The terrain of DevOps is ever-changing, marked by an ecosystem rich with a variety of software applications catering to diverse functionalities across the cloud infrastructure landscape. Today, the tide is turning towards a holistic view of DevOps Automation, with the industry shifting its focus to comprehensive, end-to-end platform-based solutions.
Organizations are discovering a spectrum of possibilities in cloud engagement. Some dip their toes with a select few containerized applications, leveraging essential data storage solutions such as SQL servers and S3 object stores. In contrast, others dive deep into the pool of services exclusive to cloud providers like AWS’s arsenal, which includes SQS, SNS, Dynamo, Lambda, EMR, RDS, MSK, and the list goes on. As for compliance, while many are content with basic best practices, some are navigating the strict channels of SOC2, HIPAA, PCI, and NIST standards.
See also: The Technology Behind and Benefits of Data Pipeline Automation
Imagine a fully cloud-native application infrastructure within AWS. This same scenario, with variations unique to their ecosystems, is mirrored across Azure and GCP—each providing a unique set of proprietary services.
In this evolving narrative, three DevOps Automation approaches stand out:
- The Do-It-Yourself Route with Infrastructure-as-Code
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Abstraction
- Platform Engineering Innovation
1. Crafting Your Path with Infrastructure-as-Code
The classic method involves a hands-on approach, where teams intricately script using tools like Terraform and Pulumi. Here, a dedicated force of DevOps engineers stitches together a tapestry of solutions—managing everything from Kubernetes orchestration to access policies and audit trails. This route prizes the developer’s skill to update application code through CI/CD pipelines.
However, while customization and flexibility are hallmarks here, high operational costs and the risk of human error remain substantial drawbacks. The rigidity of this approach can often curtail developer autonomy, stymieing agility and response times.
2. The PaaS Perspective
PaaS solutions like Heroku and Aptible add a thick abstraction layer atop AWS, Azure, and GCP. These platforms convert cloud providers into a utility for raw compute, storage, and networking. With PaaS, teams can access a ready-made orchestration for Kubernetes, CI/CD, and Observability, along with a bespoke selection of standard applications.
Distinct PaaS variants exist: one operates within the user’s cloud account, while the other, like Heroku, is hosted independently, distancing the organization from direct cloud account interaction. PaaS offers a streamlined start for simple applications and a degree of developer self-service within its supported services. However, it often leaves a significant portion of DevOps operations and security management outside its jurisdiction, presenting a challenge for compliance and leading to higher costs.
3. The Rise of Platform Engineering
The latest in the DevOps saga is the surge of Platform Engineering or Internal Developer Platforms (IDP), which aim to gift developers with the tools to manage their cloud infrastructure end-to-end. It’s a revolution still in its youth, not quite a staple in the software categories.
Building In-House
When crafting an IDP from scratch, teams often find themselves retracing the Do-It-Yourself steps, albeit with a narrow set of self-service options. They might employ platforms like Backstage.io to erect developer portals, offering standardized templates for deployment. Despite these efforts, the static nature of templates struggles against the dynamic backdrop of the cloud, leaving developers still dependent on DevOps for nuanced changes.
Choosing a Ready-Made Solution
On the other hand, purchasing a platform engineering solution introduces a new breed of efficiency. Seasoned DevOps tool vendors are expanding their offerings to include IDPs, as seen with Harness.io and GitLab. There are also niche solutions on the market that cover a broader array of cloud-native functions.
Some offer a more robust solution for CD, provisioning, and security compared to Harness and GitLab’s CI-focused offerings.
The DevOps automation narrative is in flux, with companies seeking a balance between tailor-made solutions and user-friendly platforms, cost effectiveness, and compliance adherence. The horizons of DevOps automation are broadening towards solutions that not only simplify cloud operations but also sync harmoniously with the strategic imperatives and real-world demands of modern enterprises. As we witness the maturation of this field, we anticipate a suite of integrated solutions designed to navigate the intricate web of cloud operations.
Venkat Thiruvengadam is the Founder and CEO of DuploCloud.
