In the world of IT, the landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging every year. One of the key reports that has been tracking these changes since 2010 is Puppet’s annual State of DevOps Report. The latest edition of this report, published in 2024, sheds light on the growing importance of platform engineering and its close relationship with security in the IT industry.
Platform engineering, as defined in the report, aims to provide end users, particularly software developers, with easy and fast access to the tools they need to perform their tasks efficiently. These platforms are managed by platform engineering teams, who ensure that all workflows and tools are in place for developers to work seamlessly. The role of platform engineers is crucial in enabling developers to deliver on organizational needs at a rapid pace.
The report highlights a significant shift in the IT landscape towards platform engineering, with Gartner predicting that 80% of global organizations will have dedicated platform engineering teams by 2026. This indicates a growing recognition of the value that platform engineering brings to businesses and their employees.
One of the key benefits of platform engineering is the reduction in support requests to IT operations teams, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks. Developers also benefit from having all the tools they need readily available, without having to waste time searching for them or verifying their accuracy. This streamlined approach to software development is essential in today’s complex and fast-paced environment.
A notable finding from the State of DevOps Report is that platform engineering teams are increasingly taking on security responsibilities. This integration of security into platform strategies from the beginning is a significant development, as it ensures that security is not an afterthought but a core part of the development process. The report reveals that 70% of respondents have built security into their platforms from the start, highlighting the importance of proactive security measures.
Furthermore, the report shows that organizations are increasingly investing in specialized platforms for security and compliance, allowing teams to focus on their core competencies without being burdened by unnecessary tasks. This move towards specialized platforms is expected to continue in the coming years, as organizations strive for more efficient and secure software development processes.
Overall, the evolution of platform engineering represents a crucial step towards better-governed DevOps practices. Embracing the contributions of platform engineering to security and compliance is essential for organizations looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing IT landscape. As the trend towards automated patch management continues to grow, platform engineering will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the security and stability of software development environments.
In conclusion, the State of DevOps Report highlights the growing significance of platform engineering in the IT industry and its close relationship with security. By investing in platform engineering and integrating security measures from the outset, organizations can create a more efficient and secure software development process. The trends identified in the report point towards a future where platform engineering is an integral part of successful IT operations.