Why do we do DevOps if we have Agile?

Is Devops the same as agile and how are they different?

So I'm often asked, JP, what is Devops Anyway? We already have Agile, is Devops supposed to replace it?

The short answer is no.

Agile is a software development methodology, that leverages cyclic reviews (sprints or iterations) that are defined as shorter than a month, to ensure the process maintains sanity. These reviews are traditionally driven by the people on the team(s) and quite subjective. They focus on delivering what was promised above and beyond all manage intrinsic "unexpected" change. 

Devops over-arches this. It reviews cycles with "mechanical" and automated metrics. It attempts to depersonalize and make measurements as objective as possible. It's cyclicity is as short as a delivery cycle, which ideally can be several times of day. But the data can be reviewed at any periodicity, included the sprints or iterations that Agile has defined.

Agile protects and isolates the development team. Their motivation is usually delivering what was promised in the most expedient way. In some ways, it contributes to silos.

Devops exposes and wants to include the teams of previous and following processes. The pretension being the more you know about those you will be working for or with, the better off you will understand what you need to do. It promotes autonomy rather than isolation. Continuous improvement instead of a stable recipe for stable software delivery. It considers the human factor as something to leverage, by also the Agile process itself. And lets not forget all the tools and automation that people usually associate with the term, in the first place.

So in my opinion, Agile is more about software development and Agile is more about all around business needs. After all it allows you to do more while using less. It focuses on adding value rather than maintaining a stipulated agreement.

But as I often say, my promise is my process. If it is built to consider experimentation, failure and success as part of it. How can I possibly lose? And to me, that is the best of what Devops has to offer.