You’ve got a great idea for a new mobile app. You found a perfect niche for your unique idea, and you’re ready to unleash it on the world. What you may not realize is that your choice of mobile app developer, and their philosophy and methods of development, will make an enormous impact on how your app performs and your ultimate success. You want not only hard work and technical know-how, but innovation and a solution-based approach to the development and operations stages. You might want to find a developer that believes in the DevOps process.
How DevOps Works
DevOps is really more of a philosophy than an established business model, but it still produces incredible results. Traditionally, any app development process would consist of several separate and isolated stages from established teams that are submitted to each other as a basic timeline requires. While this keeps these teams together and united, there are often gaps and delays while various teams wait for and process completed work. For example, it’s been standard operating procedure for the development team to basically write all the code necessary, then hand it over to operations while getting ready for the next project. This exemplifies the usual standard, and, make no mistake, thousands of successful apps have been made this way.
The whole concept of DevOps can be distilled down to a few key words.
Collaboration: All members of all teams are working together in multiple stages for a common goal.
Communication: Each individual has the platform to be heard and those ideas are distributed to everyone to be considered and implemented as agree
Continuation: No step or process is done on its own. All work produced is put into a common repository, where it’s added to existing content to be vetted, tested and integrated as a whole.
The total and unwavering commitment and dedication to these principles are necessary to implement the DevOps theory into a company. This can’t be understated, because it only works with universal participation and belief; if they don’t buy in, it doesn’t work.
That said, if everyone is on board, DevOps is a revolutionary system that helps both client and developer produce a quality app quickly and under budget. It takes a dramatic shift in company culture and a considerable overhaul of existing structures…but the benefits are incredible.
DevOps in Action
So, considering that the app development agency has adopted the DevOps model, why is that such a good thing? Well, to explain it best, we should go over the above key words, and see why they matter so much.
Collaboration: The whole point of the DevOps model is to bring formerly separated and isolated teams together to tackle all aspects of development. Folks in IT and Operations have likely seen faulty code in the past that has sabotaged later stages of any given app, and collaboration with developers in the early stages could remedy that. Likewise, developers have probably noticed future glitches after launches with other apps, and would have the insight and know-how to write appropriate code to get it right the first time. This sort of collaboration from beginning to end assures the client that everyone is on hand to provide solutions throughout.
Communication: Here’s where a lot of issues in traditional models come up. When a chunk of work is “dropped off” as per usual, there can be accompanying instructions that may be disregarded or misconstrued. Parts that don’t work or aren’t right can be sent back, causing huge delays or even a temporary work stoppage. Point is, teams that collaborate are predisposed to meaningful communication, making adjustments a smooth and streamlined process. And the project manager is receiving fluid communication from every team, making their job of keeping the client informed even easier.
Continuous: Now, this is the nuts and bolts of DevOps working smoothly. This model of development requires this continuous method of pushing information into a shared repository, where automated systems analyze, test, and approve everything that comes in. The continuous label can apply to many stages: planning, delivery and integration all utilize this constant method of ideas and solutions going in and solid product coming out. And testing, delivery, and deployment are phases that need incredible attention to make sure nothing has been mistaken or missed. By keeping to this continuous method, all teams keep the iterative process rolling, and are able to assure top quality products result in a short amount of time.
Again, it requires lots of cooperation and attention to detail. But, in this way, everybody is accountable and responsible for all steps in the process. This will naturally lead to faster problem solving, streamlined budgets, more revenue, and happier clients.
How Does DevOps Make My App Better?
So, we’ve laid out how having an integrated DevOps team makes for a better app development agency. Does that instantly translate to a happy client? We think so. Here’s why:
- Reduced Timeline: The DevOps model eliminates handoff delays and moves through the necessary testing phases quicker and smarter, using the continuous integration model that is almost entirely automated. That means your app hits the market at exactly the right time.
- Less Expensive: When teams are integrated, solutions and decisions naturally come quicker, and everybody works efficiently towards the same goal. This translates to a streamlined process with less manhours…meaning lower costs for the same quality product.
- High Quality App: Due to the constant testing, feedback, and troubleshooting, your new app will have gone through exhaustive cycles to ensure the best user experience possible. Support, upgrades, and fixes are fast and thorough throughout the launch and early adoption of your app.
Now, just because some flashy app development agency claims to use the DevOps model, doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it’s used and implemented properly. Talk to a business analyst from a successful app development partner, and ask them to explain how their DevOps team works. They should be able to easily talk you through the advantages and operations of a DevOps team, and how it can work for you.
Are you interested in working with Koombea on DevOps services for your app? Get in touch for a free consultation!
