The cloud revolution has reshaped the way we function as business professionals, improving efficiencies and streamlining processes. As this technology continues proving its worth, more decision-makers are utilizing — and embracing — cloud implementation. In fact, according to a 2017 CommVault report, 56% of IT teams surveyed “have moved or intend to move all of their processes to the cloud.” A key but often overlooked element of this cloud revolution is cloud technology’s effect on existing DevOps culture.

Modern-day DevOps

In recent years, DevOps has expanded from its roots as “just a set of tools” to include models such as infrastructure (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS). Although the definition of DevOps remains up for debate, it’s best described in this context as a means of facilitating software development with a focus on processes and user experiences (UX). For many, DevOps now encompasses app and resource management, scalability, and security, among other benefits. And cloud-centric DevOps includes even more capabilities.

Interactions between DevOps and cloud technology, or CloudOps, can better streamline certain operations such as product development and testing. For IT professionals, especially those involved in DevOps, this can mean

• improving UX,
• increasing automation, and
• decreasing costs.

Therefore, understanding cloud-centric DevOps and how to best implement it is very important.

Implementing cloud-centric DevOps

Automation is key for implementing cloud-centric DevOps. Successful implementation also entails optimizing cloud infrastructure and automating other particularly time-consuming processes. As you migrate more data, services, and applications to the cloud, operational concerns — such as minor bugs and human errors — can become less obstructive.

Despite the emergent nature of cloud-centric DevOps, there are already many implementation best practices standards in place:

• Train employees in both DevOps and cloud technology, and allocate resources responsibly between both areas.
• Remain flexible by utilizing DevOps tools compatible with multiple cloud platforms.
• Structure cloud services in a way that allows for application and service modularity.
• Ensure proper security measures and governance, and remember that risk mitigation is an ongoing process.
• Automate where possible, including security checks and testing processes.

Many cloud service functions, such as automation, allow developers to maintain better control over their projects down to each component, improving productivity and reducing human error. Streamlining processes altered by cloud-centric DevOps can reduce downtime and increase reliability, providing a better overall UX.

It’s no secret the relationship between cloud technology and DevOps can be difficult to decode at times. However, with just a little preparation and due diligence, IT professionals in every role, especially development and operations, may see long-lasting benefits.