3 Ways to Manage your DevOps Tools

DevOps tools are what keep the software development process running as effectively as possible, keeping the feedback loop from end-user to developer as short as possible. Tools are also what allow infosec professionals to manage the dizzying array of security configuration and scanning, as well as to automate as much of the security process as possible. The problem is the tools can also require a lot of care themselves. 

So how should companies manage their DevOps tools, so that they’re spending more time on their core business and less time managing repetitive, manual tasks? There are essentially 3 options available to solve the DevOps tool conundrum:  

01 DIY 

At every organization, there is going to be a build versus buy discussion, one that will likely involve selecting DevOps tools as well as other software infrastructure tools. The core questions to ask when you consider whether you should build a tool internally are: 

■ Do we get a competitive advantage from building this tool? 

■ Is our team uniquely suited to build this tool? 

■ Is our team uniquely suited to operate this tool throughout its entire lifecycle? 

■ Is building this tool part of our team’s / company’s core competency? 

There may be situations where it makes sense to build a tool internally, but if the answer is No to those questions, building a tool or tools internally is likely a distraction from your core business. Even in the most technically sophisticated organizations, building a tool internally will only make sense on rare occasions. 

02 Stringing Together Point Solutions 

A more common approach to implementing DevOps within an organization is to buy a series of point solutions, then to DIY the integrations, sometimes also integrating some completely homegrown tools into the mix. This approach is certainly better than a complete homebrew scenario, but it also leaves the engineering team managing integration points, upgrades and security on their own. 

03 Fully Managed Platform 

The third alternative is to consume all of your DevOps tools as part of a fully managed, integrated platform. This approach moves the responsibility for management, integrations, upgrades and security away from your internal engineering team to the platform provider. A fully managed platform maximizes the internal team’s ability to focus only on the core business, and in most cases also results in a more secure DevOps toolchain, because responsibility for security is with the platform provider, not an internal IT team trying to do hundreds of other things. 

If option 3 sounds like the best solution for your company, iTMethods can help!  

Our award-winning Managed DevOps SaaS Platform is the fastest way to accelerate DevOps Initiatives and drive business growth. 

We focus on the technical side of things, so you don't have to. Contact us today to learn how iTMethods is helping global enterprises maximize their DevOps efficiencies and achieve positive business outcomes.  

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