Addressing the Skill Gap in Financial Institutions Transitioning to DevOps

The transition to DevOps in financial institutions presents a unique challenge, particularly when moving from legacy systems. It's often the human factor that proves to be the most significant hurdle. The problem isn't just about implementing new tech; it's about ensuring that everyone involved understands why these changes are necessary and how they work.

So, one of the main issues is the skills gap. It's not enough to simply tell clients what to do without them fully understanding the reasons behind these actions. The lack of understanding can lead to complications when problems arise, as clients may struggle to troubleshoot them effectively without a comprehensive grasp of the system's operations.

Moreover, financial institutions often deal with sensitive data and critical operations. Any misstep, whether it's modifying configurations or restarting the service, can have serious consequences.?

So, how do we fix this? Here's our approach:

• Write clear instructions. We provide step-by-step guides that are easy to follow, covering everything from basic tasks to more complex tasks.
• Keep it simple. We explain everything in plain language. No tech jargon — just a straightforward discussion about what DevOps means for them.
• Explain the 'why'. We don't just give instructions — we explain why each step matters and what might happen if things go wrong.
• Make it logical. We design workflows that make sense, so clients can easily remember what to do and why.
• Offer hands-on training. Our team runs training sessions during one-on-one calls to walk clients through the new systems. These knowledge-transfer sessions are essential to closing the skills gap.
• Take it slow. If clients want to manage infrastructure themselves eventually, we prepare them gradually. No rushing — we move at their pace.
• Focus on key commands. While clients don't need to be tech wizards, we make sure they understand the most important commands — what they do and how to use them safely.
• Provide ongoing support. IT Outposts is always here to answer questions and offer help as clients get used to their new DevOps setup.

We want our clients to feel capable and, thus, confident in their new DevOps environment. Our team aims to build understanding, not just to set up new systems. When clients truly get DevOps, they can make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and fully benefit from this new way of working.