate: 

There is a term- Extreme Automation- that basically describes how we are increasingly reliant on codes to automate everything. There can be few tasks that are easy to perform, rarely needed, and don’t need to be automated. Additionally, automation does take time. It’s important to identify the time constraint associated with established ways of working. Maybe these tasks can be automated when there are idle resources. This way, you are making sure that tasks that are a priority can be taken care of immediately. Additionally, automated pipelines can make software delivery faster but reduce the time for reviews. So, before you start, review, and establish an automated policy- a documented method to identify where automation is needed.  

Are you experiencing any bottlenecks that are difficult to overcome? Let us know in the comments.