ITSM
Erin Geiger, Director of Content at Lumos

Is DevOps the same as IT?

Discover the key differences between DevOps and IT, and how they complement each other.

Table of Contents

Ever wondered if DevOps is just another name for IT? Spoiler alert: it’s not. While both are important in your organization, they serve distinct roles. This blog will unravel the differences between these two powerhouses and dive into how they complement each other. Plus, we'll touch on ITSM and the ITSM vs DevOps debate. Ready to level up your IT knowledge? Let’s get started!

What Is DevOps?

A quote around IT and DevOps methodologies.

DevOps is a methodology that bridges the gap between software development and IT operations, promoting collaboration and integration to deliver software efficiently. Unlike traditional IT roles that might operate in silos, DevOps focuses on a unified approach, enabling faster and more reliable software delivery. This involves using DevOps tools to automate various stages of the development pipeline, from code integration to deployment.

The skills required for a DevOps role are diverse, encompassing both development and operations expertise. DevOps engineer skills include proficiency in coding and scripting, understanding of automation tools, knowledge of cloud services, and experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Think of a DevOps engineer as a tech-savvy wizard, combining the powers of coding and infrastructure management to conjure seamless software releases.

Is DevOps the Same as IT? Is DevOps an IT Role?

DevOps and IT are related concepts, but have some differences—more on this in a moment. DevOps can be considered an IT role, but it often goes beyond traditional IT boundaries by integrating development and operations practices. While conventional IT roles focus on maintaining infrastructure, managing networks, and supporting users, DevOps roles emphasize automation, efficiency, and collaboration. DevOps professionals work to streamline the entire software delivery process so that applications are developed, tested, and deployed swiftly and reliably.

What Is the Difference Between DevOps and IT?

The main difference between DevOps and traditional IT lies in the approach and scope of work. Traditional IT roles concentrate on maintaining the existing IT infrastructure, handling user support, and managing hardware and software. It's like maintaining the starship's systems so that everything runs smoothly without hiccups.

DevOps, on the other hand, is more dynamic and focuses on the end-to-end software lifecycle. It aims to eliminate bottlenecks and improve communication between development and operations teams, enabling faster and more frequent software releases. DevOps practices include automating repetitive tasks, integrating development and testing processes, and continuously monitoring and improving systems. As a DevOps example, imagine DevOps as the engineering team on the starship, constantly upgrading and optimizing the ship's performance while keeping everything running smoothly.

DevOps and IT: A Perfect Pairing

Choosing the right tools to support DevOps and IT practices can be a game-changer, and that's where Lumos excels. Whether your goal is to streamline incident management, automate service requests, or bolster compliance, Lumos has the solutions to elevate your IT operations and support your DevOps team. Lumos simplifies the automation of repetitive IT tasks, manages access requests efficiently, and integrates seamlessly with other enterprise systems. Our comprehensive features enhance productivity, security, and compliance, allowing your teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Ready to transform your IT and DevOps practices? Discover Lumos today by booking a demo!