Inclusion – Required for DevOps Continuous Delivery Pipeline

As a noun, the official definition of the word inclusion is defined as the state of being included or being made a part of something. When a book covers many different ideas and subjects, it is an example of the inclusion of many ideas. When multiple people are all invited to be part of a group, this is an example of the inclusion of many different people. There are many certification classes available for DevOps, Agile, and ITSM. All of them will speak of Inclusion.

When considering inclusion in a DevOps Continuous Delivery Pipeline, service providers frequently miss the inclusion of some very necessary elements. In order to ensure real value, and cost-effective solutions fast, it is back to basics. Consider the inclusion of the following:

Best Practices and Methodologies: These are the answers for how to. It is not just one best practice, methodology, or standard that will get you there. “There” is where you are trying to go. Consider methods such as DevOps, ITSM, Agile, Lean, and standards as tools in a toolbox. ITIL 4 for 2019 will reinforce that they all have a role to play in the integrated Continuous Delivery Pipeline. Without the inclusion of multiple methodologies, it could be like leaving a key ingredient out of the recipe and expecting a delicious result.

People, Process, and Technology: We have all heard this one before. There is not a DevOps Continuous Delivery pipeline without the inclusion of all three. It is People, Process, and Technology but what we do not hear is that it is in that order of importance. It’s the People, the People, the People, and if you think you’ve got it all right reconsider the inclusion of the People. A certified “Agile Process Owner” knows when it comes to process, it is just enough process, just enough governance but to say you don’t require process and governance is an extreme risk. And lastly, the tools are not the silver bullet. Automation is a key element to success but without the inclusion and the importance placed on people and process, the tools and technology may not render the results you have hoped and strived for. Inclusion and balance with a little common sense are always best.

Requirements: In the past, there has been more of a focus on the Utility (Functional Requirements) for a product or service than there was on the Warranty (Non-Functional) Requirements. Full blow requirements upfront before the development ensures a stable antifragile environment and customer outcomes that deliver true value. Consider inclusion for requirements including Security, Compliance, Availability, Capacity, and Continuity first. Most find the code, the integrated testing, and the results to be better than anticipated. Want to really be proactive and not always firefighting? Let’s do it right the first time with the inclusion of all requirements.

Value Stream Stakeholders: This is a big one. It is not just Dev and Ops that need to be integrated but rather all stakeholders in the Value Stream. And yes, this includes the Customer, the Business Partner, CISO, and practitioners. Shatter the silos. There is no such thing as “We are too big”, “We are too small”, or “You just don’t understand, we have a certain culture here”. There is one “Value Stream” and the inclusion of all parties from idea to the realization of value is required.

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