Challenges for adopting DevOps in information technology projects

Abstract

An Information Technology (IT) project deals with IT infrastructure, information systems, or computers for delivering an IT product within a temporary period. Proper application of software development methodologies assists software designers to run IT projects to the success of achieving the satisfaction of project stakeholders. Because of the issues raised by traditional software development methodologies such as the Waterfall model, the IT industry began to employ Agile methodology for IT project management. However, due to the separation of software development and operation teams, Agile methodology also caused problems. DevOps is a new approach adapted to the Agile methodology that collaborates the software development and operation teams in order to provide continuous development of high-quality software in a short period of time. However, there are practical issues reported since DevOps approach is still in its infancy in the IT industry. The purpose of this research is to analyze the use of the DevOps concept in IT Projects by evaluating the challenges and mitigating strategies practiced by software development firms in order to ensure the success of IT projects. This purpose was achieved by performing a literature study and soliciting recommendations from industry professionals using a questionnaire survey. The findings reveal the critical challenges and prioritization of challenges experienced by software firms while adopting DevOps, as well as their practices for overcoming those challenges. The research findings will help IT project development teams and future researchers to develop strategies for making the success of DevOps adoption with Agile methodology in the IT industry.