Challenges in Implementing SRE

DevOps is a Methodology, Not a Title

DevOps is abstract, like an interface to a program

SRE is a prescriptive and concrete way of implementing DevOps to achieve Reliability of Operations

The focus for a Site Reliability Engineer is about increasing the velocity of delivery, improving the collaboration between Dev and Ops teams and having a steady focus on System Reliability.

Key Challenges

If you are familiar with this part of the world, the beautiful deserts of the Middle East, the picture above captures the daredevil spirit of our people - Changing the tyres of a running vehicle!

Implementing SRE in a running and kicking organisation is similar - It is like changing the engine of a running vehicle. Changing culture is especially challenging, and implementing an SRE mindset is no different.

It is about taking a performing organisation to the next level, either augmenting existing functions or replacing the functions. It is the law of nature that any change is resisted by humans.

How do you increase the acceptance of the SREs:

• Re-iteration of IT Transformation vision and sustained Leadership commitment.
• Provide Training/Coaching on tools, concepts and implementation plan
• There is nothing called over communication - communicate the vision, the interim goals and the results using structured methodologies
• The most effective secret is for the SRE to add Business Value. This will improve the acceptance of the desire to change will overcome the natural resistance