Every company wants to become more agile, efficient, and scalable, so it’s no surprise that DevOps-driven models are growing in popularity. Recently, we conducted a study together with IDC on managed IT services. It revealed that 67% of companies plan to implement DevOps-as-a-Service (DaaS) within the next 18 months. This indicates that DevOps is increasingly being recognized as a core strategy for modern businesses.
The data in this article, based on recent research by IDC (February 2025) and sponsored by Comarch , provides deeper insight into how organizations are embracing DevOps to meet the demands of modern IT management.
The Growing Demand for DevOps-as-a-Service
According to recent IDC research, 32% of Western European companies are already using DevOps services, while 67% plan to implement them within the next 18 months. The reasons are clear:
- Scalability: Easily adjust IT capacity without being constrained by internal resources.
- Access to specialized professionals: No need to attract or retain in-house DevOps expertise.
- Cost savings: Eliminate overhead costs for an internal DevOps team or infrastructure.
- Automation: Streamline processes and increase operational efficiency through automated tools.
- Enhanced security: Benefit from professional monitoring and up-to-date security practices.
But why is this happening now?
Organizations need faster software delivery and integration within complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Cost reduction is a key driver, as predictable pricing models make IT spending easier to manage. Additionally, outsourcing IT operations helps reduce risk by providing access to specialized expertise in security and compliance.
Another key driver is the ongoing global shortage of technical talent.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain in-house DevOps professionals. 41.3% of Western European companies cite staffing challenges as a major reason for outsourcing IT services. DevOps solutions can help bridge this gap, enabling reliable and scalable IT operations without the limitations of internal staffing constraints.
The Business Impact of DevOps within Managed IT Services
DevOps-as-a-Service offers companies tangible benefits, especially in terms of efficiency and cost savings. Organizations gain access to predictable pricing models and can optimize resources, eliminating the need for large infrastructure investments. Thanks to this flexibility, they can quickly scale IT capacity and adapt to market changes, seasonal fluctuations, or growth opportunities—something that’s difficult to achieve with a resource-constrained internal IT team.
Security and compliance also become more manageable with DevOps. For example, 31% of companies have already adopted managed security services, and 69% plan to do so in the near future. However, compliance remains a challenge: 36.8% of organizations cite it as a key concern when working with managed IT providers. DevSecOps integrates security from the start of the development process, proactively mitigating risks.
DevOps also enables organizations to scale IT on demand, preventing infrastructure bottlenecks and supporting continuous innovation without operational disruptions.
How Organizations Should Approach DevOps in Managed IT Services
Co-sourcing, where an external partner collaborates with the internal IT team, is becoming increasingly popular. According to our research, 34.1% of companies already use this approach, and nearly half plan to adopt it within the next 18 months. A hybrid strategy provides the right balance between internal control and external support.
Fully managed services are less common: only 7.6% currently use them, and 14.1% plan to in the future.
The Importance of SLAs
Clear and comprehensive Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are essential to align business goals with IT operations. 86% of organizations consider a well-defined SLA to be “very important” or “extremely important” when selecting a DevOps provider.
The Role of Automation: AI in DevOps
More and more companies expect artificial intelligence and machine learning to be integrated into managed IT services. Innovations such as AI-driven observability and predictive analytics enable proactive resolution of IT issues. Automation also enhances Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and CI/CD pipelines, boosting efficiency and reducing errors.
Ensuring Cultural Fit and Seamless Integration
Cultural alignment between the provider’s services and the internal workings of the organization should not be underestimated. Common challenges include communication issues, time zone differences, and integration hurdles. 27% of organizations see this as a major challenge when working with managed IT service providers.
Conclusion and Recommendations
DevOps-as-a-Service is clearly the future of IT management. Companies that adopt this model today can boost efficiency, scale operations, and drive innovation.
A reliable partner with proven expertise is essential. Choose a DevOps provider with in-depth knowledge of hybrid IT environments, automation, and security. The right partner not only delivers the technical capabilities needed for success but also helps you adapt to changing demands and build for sustainable growth.
With over 30 years of experience as a global IT outsourcing provider, Comarch offers tailored solutions to address your organization’s specific challenges, particularly in the area of outsourcing. We understand the IT needs of businesses and offer a wide range of services, including infrastructure management, digital transformation, and cloud solutions — all fully aligned with your goals.
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This is a contributed article by Mariusz Krzyżak, DevOps Director / Cloud Solutions Architect at Comarch.
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