The app modernization process leads to the total revision of the software architectures, the development pipeline and the actors involved. For this reason, to use DevOps Services provided by referenced and skilled players can act as an effective accelerator to reach modernization objectives faster and more effectively.
The need to modernize applications
The current trend in the design of IT ecosystems is about hybrid and multi-cloud characteristics. Traditional monolithic applications, designed to run in environments with client-server logic, must be modernized to work best within distributed infrastructures.
Some programs can be migrated to the cloud without the need for structural interventions, in lift and shift mode. In other cases, however, deeper changes must be implemented, such as rewriting the code and introducing new architectural models.
Modern development systems come into play, with the use of containers, microservices and PaaS solutions, which emphasize the characteristics of software portability and time-to-market speed.
DevOps service to accelerate releases
However, it goes beyond technology. To speed up the application development and release process, responding to business needs, it's also important to reorganize the design teams, focusing on the collaboration with end-users. Hence the adoption of Agile development methods - based on an iterative and incremental approach - and DevOps - stimulating the synergy between Developers and Operations.
Monolithic applications are designed and built with a view to one big final release. Today, the microservices architecture allows the software to be divided into independent functional units, on which it is possible to intervene individually without compromising the functioning of the program.
Microservices, therefore, facilitate teamwork for developers and users: the development process can be segmented into a series of small and frequent releases, with interventions that modify only some functions, to gradually reach their final goal. Each time a development cycle is concluded, the change is tested for effectiveness directly by end-users, who can transfer their feedback to developers. This way, the release times are shortened, and the risk of error is reduced. Developers can adjust the course in progress in case something does not work.
The importance of DevOps Services
Both the application modernization and the adoption of Agile and DevOps methods are complex operations, which require a deep knowledge of technologies and processes at the base. Companies need to develop a decisive change of pace both in terms of culture and in terms of technical skills. This is why the choice of relying on an external team for the implementation of new development practices can be a winner.
DevOps Services bring a significant amount of benefits to the organization. First of all, they allow the IT department to adopt sustainable models for the operation, governance and control of the development processes. Thanks to the know-how grown working with different customers, the DevOps service provider helps to reduce the lead times of application changes, while preserving the quality of the software and the process. Finally, the partner's change management capabilities make it possible to minimize the risks of production instability, as well as conflicts between the various IT departments.
The pivotal aspect of DevOps Services is the strategic support offered to companies that are taking the path towards application transformation. The right partner can guide the customer towards their optimal set-up, choosing the DevOps components and technologies most suited to the current situation, but always looking at future evolution. The company will thus have the opportunity to grow in the application of DevOps methodologies, as the demands of the business and the level of knowledge of the IT team increase.
The risk of starting with a poorly reasoned and non-integrated adoption of tools is avoided. The right methodology helps prevent optimizing just individual aspects of the life cycle of an application change, a choice that doesn't bring much improvement to the entire process.