Every DevOps provider has a slightly different model, said Tom Crowley, director of 8KMiles, a Schaumburg, Ill.-based channel partner which provides DevOps capabilities combined with Agile programming.

Brown's method is to fit in with specific client needs, Crowley told CRN. "We take more of a thought-leadership approach with our customers," he said. "Even our top 10 pharmaceutical customers tell us to be more proactive, and be guiding them."

While Brown's approach is focused on DevOps tools, Crowley said 8KMiles' approach is to combine DevOps with Agile methodologies. However, he said, that does not mean one is superior to the other.

"We will be going back to look at how we can better engage with smaller organizations," he said. "Maybe we can do that with DevOps like Brown describes it."