ACS Capability Spotlight Change and release management Oct 2023

The successful upgrade of software, systems and  network infrastructure relies on IT professionals being equipped with skills and knowledge such as change control, collaboration and release engineering.

ACS Learning Accelerator content

As an ACS member, you have unlimited access to the ACS Learning Accelerator and the opportunity to build the skills critical to change and release management.

IT professionals should learn about Change and Release Management because these disciplines are integral to the successful and controlled evolution of IT systems and services. Here's why:

  • Minimising Disruption: Change and Release Management helps IT teams implement changes, updates, and new features in a structured manner. This minimises the risk of disruptions to critical systems and services, ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly.
  • Risk Management: By following established change and release processes, IT professionals can assess and mitigate risks associated with system changes. This reduces the chances of security breaches, downtime, or data loss.
  • Compliance: Many industries have regulatory requirements that mandate proper change control procedures. IT professionals who understand these processes can help their organisations stay compliant with industry standards and regulations.
  • Efficiency: Effective Change and Release Management streamline IT operations. It helps in planning, testing, and implementing changes efficiently, reducing the time and resources required for troubleshooting and fixing issues post-implementation.
  • Customer Satisfaction: When changes are managed well, customers experience fewer disruptions, leading to higher satisfaction levels. This is especially important in businesses where IT services directly impact customer experiences.
  • Continuous Improvement: Change and Release Management encourage a culture of continuous improvement. IT professionals learn to gather feedback, assess the impact of changes, and make necessary adjustments, enhancing the overall quality of IT services.
  • Communication Skills: These disciplines require clear communication with stakeholders, including business leaders, developers, and operations teams. IT professionals who excel in this area can bridge communication gaps and foster collaboration.

IT professionals should learn about Change and Release Management because they are fundamental to maintaining a stable, secure, and efficient IT environment. These skills not only benefit the organisation but also enhance an IT professional's career prospects and ability to contribute effectively to the success of their team and company.

Channels

Channel:  CloudOps

Channel:  ITIL®

Channel:  Disruptive Technologies

Channel:  AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate

Courses

Course: Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) 2019: Software Deployment and Management

Course: CCSP 2022: Operational Controls and Standards

Course: Build and Release Engineering Best Practices: Release Management

Course: Manage Release Cadence in Azure Pipelines using Deployment Patterns

Course: Becoming a Successful Collaborator 

 

Aspire learning journeys

Track: Core DevOps Skills

Track: Agile for All

Track: Infrastructure Support Engineer to CloudOps Engineer

Track: Inspiring Engagement and Resilience

 

Skills benchmarking

Determine your skill level in a particular area, receive personalised development recommendations and improve your overall capability.

Skills benchmark: Disruptive Technologies

Skills benchmark: AZ-400: Design and Implement Build and Release Pipelines Competency (Intermediate Level)

SFIA skills profiles

Below are the typical skills profiles for an Integration Specialist and Change Manager calculated using SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age), the internationally recognised competency framework for tech roles. How do you compare?