In the Information Technology landscape, new terms and methodologies constantly emerge, introducing innovative perspectives for managing information systems and software development. The latest trend rapidly gaining ground is Platform Engineering. How does this emerging approach integrate into the software development context, and in particular with the DevOps philosophy? What are the key distinctions between Platform Engineering and DevOps? And which of these two approaches best fits the specific needs of an organization?
In this article, we will dive into the Platform Engineering vs DevOps dichotomy, highlighting the boundaries between the two philosophies. To begin, we will examine the definitions and objectives of both approaches, in order to shed light on the nuances that characterize them.
What Is DevOps?
DevOps is a combination of “Development” and “Operations.” It is a collaborative approach that brings together development and operations teams to accelerate the software release process and improve product quality. DevOps promotes a culture of communication, feedback, and integration among the people and teams involved in the software lifecycle.
The main objectives of DevOps teams include:
- Reducing software release time
- Improving product quality
- Increasing team efficiency
- Reducing development and maintenance costs
TO LEARN MORE, READ ALSO:
DevOps Methodology: An Introductory Guide
DevOps: What It Is and How to Introduce It in Your Company
What Is Platform Engineering?
The term Platform Engineering refers to the design, development, and management of software platforms — also called Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs) — that support and facilitate the development of applications and services. Instead of focusing on integration between development and operations teams, Platform Engineering focuses on creating platforms that allow development teams to work more efficiently and at scale.
READ ALSO:
What Is Platform Engineering and Why Adopt It in Your Company?
The main objectives of Platform Engineering include:
- Creating flexible and scalable infrastructure
- Standardizing processes and technologies
- Promoting best practices for software development and maintenance
- Supporting development teams in adopting new technologies and processes
TO LEARN MORE: Watch our Platform Engineering video playlist.**
Platform Engineering vs DevOps: What Are the Differences?
What exactly is the difference between DevOps and Platform Engineering? They are different approaches, yet both aim to improve the productivity and efficiency of development and operations teams.
While the DevOps culture, founded on collaboration, enables the creation of better software in shorter timeframes, platform engineering provides DevOps teams with efficient and centralized platforms to better manage tools and workflows.
In other words, DevOps focuses on collaboration between teams, while Platform Engineering aims to provide those same teams with flexible and scalable infrastructure to support the development of applications and services.
The two approaches do not necessarily exclude each other, but they certainly require organizational resources to be adopted. That is why business leaders may find themselves having to make a choice and, therefore, ask themselves questions. What are the advantages of each approach that I can best leverage in my company? What are the challenges I can best sustain? Because yes, it is not only about advantages: adopting a new philosophy always involves challenges to face.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
What Is Developer Experience? A Guide for CIOs and CTOs
How to Choose Between DevOps and Platform Engineering?
The choice between DevOps and Platform Engineering will depend on the specific needs of an organization and its long-term objectives. To determine which approach is best suited to your organization’s needs, consider the following factors:
- Project size and complexity: larger and more complex projects could benefit more from a Platform Engineering approach, which offers greater flexibility and scalability. However, for smaller or less complex projects, a DevOps approach may be sufficient.
- Organizational culture:** DevOps requires a strong culture of collaboration and communication. If your organization already has a similar culture, adopting DevOps could be easier. Conversely, if your organization is more hierarchical or segmented, Platform Engineering could be an easier approach to embrace.
- Business objectives: evaluate your organization’s long-term business objectives. If your priority is reducing software release time and improving product quality, DevOps could be the best choice. However, if the main goal is to create flexible and scalable infrastructure to support future growth, Platform Engineering could be the most suitable approach.
- Existing technologies and skills: consider the technologies and skills already present within your organization. If your teams have experience with containerization, orchestration, and cloud computing, adopting a Platform Engineering approach could be smoother. On the other hand, if your teams are more accustomed to working with traditional development and operations tools and processes, DevOps could be a more natural path.
In conclusion, both DevOps and Platform Engineering offer significant advantages for improving the efficiency and productivity of development and operations teams. The choice between these two approaches will depend on the specific needs of your organization, its long-term objectives, and existing skills and technologies.
What Will Be the Future Trends for Platform Engineering and DevOps?
Platform Engineering is often described as a disruptive philosophy destined to radically transform the IT landscape. According to Gartner, “by 2026, 80% of software organizations will have a platform engineering team.” The question then naturally arises: what will happen to other innovative approaches, starting with DevOps, but also Agile and SRE?
In reality, the history of Information Technology teaches us that very often new approaches emerge and spread without necessarily cannibalizing what came before. Platform Engineering can therefore continue to grow as a discipline without supplanting other philosophies. On the contrary, it can offer new tools to support cultures and ways of working that are increasingly founded on communication and agility.
In other words, where an organization has invested time and resources in introducing both approaches, platform engineering can facilitate the work of DevOps teams, offering the opportunity to focus more on building applications, instead of trying to understand the infrastructure and production environment.
