Have you been hearing about TechOps and wondering what exactly it is?
TechOps is an emerging field that builds on the principles of DevOps to unify technology teams across an organization.
If your company grapples with disjointed technology efforts, slow release cycles, or frequent production issues, it’s time to consider implementing a TechOps model. This could be the key to unlocking your technology team’s full potential.
Continue reading to learn what TechOps means and how to start with this new approach.
What is TechOps?
TechOps refers to managing technical operations and the technology suite that powers a company. It involves maintaining infrastructure like networks, data centers, and cloud services and coordinating incident responses.
The goal is simple: to enable efficient and collaborative delivery of technology products and services. This field represents a new work procedure combining everyone involved in building and running technology platforms and tools.
Differences between TechOps and DevOps
Having understood the concept, let’s discuss TechOps vs DevOps. What’s the difference between these tech disciplines:
In a nutshell, TechOps focuses on managing technical operations and infrastructure across an organization. On the other hand, DevOps services streamline the development and deployment of software.
Let’s explore the disparities in more detail under the following categories:
1. Teams
TechOps aims to break down silos between development and operations teams for all tech teams, including information security, data analytics, and UX design. DevOps focuses on breaking down silos between development and operations teams only.
2. Tools
A TechOps engineer protects, manages, and troubleshoots networks, servers, and cloud platforms. A DevOps practitioner deals primarily with applications and code.
3. Processes
A TechOps manager requires deep technical knowledge of hardware and software configuration. They also need to understand debugging and performance optimization. On the other hand, DevOps engineers use tools and techniques like continuous testing, integration, delivery (CI/CD), and monitoring to build, test, and release software faster and more reliably.
What are TechOps Responsibilities?
These team members maintain the technology infrastructure and systems that support an organization’s products and technical operations. Their main areas of focus include:
1. Application deployment
TechOps specialists may use containerization technologies to help developers create and manage lightweight, portable software environments. Unlike the traditional computing environment that often results in code errors and bugs when transferred to a new location, this approach runs the code on new environments without refactoring it.
2. Workflow automation
TechOps teams automate processes to optimize technology systems and workflows. Automation increases efficiency, reduces human error, and allows engineers to focus on more relevant tasks. TechOps may automate software deployment, network configuration, system health checks, and more.
3. Collaboration
TechOps professionals help teams work together smoothly by setting up tools like messaging apps, project software, and shared docs. While in charge of these channels, they ensure proper access controls and security to allow team members to collaborate while safeguarding sensitive data.
4. Systems monitoring
A TechOps engineer monitors your tech systems and infrastructure to ensure smooth running for the best performance possible. They set up monitoring tools, like Nagios or Zabbix, to detect issues as soon as they arise and alert the appropriate teams. Quickly identifying and resolving problems helps to minimize disruption.
5. Network administration
TechOps engineers set up and manage companies’ networks to ensure they run smoothly. This aspect of the job may include monitoring traffic patterns, the health of the network infrastructure, and devices connected to the network.
They’re also responsible for protecting the network from cyber threats, and they do this by applying security patches and updating the firmware of the networking infrastructure, such as routers and firewalls.
6. Troubleshooting and incident response
When technical issues arise, the TechOps team promptly diagnoses the problem and gets systems back up and running. They work to resolve software bugs, network connectivity issues, and more. TechOps aims to restore service quickly during incidents and determine the root cause to prevent future occurrences.
7. Knowledge management
The TechOps team keeps detailed documentation on infrastructure architecture, software configurations, and standard operating procedures within a company. This way, they can quickly provide information to other teams without having to rediscover knowledge.
8. Security
TechOps teams also contribute to security and compliance to protect systems and data. They stay abreast of the latest security threats and establish effective security measures to mitigate risks. Typical security measures for a TechOps manager may include implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, protecting data centers, and access controls.
Do you need a TechOps specialist?
TechOps skills are highly sought-after as technology is becoming increasingly complex. That being the case, many companies are starting to recognize the value of dedicated technical operations (TechOps) roles.
IT operations market size was predicted to hit $39.68 billion in 2032. If your company is growing quickly and adopting new technologies, a TechOps specialist can help scale your systems and workflows to match. They handle the technical details so developers and engineers can stay focused on building products.
When Do You Need a TechOps Specialist?
Here are some signs you may need a TechOps engineer:
1. You’re adopting new technologies
If your company has started using solutions like Kubernetes, Docker, or AWS services, TechOps specialists have the expertise to deploy and manage these technologies at scale.
2. Compliance and security are concerns
Responsibilities include access control, vulnerability management, and compliance auditing. They implement best practices to mitigate risk.
3. Workloads are increasing
Use automation and orchestration to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up developers to focus on what they know how to do best. For less techy businesses, they can help implement business process automation to increase operational efficiency.
4. Your infrastructure is slowing down development
TechOps experts optimize cloud platforms, networks, and tools so teams can work efficiently.
5. Processes are inconsistent or poorly documented
Let specialists analyze current practices and design and implement better systems and playbooks.
6. Teams frequently run into technical roadblocks
TechOps professionals predict technical difficulties and put guardrails in place so teams can avoid common pitfalls. They also promptly troubleshoot when problems arise.
If any of these issues resonate with you, consider an external professional to support your technical teams. While a single person can’t solve every problem, TechOps specialists take care of the operational details so innovation can happen.
Which industry do TechOps specialists work in?
TechOps professionals can work in diverse industries, from finance and educational services to telecommunications and computer systems. They are always needed in any industry that relies on complex technology systems to operate efficiently.
Can DevOps Specialists Cover TechOps Roles?
Back to the TechOps vs DevOps debate, let’s first consider that both fields have overlapping roles. This means that a DevOps professional can handle some of the soft responsibilities of TechOps pros.
For example, they can manage CI/CD pipelines and streamline software deployment. Both roles focus on monitoring system health, using cloud services, and fostering collaboration within tech teams.
Now, remember that TechOps takes a broader approach to managing technology across the enterprise, which means getting your hands dirty with hardware.
Even though DevOps professionals would have a deeper understanding and more hands-on approach to software operations, they can’t handle the technical aspects of TechOps processes, which may include setting up new hardware or other hardware-related troubleshooting. Things like networking, or security would also not fall on their plates, traditionally.
Implement an Efficient TechOps Process With Zartis
Instead of TechOps vs DevOps, why not think plus DevOps? The two disciplines are complementary but differ in scope and objectives. DevOps improves software delivery, while TechOps optimizes technical operations. Together, these technical fields can help your organization deliver new products and services at scale, quickly.
Implementing a good TechOps strategy requires a massive cultural and operational shift. However, partnering with Zartis’ dedicated teams is an easy way to get the most out of your tech investments without changing how you run your team.
Our team of 260+ engineers consists of senior developers and specialists who can hit the ground running and provide expert insights. We’ll help you leverage artificial intelligence for IT operations to boost efficiency and free up your technical teams to work on more strategic initiatives. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
