Agile and DevOps are two modes of software development that
are gaining in popularity in the IT industry every day. These two software
development methodologies though different in their framework and principles
can complement each other. The ultimate objective of both Scaled Agile Framework
and DevOps is continuous delivery. Scaled Agile Framework is also known as
SAFe, can work together with DevOps to produce a continuous delivery of
software in an organization.
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
The Scaled Agile Framework is an extension of the Agile
Manifesto that focused on integrating organizational needs with the agile
software development methodology. SAFe is based on its four core values –
alignment, transparency, built-in quality, and program execution. Organizations
especially large companies with multiple divisions and sub-divisions that had
difficulty in switching to the agile framework were able to utilize SAFe to
achieve that. With the agile methodology of creating self-organizing teams and
increased user involvement, more organizations were able to use SAFe to scale
their business operations.
DevOps
DevOps
is a framework for combining software development and operation integration. It
involves people, processes, technology, and company culture. Thus, reducing
communication as well as collaboration gaps in the software development process.
Replacing the traditional methods of software delivery, DevOps promoted greater
collaboration between the software developers and the operations engineers.
This resulted in successful software delivery and effectively helped in
achieving the organizational objectives.
Scaled Agile Framework and DevOps
A combination of the two most popular software development
frameworks is bound to become an effective tool in achieving the objectives of
an organization. SAFe is already being adopted in many large-scale business
enterprises. DevOps forms a component of the recent versions of SAFe, making it
possible for the integration of the two-software development approach. While
DevOps emphasizes larger collaboration between software development teams and
the operation team, SAFe allows organizations to become independent and more
agile. Thus, Scaled Agile Framework and DevOps can work together properly in an
organization to deliver value.
Every organization struggles to meet the organizational
objectives that they need to achieve through these frameworks like SAFe or
DevOps. However, this cannot be done without identifying the gaps in the system.
Organizations need to identify the problem areas and adopt the Scaled Agile
Framework or any other scaled frameworks that work for them. DevOps should be a
part of the conversation from the start and not as an afterthought. This will
help the organization scale its business processes the right way with
sufficient coordination between the development and the operation teams.
Conclusion
Both DevOps and SAFe are powerful frameworks that can
transform the software development process and delivery for an organization. Learning
about Scaled Agile Framework and DevOps will help organizations achieve
their organizational objectives and improve their overall productivity.
Therefore, organizations should start adopting both SAFe and DevOps in 2022, especially
to get their business processes scaled according to the demands of the present
economy.