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Posted by: Lucid Content Team
Agile development. Agile operations. DevOps. The world of software development likes its buzzwords. But it’s easy to get lost in the jargon.
And when definitions start to blur and meanings become squishy, these words lose their value. That’s why we’ve created this crash course in Agile operations. Discover the difference between Agile development and Agile operations, and learn what Agile operations can do for your team.
What is Agile operations?
The term Agile operation is thrown around a lot among development teams and organizations, often with differing definitions. Some use the term generally to refer to the application of Agile principles to run operations. Others use the term interchangeably with DevOps.
In this context, we will use Agile operations as an umbrella term to refer broadly to the application of agile principles and methods for both development and operations in an organization.
To better understand this term, let’s break down the Agile framework.
What is Agile?
The Agile Alliance defines “Agile” as the ability to create and respond to change in order to succeed in an uncertain and turbulent environment. These are the characteristics that the founders of the Agile methodology sought to embed in their new approach to software development.
Agile’s highest priority is “to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.” To accomplish this goal, Agile operations rely on the founding principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
By emphasizing communication, flexibility, and functionality over time-consuming planning, process, and documentation, Agile teams are able to deliver functional, competitive results more rapidly.
What is DevOps?
DevOps is a method born out of the Agile movement that focuses on bridging the gap between the development and operations teams.
Traditionally, the two units commonly butt heads and operate on different values. Where Agile development teams focus on faster, more frequent releases, operations teams are responsible for maintaining a stable service. This dichotomy can lead to delays and bottlenecks as both teams work to meet their objectives (i.e., fast, functional delivery vs. safe, operational readiness).
The DevOps process applies an Agile mindset to both the development and operations departments with a particular focus on communication, collaboration, integration, and automation.
The Agile process and iteration
Agile operations and development will look different depending on the methodology and organization. However, most will follow the same basic lifecycle and iteration workflow.
Agile software development lifecycle
Agile development has six basic stages in its lifecycle:
- Concept: Stakeholders envision and prioritize new projects.
- Inception: The project takes shape as team members are assigned, budgets and timelines are put in place, and requirements are outlined.
- Iteration/construction: The team begins active development to meet the requirements with regular customer feedback.
- Release: The feature undergoes QA and testing, users are trained, and the iteration is released into production.
- Production: The feature is deployed and receives ongoing operational support and maintenance.
- Retirement: The feature is retired. The customer is notified and the team implements a migration process.
From concept to iteration, Agile methods are primarily performed by the development team. However, the operations team gets involved during the release and production stages to ensure quality, security, and stability upon implementation. If your teams aren’t communicating well, these are the phases where competing values and objectives can send your project off track.
To enjoy a truly Agile operation from concept to retirement, communication and collaboration is necessary. Whether you apply a DevOps method to bridge that gap or simply cultivate an Agile culture and process between the two departments, both the development team and operations team need to be on the same page.
What is an iteration in Agile?
During Agile product development, there will be multiple iteration stages (or sprints). Each Agile iteration builds on the previous iteration as developers work out issues and adapt to ongoing customer feedback.
Iteration planning in Agile will typically follow this process:
- Requirements: As part of Agile release planning, the requirements for the iteration are mapped out based on customer feedback and the backlog priorities.
- Development: Developers design and build the feature based on the defined requirements.
- Testing: Once the feature is “complete,” testers conduct QA and validation checks to ensure the iteration functions properly.
- Delivery: The working iteration is shipped to production.
- Feedback: Developers communicate with stakeholders (client/end-users) to collect feedback and identify requirements for the next iteration.
Agile benefits to improve operations
There are many benefits to taking an Agile approach to development and operations.
Greater customer satisfaction
Agile operations rely on constant communication and feedback with stakeholders. Because development is iterative and incremental, clients are able to identify requirements changes as the need arises and effectively build the product to their exact specifications. With such high collaboration and customization, customers tend to have greater satisfaction with the end product.
Increased project control
In traditional development methodologies, developers were constrained by a strict schedule with little room to adapt to evolving needs. Agile’s iterative nature gives developers and clients alike greater control over the project and its outcomes. Whether a customer wants to add new requirements or there are changes in the market landscape, developers have the power to pivot and address those new factors.
Higher product quality
Agile operations integrates Agile testing into your production process. Daily testing and validation ensures that issues are identified and addressed promptly, leading to a higher quality iteration.
Faster ROI
Instead of waiting months for a full product release under traditional Waterfall development, Agile delivers features incrementally. This methodology allows customers to realize the benefits (i.e. return on investment) sooner while the product is still in active development.