I will be giving an introduction to DevOps ((http://dev2ops.org/blog/2010/2/22/what-is-devops.html)) and the DevOps Toolchain ((http://code.google.com/p/devops-toolchain/wiki/DevOps)) at the Akron Linux Users Group (ALUG) ((http://groups.google.com/group/AkronLUG/web/alug-home-page)), held at the New Era Restaurant at 10 Massillon Rd. Akron Ohio (See map below)
Often development and operations seem to have competing goals. Development is the gas, while operations is often perceived as the brakes. This does not have to be the case. Thinking in terms of “DevOps” can help both developers and systems administrators better serve the business needs of constant change and stability.
It may be useful to employ developers that have worked as a systems administrator at some point in there career and visa versa. It is definitely useful to have individuals that understand the needs of both development and operations. Sometimes it takes many years to gain this kind of insight. Insightful individuals in both roles help educate members of their team and develop best practices and automation which leads to a more efficient IT organization.