Conversations with an expert: Exploring the Future of DevOps

Tim

“Avinash, you are a seasoned hand at CI/CD, at your current client you are working in an Azure ‘pure model’, how do you like it?” 

“It has been an exciting journey. Azure DevOps offers a cohesive environment, I particularly like the way Azure integrates everything seamlessly - whether it’s source control, build pipelines, or deployment management. The YAML-based configurations and the ability to reuse templates across pipelines have been game-changers for managing deployments across multiple environments. 

 Of course, there have been challenges, like maintaining tag consistency across stages or managing Kubernetes configurations like ConfigMaps. But those are the moments that really push me. At the end of the day, it's all about delivering reliable and efficient solutions for the client, and Azure’s ecosystem definitely supports that goal.” 

Avinash

Tim

"Your previous client’s DevOps was a federated model where you used a variety of best-in-class tools to make it all work. Was that a lot different?"

“Working in a federated model with a mix of best-in-class tools was definitely a contrast to the Azure pure model. I’ve learned from both.  I really appreciated the flexibility the federated model offered where I used specialized tools like Jenkins for CI, Jira for issue tracking, and Kubernetes-native tools for deployments allowed me to tailor solutions to specific tasks. That kind of customization was especially helpful in complex/diverse environments.  

But, I’ll admit, it came with challenges, like integrating and maintaining compatibility between all those tools took extra effort, and sometimes it felt like we were trading flexibility for inefficiency.” 

Avinash

Tim

"DevOps is moving quickly these days… what are you excited about?" 

“One thing I’m really looking forward to is how AI and automation are starting to make a big impact. We all want tools that can predict pipeline failures, optimize resource usage, or even generate YAML configurations... It’s exciting to think about how much easier that could make things, freeing up time for teams to focus on building great solutions instead of troubleshooting.  

 Another area that’s really interesting is GitOps and Policy-as-Code. Being able to manage infrastructure in a declarative way while also keeping pipelines auditable and compliant—it’s a big step forward, especially in highly regulated industries. It makes everything feel more controlled and predictable. 

And then there’s edge computing, which is opening up so many possibilities. For example, thinking about how pipelines can handle dynamic updates to edge devices without causing disruptions—it’s a whole new level of complexity that DevOps is starting to address.” 

Avinash

Tim

"Do you have any ‘tips of the trade’ that you’d like to share?"

“First, keeping pipelines simple and modular is a big one.  

Complex pipelines are a headache to debug and maintain. Breaking things into modular, reusable components—like using YAML templates and sticking to the “Don’t Repeat Yourself” principle—has saved me a lot of time and effort. 

Another thing I always prioritize is observability. Investing in solid logging, monitoring, and tracing early on doesn’t just help when things go wrong—it also gives you the data you need to optimize performance and spot bottlenecks before they become problems. 

When it comes to automation, I’ve learned it’s important to automate with purpose. Automating repetitive, error-prone tasks is great, but it’s just as important to leave space for manual oversight in areas where it really matters.” 

These concerns aren’t insurmountable, but they do require attention and proactive measures. As the field continues to grow, I think it’s essential for organizations to prioritize not just speed and innovation, but also sustainability, security, and the well-being of their teams. 

Avinash

Tim

"Avinash, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me!"