SRE vs DevOps – are both required for efficient software development?

In order to streamline software development and improve the performance of software applications, software engineers often spend a significant amount of time searching for monitoring and maintenance applications. This has led to the development of two popular methodologies – (Site Reliability Engineering) SRE Vs DevOps.

Both methods are useful for software development services, but the way they work, the functional application of the processes, and the technologies used can be different; there are pros and cons to both processes and these need to be considered in order to make an informed choice.

Benefits and limitations of SRE

SRE is a process that requires continuous daily operation of applications in development and aims to bridge the gap between Operations and Development teams. The process focuses on the end-user and aims to ensure that a program is reliable, stable, and functional to the highest degree.

Benefits of SRE

Software benefits from improved efficiency

Because SRE operates with straightforward upgrade processes, there is increased efficiency and a reduction in instances of software failure.

Improved troubleshooting and error detection

With constant monitoring and communication, errors and potential errors can be detected at the earliest opportunity, allowing teams to develop and implement solutions before the issues become critical or delay the software development.

Efficient and Cost-effective practices

The techniques utilised in an SRE approach seek to minimise the time and resources being used to eliminate feature failures or unforeseen errors. This translates into increased availability for team members, reduced distribution system costs (due to failures requiring more spare parts), and a reduction in time wastage.

Maximised output with minimal operating expenses

Utilising predictive and preventative maintenance programs, one area of focus for SRE is the reduction of downtime and the maximisation of output. This leads to a minimisation of operating expenses, as a result of the software functioning as intended, and not requiring excessive downtime or periods of unavailability.

Limitations and challenges of SRE

Limited industrial information

SRE is a unique discipline and one that is still considered to be fairly new. The amount of industrial information available is limited, and this can make it difficult to manage an SRE team who are new to the discipline or unfamiliar with the complexities of the methodology.

Communication and management must be a consistent and high level

The practices involved in SRE are different to many team structures, and managers are required to adopt practices that may seem unorthodox. Communication channels must be robust and reliable, so that team members can communicate, escalate, or address identified issues without delay.

Sourcing reliable SRE teams

Because of the variety of skills and knowledge required for an SRE approach, there is a high standard set for hiring Site Reliability Engineers. It may be difficult to source an SRE team within the company and may require the employment of operational monitoring and support from a third party.

Benefits and limitations of DevOps

DevOps is a framework that focuses on collaboration between development and operations, it encourages the implementation of intentional processes that are designed to gain returns, and measures the effects of these adjustments, as well as the social and cultural adjustments of the work environment of the team.

Benefits of DevOps

Aligns business goals with technology

Processes are focused on shortening feedback loops, delivering according to development briefs, and achieving continuous improvement. This helps to ensure that up-to-date methodologies and technologies are smoothly integrated into the software development process and align technology with operations.

Speeds up business performance

As processes become more streamlined and effective, time wastage is reduced, and engineers can spend their valuable time on delivering innovation.

Encourages digital transformation

As DevOps embraces technology at its very core, the process develops the user experience and improves team productivity, whilst integrating digital transformation into the foundation of the business.

Improves the work culture whilst upgrading the user experience

Unlike other methods that only focus on the application of technology, DevOps also looks at the social and cultural impact of the work. By improving the environment of the team there is less likelihood of resistance to the methods, and more focus on development.

Limitations and challenges of DevOps

Benefits may be realised over a long period of time

As DevOps requires a substantial change to not only the way in which people work, but the environment in which they are working, the process can take quite a while to develop, imbed, and implement. This requires patience and a commitment to seeing the process through.

May be difficult to implement

Change does not always come easily, and if a company is facing a substantial number of challenges, both with the development projects and with the teams behind them, then DevOps may not be a good choice. The process requires a team that is familiar with working together and are open to the profound cultural changes raised.

Requires extensive change to many working environments

Setting up the technologies and processes to manage DevOps requires a strict structural approach, and a commitment from the team to utilise the tools. This can prove challenging for teams who are used to working more independently, or who make use of hybrid or remote working.

SRE vs DevOps - Key differences

SRE Vs DevOps are both processes that require a change in team style to implement, and the application of the methodologies may be a matter of preference or necessity, depending on the needs of your project.

In order to make an informed decision, the key differences between the two need to be compared.

Key Factor	SRE	DevOps
Core Focus	Operations	Product Development
Approach	Production environment as an available service	Streamlining processes and reducing risk
Usage	Build, run, monitor, and improve systems	Applied for Agile development projects
Goals	Create systems that can be maintained by a small number of skilled engineers	Improve communications between groups and increase efficient working
Works for	Teams concentrating on operations	Teams concentrating on product development

Both SRE Vs DevOps are methodologies that play important roles for companies developing their digital infrastructure, and as they continue to be adopted and adapted by industries across the globe, their use will only continue to grow.

Ardent software development

The Ardent software development team has been delivering excellence for over 15 years. Working with a bespoke approach, we take on board our client's requirements to deliver a solution that fulfils that. Whether you require need future proof software delivered to bring your vision to life or require SRE on an ongoing basis. Explore how our customers are succeeding with ongoing operational monitoring and support:

• Working as a cohesive unit to evolve and improve software for over a decade
• Ensuring data availability and accessibility to avoid data lags and dropouts for a leading market research organisation

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