GitLab Inc. Releases 8th Annual Global DevSecOps Report on Software Development Trends and Challenges

The latest Global DevSecOps Report from GitLab Inc. sheds light on the current state of software development, highlighting key themes and challenges faced by organizations worldwide. With insights from over 5,300 industry professionals, the report reveals a mix of sentiments surrounding security, developer productivity, and the role of AI in driving innovation.

One of the standout findings from the report is the acceleration in software shipping speed, with 69% of CxOs reporting that they are delivering software at least twice as fast as a year ago. However, only 26% of respondents have implemented AI, indicating a potential untapped opportunity for organizations to leverage AI in their DevSecOps practices.

The report also delves into the differing perceptions of AI risk, training, and skills between executives and individual contributors. While 56% of CxOs view introducing AI as risky, only 40% of individual contributors cite concerns about privacy and data security as a top obstacle to using AI. This highlights the need for organizations to bridge the gap between leadership and developers when it comes to embracing AI technologies.

Another key theme explored in the report is the issue of software supply chain security, with 67% of individual contributors relying on open source libraries for code, yet only 21% of organizations using a software bill of materials (SBOM) to document software composition. This discrepancy underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures to protect against vulnerabilities in the software supply chain.

Developer productivity is also a critical metric highlighted in the report, with 99% of CxOs recognizing its importance for business growth. However, 51% of CxOs admit that their current methods for measuring developer productivity are flawed or unclear, indicating a need for better metrics and tools to assess and improve productivity.

The report concludes with a call to action for organizations to address the disconnect between leadership and developers on key issues such as risk management, training, and toolchain consolidation. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, organizations can drive innovation and overcome challenges in the rapidly evolving landscape of software development.

Overall, the 8th annual Global DevSecOps Report provides valuable insights and recommendations for organizations looking to enhance their DevSecOps practices and drive greater efficiency and innovation in software development.