In any tech-driven company, multiple roles and departments work together to ensure a smooth and efficient software lifecycle. While their responsibilities may differ, they are all interconnected.
Platform Engineer
- Focuses on building and maintaining the internal developer platform (IDP) that developers and DevOps teams use to deploy and manage applications.
- Provides automation, self-service tools, and infrastructure as code (IaC) solutions.
- Works closely with DevOps and IT Systems Administrators to ensure scalable and reliable environments.
IT Systems Administrator
- Manages on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure, handling system updates, security patches, and user management.
- Ensures servers, networking, and storage components are properly configured and maintained.
- Works with Platform Engineers to deploy new infrastructure and supports Customer Support by maintaining system availability.
DevOps Engineer
- Bridges the gap between development and operations by focusing on automation, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure management.
- Collaborates with Developers, Platform Engineers, and QA to streamline software releases.
- Works with IT Systems Administrators for monitoring and incident response.
Developer (Software Engineer)
- Writes and maintains application code, ensuring it meets business requirements.
- Works with Platform Engineers and DevOps Engineers to ensure deployments are smooth and efficient.
- Collaborates with QA to ensure application stability and reliability.
Quality Assurance (QA)
- Tests applications to identify bugs and ensure performance, security, and functionality meet requirements.
- Works closely with Developers and DevOps to integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines.
- Provides feedback that helps refine Platform Engineering and DevOps tools for better testing capabilities.
Customer Support
- Acts as the first line of defense when users face issues, collecting feedback and troubleshooting basic problems.
- Works with IT Systems Administrators and Platform Engineers to escalate infrastructure-related issues.
- Collaborates with Developers and QA to report and validate application bugs.
Project Manager
- Oversees project timelines, resource allocation, and cross-team coordination.
- Works with Developers, QA, DevOps, and Platform Engineers to ensure on-time software delivery.
- Aligns with Product Managers to balance technical feasibility with business goals.
Product Manager
- Defines product vision, roadmap, and feature requirements.
- Collaborates with Developers, QA, and Customer Support to refine user needs.
- Works with Project Managers to prioritize tasks and ensure timely delivery.
Network Engineer
- Designs, configures, and maintains the company’s network infrastructure.
- Ensures the stability and performance of internal and external networks, including VPNs, firewalls, and routers.
- Collaborates with IT Systems Administrators, Platform Engineers, and DevOps to integrate network solutions for scalability, security, and performance.
How These Roles Work Together
- Product Managers define what needs to be built, while Project Managers ensure it gets done efficiently.
- Developers, QA, DevOps, and Platform Engineers bring the product to life, while IT Systems Administrators and Customer Support maintain it.
- Customer Support provides feedback and escalates technical issues, helping to improve the product and its performance.
- Network Engineers ensure network performance and reliability, collaborating with other roles to maintain efficient and secure operations.
Each role plays a crucial part in maintaining a stable, scalable, and efficient software environment. When these teams work together seamlessly, businesses can deliver high-quality software while minimizing downtime and improving user satisfaction.