What is the difference between DevOps and SysAdmin?
Since DevOps encompasses so many different tasks and processes, getting to a clear and comprehensive definition is a challenge.
DevOps is not necessarily about individual tools or roles, but rather a set of practices that developers and operators use to deliver software to end-users more holistically and efficiently. It is another philosophy along the lines of Agile that seeks to break down organizational silos and promote cross-functional teamwork and cooperation.
In other words, DevOps represents a convergence of many different spheres within enterprise IT.
Meanwhile, a system administrator, or SysAdmin, is a person responsible for maintaining, configuring, and reliably operating computer systems, especially multi-user computers such as servers.
As the descriptions above show, there is a clear difference between the two. So where does the confusion come from?
Much of the confusion occurs because “DevOps” has become a buzzword in the tech space.
The word “DevOps” has been misused countless times by companies looking to save money and get things done quickly. Using the word to cover up the desire to save money by reducing staff often creates big problems in the future.
Many companies and startups think DevOps engineers can do everything themselves and will solve all their problems once they are hired. This is not the case. It is wrong to think that a DevOps expert can be called upon to clean up all the mess a company has made until now with its infrastructure.