Introduction: DevOps vs SRE

After Google introduced Site Reliability Engineer into the software development process, the whole IT industry was confused and had this question “What is the difference between the DevOps and SRE?”

In short, there is not much difference between the DevOps and SRE. Today in this article you will get to know how they both similar and different from each other. Let’s start with a small introduction to the DevOps and SRE.

What is DevOps?

The word DevOps is expanded as the Development Operations. It refers to the framework followed by the IT companies to produce the software or applications as per the customer requirements. It involves agile and automotive infrastructure to ensure a fast return on demand.

When the customer makes a request the DevOps team starts working on them and aim to make fast and quick delivery. It covers the whole Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) from planning to final testing.

They practice many automation techniques like machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to make create a continuous and qualified delivery. It is the direct successor of the Agile Software Development process.

In Short, DevOps or Development operations refers to a framework adopted to reduce the barriers the traditional development operations.

What is SRE?

SRE refers to the Site Reliability Engineering or Engineer. It is a discipline which is created by fusing the software engineering with administration, infrastructure and operation problem of the organization.

An SRE is none other than, an administrative expert who has basic programming or software knowledge to create a solution for the operative issues and development process. He helps in achieving scalable and highly reliable software systems.

It is not common to have a Site Reliability Engineer in organizations, only the big organizations or sites that host massive servers that process large data. An SRE shares the major principles of the DevOps.

A Site Reliability Engineer spent nearly 50% of his time in the “operations” which is shortly called “Ops” in the IT field. He will be engaged in the works like on-call, monitoring, issues, manual supervision, and intervention. And he spends the other 50% on the development process.

Difference between DevOps and SRE:

It is hard to differ both of them as they are used side-by-side in many combinations. SRE and DevOps are similar by adopting these five major principles.

Reducing organizational issues
Measuring everything
Implementation of gradual change and agile development
Accepting failure
Automation and innovation.

However, there are some differences between them.

Comparison Table: DevOps vs SRE

PARAMETER	DevOps	SRE
Abbreviation for	Development Operations	Site Reliability Engineer/Engineering
Definition	It is the framework adapted in an Organization to fast deliver the software or applications as per the customer needs.	It combines the software engineering concepts with the operations of the organizations and acts as a bridge between Development and Operations team.
Scope of work	DevOps includes development, remodeling, and fast delivery of Applications	SRE involves 50% of operations and automation works and 50% of development works.
Goal	Continuous and fast App Development	To ensure the scalability, performance, and reliability of the software.
Focus	Focus on implementation of new automation tools and meeting the final customer requirement.	SRE focus on inducing new methods and automation in DevOps functions.
Stage	DevOps is the first stage of the production process.	It is part of DevOps that focuses more on the automation and performance of the software.
Types of Approaches	Simple DevOps and DevSecOps (Integration with Security Operations)	SRE can be combined with many DevOps personals like Release engineer, production engineer, etc…
Dependency	DevOps is not dependent on SRE. However, SRE helps to improve the DevOps performance.	SRE is dependent on DevOps; the operation of SRE varies based on the existing DevOps operation.
Way of processing	Comparatively less automated and manual intervention. 9	Automation monitored by the administrative expert.
Knowledge Requirements	Wide knowledge of different Script languages and specialization anyone (preferably Python)	A Site Reliability Engineer should excel both in administration and software engineering.
Salary estimate	The annual salary of the DevOps Engineer varies from $91,666 to $155,000. Based on his experience.	As a Site Reliability Engineer, you can expect an Annual Salary of $78,000 – $90,000.