The Cart Before the Horse - A DevOps Conundrum

September 26, 2018

We’ve all heard the age-old saying: putting the cart before the horse. Unfortunately, in the world of DevOps, this is happening far more often than it should, and it’s time we talk about it.

The crux of the issue is that, too often, the focus isn’t on solving actual problems; it’s on utilizing shiny new technologies. Picture this: A developer stumbles upon a cutting-edge piece of technology. They’re immediately enamored by its features, its capabilities, the way it’s touted as the ’next big thing.’ So, they start finding ways to incorporate it into their work, regardless of whether it’s actually the best fit for the problems at hand.

The fallout of this approach can be manifold. For starters, it can lead to an excessive, tangled web of tools and processes that don’t necessarily communicate well with each other. This convoluted system not only creates extra work but also detracts from the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the operation. Plus, when you focus too much on the tech and not enough on the issue you’re trying to address, you risk overlooking simpler, more straightforward solutions that could do the job just as well, if not better.

Let’s not forget about the financial aspect either. Investing in new technology without a clear understanding of how it will address specific challenges or add value can be a drain on resources. We’re talking both time and money here, resources that could be better used to innovate and tackle real, pressing problems.

This isn’t to say that new technologies are the enemy. Far from it. They offer amazing potentials to revolutionize the way we work. But the key is to let the problem guide the technology, not the other way around.

Before getting swept up in the allure of the latest tool or process, take a step back. Identify the challenges you’re facing. Map out potential solutions and weigh them against each other. Most importantly, consult with your team. They might have insights or concerns that you haven’t even considered.

So, as we venture forth into the ever-evolving landscape of DevOps, let’s make sure we’re leading with the horse, not the cart. In doing so, we stand a far better chance of reaching our destination: solving real-world problems with the most effective solutions at hand.