IT infrastructure work is certainly not the same as software development, but the Agile methodologies offer some good advice to us system and network administrators. In general, Agile has grown from a Manifesto about software development to a full-blown project management methodology. Powerful tools are available to help manage projects according to its tenants. Although Agile is based on lessons learned implementing complex software projects, its principles apply equally well to IT infrastructure projects and operations. Agile’s concept of “self-organizing teams” is particularly appealing to me, since Applied Trust is managed as a “company of peers”.
I’ve picked five of the Principles behind the Agile Manifesto that are particularly applicable to our field – read on to see how they look from an IT infrastructure perspective:
1) Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable infrastructure.
2) Welcome changing requirements, even late in deployment. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
3) Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
4) Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential.
5) Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.

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