Episode 513: Gil Hoffer on Applying DevOps Practices to Managing Business Applications

Role Introduction

The Business Engineer role is becoming crucial in today's organizations, as explained by Gil Hoffer. This role involves managing a wide array of business applications, such as Salesforce and Netsuite, and ensuring they align with internal processes. Hoffer emphasizes the need for specialized tools and methodologies for these engineers, akin to the DevOps revolution in software development 1.

They need methodologies, they need tools, and they are a really important part of any modern business today.

--- Gil Hoffer

This new persona is gaining recognition as organizations increasingly rely on SaaS solutions 2.

   

Role Evolution

The evolution of the Business Engineer role parallels the rise of SaaS applications and best-of-breed strategies. Gil Hoffer notes that these engineers often handle multiple platforms, requiring a blend of technical and managerial skills 3. The role is still emerging, but its importance is growing as organizations seek efficiency and effective management of their business applications.

In some organizations, we're seeing teams of tens and hundreds of people who are tasked in their day to day with managing those business applications.

--- Gil Hoffer

This trend is expected to continue as more companies adopt these practices 2.

   

SaaS Impact

The shift from on-premise to SaaS has significantly impacted business application management. Gil Hoffer explains that the reduced operational overhead of SaaS enables organizations to adopt multiple applications, fostering a best-of-breed approach 4. This shift has also increased the need for customization and ongoing maintenance, as these applications are highly adaptable but require continuous management.

The actual cost of onboarding another solution became much lower.

--- Gil Hoffer

This environment necessitates skilled Business Engineers to manage the complexities of these systems effectively.