A Method for the Adoption of DevOps in SMEs

DevOps represents a novel paradigm in business and information technology, aimed at bridging the gap between development and operations. While existing literature predominantly explores DevOps adoption in large enterprises, the applicability of resulting methods and frameworks to smaller enterprises remains limited. This paper addresses this gap by investigating small and medium enterprises (SMEs), offering insights into how such enterprises have successfully implemented DevOps or, for those facing challenges, how to overcome obstacles during implementation. Our research endeavors focus on developing a methodology tailored to the unique requirements of successful DevOps implementation in SMEs. This methodology has been rigorously tested in domestic Swiss SMEs, involving collaboration with experts and internal IT development teams. Through validation processes, we refined our methodology, resulting in the formulation of an adoption method, a checklist, and a meta-model designed to streamline the DevOps adoption process for SMEs. Our findings demonstrate that the developed method holds practical implications and significantly facilitates the implementation process. However, it is crucial to customize the methodology to align with the specific characteristics of each company before implementation. This approach ensures that the methodology effectively addresses the individual needs and challenges encountered by SMEs, ultimately enhancing the likelihood of successful DevOps adoption.