DevOps isn't just for application deployments, it also applies to database development. DataOps[1] is a variation which encourages automating the flow of data through enterprises, from source to storage. At the same time, DevOps -- which focuses on the flow of application delivery and deployment -- is increasingly being applied to databases, which are very large, sophisticated applications in their own right. "Databases are recognized as another code deployment which can and should be managed, tested, automated, and improved with the same robust, reliable methodologies applied to application code," according to Kendra Little, DevOps advocate at Redgate Software.
This conclusion is validated by Redgate's survey[2] of 2,000 developers, which finds a rise in the number of DevOps deployments for databases, with almost half of respondents reporting they deploy database changes to production weekly or more frequently.
A majority, 68%, are in some phase of DevOps adoption across the board. About one in five, 18%, say they have adopted DevOps "across all projects," up from 15% a year ago. Forty-six percent of respondents are performing some form of database deployment automation. Managers within larger enterprises are bullish on database DevOps: more than 60% believe they will be moving from traditional database deployments to fully automated deployments can be achieved in a year or less.
"Databases, which were formerly seen as configurable repositories much like file shares, are now seen as stateful data, controlled by code," according to report co-author Kellyn Pot'Vin-Gorman. "However, databases present unique challenges in using change methodology due to the very nature and value of data. In particular. Data loss can put the continued existence of the company at risk. This results in database deployments requiring more care than standard change management to ensure the