Busted! 7 DevOps Myths Debunked

The growth of DevOps is exciting stuff. And while adoption of this effective ideology is on the rise, some common misconceptions have sprouted up, blocking some companies from the pathway to organizational prosperity. Here we separate the wheat from the chaff, and debunk seven common DevOps myths.

Myth #1: Our Company Doesn’t Need DevOps

Truth is, all companies are in the software business to some extent and can benefit from practicing DevOps. Even if you’re a product-based company or have outsourced your operations function, you still rely on software to build new business models, strengthen brands and deliver innovative services to your customers.

Myth #2: DevOps is a Technology Movement

Nope. DevOps is about people and communication, people and collaboration, people and more effective processes. DevOps is a methodology that leads to a giant (and beneficial) cultural shift within an organization. Hold up, did we mention DevOps is about people?

Myth #3: DevOps Replaces Agile

Once again, nope. Key aspects of Agile are iterative and incremental development that allow greater flexibility for changes. Yes, that does sound a bit DevOps-ish. However, DevOps takes Agile and runs even further with it. While Agile requires a change in thinking, DevOps requires a seismic cultural change within an organization.

Myth #4: You Need a DevOps Department to be Successful

No such thing. And despite posted job ads you may see, there aren’t “DevOps Engineers” either. DevOps is a collaborative approach that breaks down walls, shortens feedback loops and creates a cross-departmental team with members who understand the entire system, instead of just their small piece of it.

Myth #5: DevOps is Only for Hip, New Startups and SMBs

While it’s true that the original DevOps movers and shakers came from small and midsize businesses (SMBs), DevOps is a practice that integrates with both legacy and modern systems. And it can be implemented regardless of your technology stack. That being said, there is a high likelihood that most companies without DevOps may use some type of business management software to assist them with their management tasks.

Myth #6: DevOps is Only About Communication

Yes, communication is critical in the DevOps world. But beyond that, establishing the right culture is critical for DevOps adoption and success. You need team members who willingly embrace experimentation, iterative and incremental design, continuous testing, and who aren’t afraid to learn from failure.

Myth #7: DevOps is a Magical Cure

There’s no secret recipe here. DevOps is not a magical transformation. It’s a team sport that leads to better, smarter, faster execution. Introducing your organization to the DevOps mindset is a journey that requires a lot of effort and lots and lots of patience. But it’s a journey that’s well worth the effort.

There you have it — the seven most common DevOps myths debunked. Are there any we missed? Do you have more to add? Leave a comment below!