How to Get Maximum Benefits Out of DevOps

By TechGeistFeaturing insights from Nic Evans, Head of Business Agility, iOCO Digital

Key Takeaways

• DevOps is a strategic enabler, not just a tech trend – it accelerates innovation, reduces downtime, and enhances software quality.

• Culture over tools – without the right mindset and collaboration, DevOps initiatives fall short.

• Governance must evolve – rigid legacy thinking can block agility unless governance is integrated from the start.

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, a company’s software ecosystem is no longer just about technology—it’s a strategic business decision. Off-the-shelf tools often can’t keep up with unique workflows or business goals, prompting many organisations to build custom solutions. But the path to custom software is rarely smooth.

Companies frequently face “slow release cycles; manual, error-prone deployments; testing delays, and security issues.” Even those who overcome these hurdles often find themselves battling siloed teams and rushed fixes that lead to barely functional software.

This is where DevOps steps in.

By integrating and automating the efforts of software development and IT operations, DevOps helps businesses “test sooner, release quickly, fix issues faster, and deliver better experiences to users.” As Nic Evans notes, “DevOps isn’t just a tech buzzword anymore. It’s a strategic business enabler that helps organisations move faster, deliver better, and stay competitive.”

However, DevOps is not just about speed and tools—it’s a mindset. True success requires an organisation-wide shift in culture, with collaboration at its core. “DevOps is a cultural shift that emphasises communication, collaboration, and automation to deliver real business results,” Evans explains.

One of the biggest hurdles to DevOps success is outdated thinking. Traditional frameworks like ITIL are valuable but can hinder the agility required in today’s environment. DevOps must be tailored to each organisation’s context and risk appetite—with governance embedded throughout the software development lifecycle. “If governance and risk is ignored, or tacked on as an afterthought, any development project is looking at long-term failure.”

At its heart, DevOps breaks down silos, aligns cross-functional teams, and empowers faster, more effective delivery. Done right, it leads to significant business gains—30% to 50% faster release cycles, 20% to 40% less downtime, and up to 50% more frequent deployments.

“DevOps is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution,” Evans emphasises. “It’s about delivering real business results – fast.”