There is also a growing recognition of the role that security must play in the software development cycle. With businesses becoming more dependent on digital technology, 90% of CIOs are in agreement that security will need to be built into continuous service and application delivery for DevOps to be effective. Respondents cited establishing IT security checks (37%) and incorporating data regulation requirements (34%) as two of their main considerations when thinking about the skills needed for the effective implementation of DevOps. An overwhelming majority (94%) believe that DevOps will need to incorporate further security measures, and a further 35% of CIOs believe that DevSecOps – the practice of building security into continuous service and application delivery – is what’s needed for a successful implementation.
Organisations will increasingly need to think about how they recruit for their DevOps function. One of the biggest challenges faced by nearly a third (31%) of companies is sourcing IT professionals with the right skills. Other challenges include the need for strong management structures (32%), enhanced communications within the IT team (32%) and a culture of collaboration (30%).
‘Organisations are seeking new ways to innovate by accelerating the interactions between development and infrastructure,’ explained Neil Owen, Director at Robert Half Technology UK. “As a result, 47% of chief information officers (CIOs) are already implementing DevOps and have the solid foundations in place for further innovation. IT leaders need professionals who can deliver on the business strategy and securely achieve a more agile, collaborative way of working.
‘In this new age of digitalisation, DevOps is creating new opportunities for technology professionals to support the business and opening up new career paths,’ continues Owen. ‘There is a growing need for IT and technology professionals to become more business and commercially savvy. As the DevOps movement increases the collaboration between technology fuctions and the business, this is a key way for technology professionals to improve their opportunities for career progression.’
