Why Hiring DevOps On Demand is Smarter Than Going In-House

9/16/20252 min read

A "now hiring" sign hangs in a store window.
A "now hiring" sign hangs in a store window.

The Pitfalls of In-House DevOps Hiring

When it comes to building a strong IT infrastructure, many companies consider hiring an in-house DevOps engineer. While this might seem like a solid approach, it can come with numerous challenges. One of the biggest issues is hiring delays. Searching for that perfect candidate can take time, often stretching into weeks or even months. During that period, crucial projects may stagnate, leading to missed business opportunities.

The $200K Gamble

Another significant drawback of hiring in-house is the cost. A skilled DevOps engineer can demand upwards of $200k a year. This investment can be likened to a gamble—you're putting in a hefty sum on a single individual. But what happens if that hire doesn’t pan out? If the engineer leaves or underperforms, the repercussions can be immense, jeopardizing your project's success.

The Risk of a Single Point of Failure

The concept of a single point of failure is critical in technology ecosystems. Relying solely on one DevOps engineer creates a huge risk for your organization. Development is a team effort, and the breadth of skills required to execute DevOps effectively cannot be satisfied by just one person. If that person is sick, leaves, or simply loses interest, your entire system could collapse. That’s a dangerous position for any business to be in.

Limited Skill Sets and Oversight

Even the most talented developers have their limitations. A great developer may excel in coding but wrangle with strategy or leadership roles. Hiring a DevOps engineer without considering the broader skill set required for the job means you could end up with someone who's skilled yet lacks essential leadership qualities. If you don’t have in-depth knowledge of DevOps yourself, how can you assure the quality of their work? Just because something runs doesn’t mean it’s done well or is scalable in the long run.

Why On-Demand DevOps Makes Sense

By opting for on-demand DevOps services, you can bypass many of these headaches. On-demand professionals come with diverse skill sets and can provide immediate solutions tailored to your needs without the overhead of a full-time employee. This flexibility allows your company to scale its operations efficiently, utilizing top-tier talent when necessary, and keeping costs manageable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hiring an in-house DevOps engineer can be tempting, it poses considerable risks and costs. On-demand DevOps specialists offer a viable solution, eliminating hiring delays, the financial gamble, single-point failure issues, and skills limitations. They bring extensive expertise to the table and allow businesses to focus on innovation and growth without being bogged down by operational challenges. Why roll the dice when you can ensure success with on-demand resources?