James recently wrote a code for a cleaning robot without any assistance from a DevOps services provider. Everything looked perfect in testing. However, when the prototype was tested publicly, users reported several issues with command execution and overall functioning. As a result, coding review and bug identification wasted a lot of time which delayed the launch of the final product.
Could this situation be avoided? Yes, the answer is DevOps.
DevOps refers to a culture and set of processes to increase collaboration between software development and operations teams. When combined together, developers and operations professionals can release high-quality products faster. Hence, IT companies partner with reliable DevOps service providers to improve their software quality and accelerate their product release.
In this guide, managers will learn key steps to consider to hire trusted and reliable DevOps service providers and achieve their desired goals.
A Brief Overview of DevOps
DevOps is a software development approach that combines the development team with the operations team to improve software quality. By increasing this collaboration, DevOps optimizes the delivery processes and enhances both speed and efficiency.
DevOps engineers are familiar with the functions of software development and operations teams. They know how to write codes in different programming languages and deploy these codes to get the final result.
This way, they ensure continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) of code which accelerates the product release.
The Need for DevOps Engineers
Development and operations are two different departments of any IT organization. The former writes code to build applications meeting clients’ requirements while the latter focuses on software deployment, maintenance, and infrastructure management.
The question here arises if both these are separate departments, why do companies need DevOps service providers?
Well, the answer to this question is that although these two are separate entities, their silos often result in unexpected delays, poor software quality, and inefficiencies. A communication gap exists between software developers and operations teams that can negatively affect the overall organizational performance.
DevOps bridges this gap by establishing a culture of CI/CD that results in significant improvement in software quality. When developers and operations staff collaborate in planning, coding, testing, and deployment, companies can work on high-value projects with tight deadlines. Eventually, they can release products in the market faster and meet their client’s ever-evolving needs.
Essential Skills Required for DevOps Engineers
Before learning how to hire reliable DevOps service providers, managers must look at some of the essential skills that are critical to hiring qualified DevOps engineers:
- A solid understanding of programming languages like Python, Ruby, JavaScript, or Java with the ability to write scripts and code automation.
- Proficiency in system administration with knowledge of operating systems networking, storage, and virtualization technologies.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms and hands-on experience in leveraging services like virtual machines, containers, serverless computing, and storage.
- Good expertise in configuration management tools to maintain consistency, automate the setup and configuration of systems, and manage infrastructure as code.
- Understand and experience CI/CD pipelines with the ability to automate the build, testing, and deployment processes with tools like Jenkins and GitLab CI/CD.
- Sound knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker and container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to resolve technical problems.
Steps to Hire Reliable DevOps Services Provider
Given below are a few steps to follow while choosing a competent DevOps services company:
1. Clearly Define Your Goals
Before searching for a DevOps services provider, you need to understand your company’s projected goals and expectations. Focus on your engineering needs and specific gaps you want to fill by integrating your in-house team with DevOps professionals.
For instance, you can set SMART goals such as faster time-to-market, improved scalability, enhanced security, or increased efficiency. Likewise, DevOps implementation can help you significantly improve your software quality and accelerate the time required to release final products in the market.
Once you have this clarity, you can better communicate your requirements with potential providers and evaluate them based on their ability to meet these objectives.
2. Assess Skills and Expertise
While you may find hundreds of DevOps service providers online, all of them do not necessarily possess specific skills to meet your requirements. It is, therefore, critical for organizations to assess the competencies of potential DevOps partners to ensure successful delivery.
In this context, search for providers who have a proven track record of working with organizations similar to yours or within your industry. After shortlisting 4 to 5 of the most suitable agencies, evaluate their experience in implementing DevOps practices, managing infrastructure, and automating processes.
Additionally, consider their proficiency in relevant technologies such as cloud platforms, containerization, CI/CD tools, and automation frameworks.
3. Consider Cultural Integration
Technology has virtually removed geographical boundaries between countries when it comes to accessing advanced skills. Today, a company operating in the US can hire qualified and skilled resources from DevOps services providers from Pakistan, China, or India at a much lower cost.
Nevertheless, DevOps is not just a set of tools; rather, it is a cultural shift that required consistent collaboration and shared responsibilities. Hence, while interviewing applicants, evaluate their cultural alignment with your organization.
Choose providers that embrace a DevOps mindset, promote teamwork, and encourage continuous learning and improvement. Moreover, assess their ability to foster a culture of innovation, transparency, and accountability that aligns with your organization’s values.
4. Analyze Data Security and Compliance
When you are working with a third-party DevOps services provider, you are giving them access to your servers that may contain confidential data. You must take essential steps to ensure the security and compliance of your software applications and infrastructure.
To achieve this goal, analyze data security practices and measures of DevOps services providers. Inquire how they implement security controls, conduct regular audits, and adhere to industry standards and regulations. Similarly, assess their ability to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, monitor security threats, and implement robust data protection and privacy practices.
Eventually, choose a DevOps agency that prioritizes security as an integral part of their DevOps processes
Wrapping Up
DevOps engineers are highly qualified IT professionals with sound knowledge of code writing and deployment. A reliable DevOps services provider can significantly contribute to a software company’s development and operational efficiency.
Hence, while making this decision, professionals need to be extremely careful. They start by defining their goals and assessing the skills and expertise of DevOps agencies. Similarly, considering their cultural integration and analyzing data security and compliance measures is also necessary.
Following these steps can help organizations achieve accelerated software delivery, improved quality, and a competitive edge in the fast-paced digital landscape.