Three steps that can change the mindset of Business and IT teams

This is part 2 in the sequel ” DevOps is also applicable for hybrid landscapes”.

In part 1 the concept hybrid landscapes have been discussed and also why many companies find it challenging to combine DevOps with their hybrid landscapes. Nonetheless, this blog will show how DevOps can also be applied in hybrid landscapes. Thus, what does it take to make a success of DevOps implementation in your hybrid landscape?

The mindset of business and IT-teams are changing

One of the biggest benefits of DevOps is increased time-to-market speed. Fast feedback from the market as well internally is possible, risks can be minimized and therefore also the costs are minimized. The (high) investment in DevOps will positively be reflected in the business performance and profit margins. It is important to note that to achieve increased business performance and profit you should not just think about tools or team sizes. It’s all about the mindset of the business and IT teams. But how do you change their mindset?

1.Map your software landscape

First of all, you must map the entire software landscape, including for example the hosting models, the release cycle times and cycle time options. Besides unplanned changes in hosting models and cycle times for the coming time period should not be forgotten as well. In this way, it is always clear to everyone what changes there are in prospect and what impact these have on the functioning of the hosting models. A good Application Lifecycle management system can support you in mapping the entire software landscape. Most software suppliers offer such a management system which is crucial for every company. SAP offers its SAP Solution Manager.

2. Documentation and standardization

Secondly, documentation and standardization are of great importance. Many Cloud applications already offer this in their functionalities, but every company then also has to commit to this. This would then apply to both the Cloud software and the On-premise software. In small steps, the software can be removed from legacy. In addition, changes and problems that occur in the on-premise software must be recorded and properly documented, whether it regards an incident or a change action. Many new and old processes can also be standardized, making innovation easier. Of course, there must be a good balance between stability and innovation. Make sure that “the digital core remains clean”! Thus, continue to guarantee the reliability of End-to-End business processes at all times.

3. Change management

Finally, change management is required. Everyone’s mindset, from IT to Business, should change and can also change! You just need to invest in the proper resources. Resources that support mapping the software landscape and applying standardization and documentation of changes. Those resources should be present so that one can start with DevOps. But don’t worry. As soon as the need for innovation comes into the corporate culture, you are already one step closer.

Just keep the ‘Digital core’ clean!

DevOps to suit everyone

DevOps actually can be implemented at companies dealing with hybrid landscapes. Of course, such an implementation comes at a price, but it is an investment that will pay off in the (near) future. After all, you have to invest in mapping your hybrid landscape, documentation, and standardization of your software and change management throughout the entire organization. Especially change management is so important, while people and their behaviors are crucial in every company.

Thus, remind yourselves to ‘keep the Digital core clean’ and aspire a fast time-to-market, whereas flexibility, adaptability, and reliability are the key components.

Would you like to discover more about DevOps, End-to-End application lifecycle management systems or would you like to prepare for DevOps in your company?

Earlier, the blog “The DevOps journey: why people are crucial in the automation of software” was posted.

Translated from the dutch blog on blogs.sap.nl
Written together with Sifa van Zutphen (working student)