There’s no doubt about it, the software development industry represents huge business in the digital age. In fact, global IT spending on enterprise software totalled a hefty $352 billion at the end of last year, while this is set to peak at $391 billion during 2018.
Many consider this marketplace to be as complex as it is lucrative, with a number of misconceptions and myths surrounding software development. The confusion enveloping DevOps and Agile concepts offer a relevant case in point, as these two entities are often misunderstood by entrepreneurs without a tech background.
In this article, we’ll look at these two theories in closer detail, while appraising their core differences and development over time.
What are DevOps and Agile?
While some consider DevOps and Agile to be one and the same thing, others believe them to be diametrically opposed concepts. Neither of these assertions are correct, however, with DevOps having being evolved from Agile software to harness similar properties and enhance business productivity.
In simple terms, an Agile infrastructure will focus on the application of processes such as Scrum, while DevOps can be applied to technical practices like CI, CD, Test Automation and Infrastructure Automation.
This creates software that optimises every conceivable stage and aspect of numerous business and operational processes, while also making it possible for stakeholders to adapt their approach in line with new commercial challenges as they emerge.
The Core Appeal of DevOps and Agile in the Digital Age
While this brief description highlights the core differences between Agile and DevOps, it’s important that we delve a little deeper and strive to understand these in further detail.
One of the key aspects of the Agile approach is that it does away with the notion of a finished product. More specifically, it treats software as being iterative and incremental, utilising regular updates to increase functionality, improve efficiency and negate user issues.
In contrast, the very nature of DevOps means that it needs to strike a more delicate balance between flexibility and rigorous testing. With DevOps largely preoccupied with guaranteeing the security of software systems in the digital age, they must be robust enough to repel cyber threats and capable of adapting to new challenges as they emerge.
Of course, the fusion of these two concepts has created an increasingly effective and flexible method of approaching software design in the modern age. To this end, experienced DevOps service providers such as Sogeti have an innate understanding of Agile concepts, enabling them to deliver the type of comprehensive products that help businesses to make the most of their software investment and achieve a viable ROI.
