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The Phoenix Project

by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
Apr 15, 2024

A novel about IT, DevOps, and helping your business win.

My Review

The Phoenix Project is a compelling narrative that uses a fictional story to illustrate the principles of DevOps. Through the journey of Bill Palmer, an IT manager unexpectedly promoted to VP of IT Operations, the book explores how IT departments can transform from cost centers to strategic business enablers.

What makes this book exceptional is how it translates complex IT concepts into an accessible story format. The characters face challenges that anyone who has worked in IT will recognize: conflicting priorities, technical debt, and the constant struggle between stability and innovation.

The book introduces the 'Three Ways' of DevOps, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking, feedback loops, and continuous experimentation. These principles are demonstrated through practical scenarios, making them easy to understand and apply.

I particularly appreciated the book's focus on breaking down silos between development and operations teams. It shows how collaboration and shared responsibility can lead to faster delivery, higher quality, and improved business outcomes.

Highly recommended for anyone working in IT, especially those struggling with the challenges of digital transformation.


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