In our accelerating digital age, DevOps is a game changer. A mashup of software development and operations, it combines software development and IT operations to deliver high-quality software solutions more rapidly and efficiently.
Adopting and effectively managing DevOps is rapidly becoming a necessity rather than an option—which might be why market experts expect a nearly 20% growth rate over the next five years. But it can also be demanding and complex to handle in-house. Enter DevOps Managed Services.
Imagine having a dedicated team of external experts handling your DevOps needs, allowing your business to focus on its core activities. Imagine being able to streamline your processes, reduce costs and risks, and enhance performance, all at once. Let’s explore the benefits of managed services in this arena, and how you can get started in managing that shift.
The Case for DevOps Managed Services
If the digital landscape is a battlefield, DevOps is your secret weapon. It breaks the silos between development and operations, fostering a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration, and rapid feedback. Through automation and an integrated approach, it allows your team to monitor all steps of software construction: from integration, testing, and releasing to deployment and infrastructure management.
That process speeds up the development and deployment of your software, ultimately leading to more efficient processes and outcomes. By embracing a DevOps model, organizations can adapt to changes quicker, innovate faster, and meet customer needs more effectively.
But embracing DevOps is a significant resource investment. You might already have the expertise and resources in place to make it happen, but it can still distract from your business focus if you’re not careful. Before you know it, your existing talent and priorities shift away from other core business needs. That’s where DevOps managed services come into play.
The Value of Outsourcing to Managed Services
Think of your organization like a ship, with DevOps as the engine that drives it forward through efficient software development and operations. In this scenario, managed services can take the role of a skilled engineer who knows the engine inside out. They know exactly how to get it running at peak performance and keep it that way.
It’s not just about troubleshooting. By outsourcing your DevOps to the right provider, you also bring to your business a wealth of experience and knowledge from a partner who has acquired it by working with multiple clients across various industries. This external perspective can bring fresh insights and innovative approaches to your operations, helping you to navigate the competitive digital landscape more effectively.
Outsourcing doesn’t mean giving up control. Instead, it’s about leveraging external resources to enrich your internal capabilities. It’s about making the strategic decision to tap into the skills and expertise of professionals who live and breathe DevOps.
How DevOps Managed Services Can Streamline Business Processes
Embracing an outsourced approach to DevOps can also go a long way toward streamlining your processes by automating repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and speeding up delivery times.
Consider a scenario in which a company needs to update its core software application. Without an efficient DevOps process, this could take weeks or even months, leading to unhappy customers and lost business opportunities. DevOps managed services, on the other hand, can accelerate this process significantly.
The right provider will understand the intricacies of the application and be able to implement upgrades efficiently. They will also deploy automated testing procedures to ensure that any changes will not adversely affect the application or its users. Furthermore, they will monitor the application around the clock, rectifying any issues before they affect end users. This level of service is tough to achieve in-house without a significant investment in resources and training.
5 Key Benefits of Comprehensive Managed Services
DevOps Managed Services is not just about keeping the engine running smoothly. Instead, it’s about optimizing the entire journey. Let’s look at five key benefits that outsourcing your DevOps can bring to your business.
Benefit #1: Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Externally managed DevOps services can supercharge your business operations. By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows, they can significantly reduce the time it takes to go from the software concept to its ongoing deployment. It’s like having a turbocharged engine in your ship, propelling you forward at record speed.
Benefit #2: Reduced Costs and Risks
Managing DevOps in-house can be a costly affair, requiring significant investment in resources and training. It’s among the biggest challenges most businesses trying to implement DevOps tend to face. Outsourcing the effort makes it more cost-effective, allowing you to tap into a pool of expertise without the overhead costs. Plus, external help in identifying and mitigating potential issues early allows you to avoid costly downtime and keep your business sailing smoothly.
Benefit #3: Enhanced Security and Compliance
Security threats are a constant concern for businesses running on any kind of technology. Managed services can help you implement robust security measures while ensuring compliance with industry standards. They help fortify your ship’s engine against cyber threats, ensuring a safe and secure journey.
Benefit #4: Access to Expert Knowledge and the Latest Technologies
Research tends to agree that the biggest challenge with DevOps is related to a shortage of relevant skills. Externally managed services get you more than just a service provider; you get a partner who is up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry best practices. Your partner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, helping you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence.
Benefit #5: Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, so do your DevOps needs. Managed Services offer the scalability and flexibility to adapt to those changing needs. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or venturing into new waters, your contracted services can adjust to support your growth and help you reach your destination.
Making the Shift to DevOps Managed Services
Recognizing the value of DevOps Managed Services is one thing. Making the shift is another. It’s a strategic move that requires careful planning and execution. With the right approach, you can transition smoothly and reap the benefits of this powerful strategy. These four steps can help you transition from in-house DevOps to managed services:
- Assess your current DevOps capabilities. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where are the gaps that a managed services provider could fill?
- Define your objectives. What do you hope to achieve by outsourcing your DevOps? Is it to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve security, or all of the above? Having clear goals will help you choose the right provider and measure success.
- Choose a provider. Look for a partner who has the expertise, experience, and technologies to meet your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions and demand references.
- Plan your transition. A good provider will work with you to develop a transition plan that minimizes disruption to your operations. They should also provide ongoing support and training to ensure your team can work effectively with the new systems and processes.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Provider
Choosing the right DevOps provider is crucial. You want a partner who understands your business and can align their services with your goals. Here are some key considerations:
- Expertise and experience. Does the provider have a proven track record in managing DevOps for businesses similar to yours?
- Technologies and tools. Does the provider use the latest technologies and tools, and can they integrate with your existing systems?
- Security and compliance. How does the provider ensure the security of your data and compliance with industry standards?
- Customer service. Does the provider offer 24/7 support for your software applications? What is their response time?
Ensuring a Smooth Transition and Successful Partnership
A successful transition to DevOps managed services requires clear communication, collaboration, and ongoing support. Your provider should work closely with your team to understand your processes, train your staff, and address any concerns or issues that arise.
Once the transition is complete, the partnership doesn’t end. A good provider will continue to monitor your systems, provide updates and improvements, and offer strategic advice to help you get the most out of your DevOps strategy.
Making the shift to managed services is a strategic move that can bring significant benefits to your business. With careful planning, the right provider, and a commitment to collaboration, you can make a smooth transition and start reaping the benefits of a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective DevOps implementation.
Leverage Managed Services to Drive Your Business Operations Forward
As we navigate the digital seas of the 21st century, DevOps is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It’s the engine that propels businesses forward, driving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantages. By outsourcing your DevOps, you can overcome the challenges and complexities of managing the process in-house.
A team of seasoned experts by your side enables you to focus on steering your business toward its goals while they take care of the engine—the benefits range from increased efficiency and security to reduced costs and better scalability. Are you ready to supercharge your business operations, reduce costs, enhance security, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence? If so, it’s time to make the shift to DevOps managed services. Talk to an expert at Defiance Digital to get started.