Machine learning is no longer an unfamiliar concept to us; it has become an indispensable aspect of numerous projects. Currently, a multitude of developers are dedicated to crafting machine learning applications and projects that carry tangible value in the real world. These endeavors are confidently deployed to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market.
It is at this moment that the term “MLOps” emerges as a significant aspect of software development. MLOps is a part of the Machine Learning field, closely related to DevOps. MLOps is developed based on the principles and processes established in DevOps.
So, what are the differences between MLOps and DevOps? How can we effectively bridge the two? Let’s discuss these issues with Nexle!
What is MLops?
MLOps, short for Machine Learning Operations, refers to the methodology and processes that combine Machine Learning (ML) and Operations (Ops) in deploying and managing ML models in a production environment. It encompasses their maintenance and monitoring as well. MLOps serves as a collaborative function that brings together data scientists, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals.
Deploying machine learning applications or projects can be quite intricate. The development process is structured into distinct stages, encompassing data collection and preprocessing, model training, model tuning and optimization, model deployment in a production environment, post-deployment model monitoring and maintenance, and the incorporation of model explainability to understand its decision-making process.
In order for successful completion, diverse teams must collaborate seamlessly and exchange information efficiently. The Data Engineering team traditionally handles data collection and preparation, while the responsibility of training and fine-tuning the model is assigned to the Data Science and Machine Learning Engineering teams.
What is DevOps?
DevOps promotes a collaborative culture between developers and operators, encouraging effective teamwork. The term “DevOps” combines “Development” and “Operation,” reflecting its purpose of enabling a seamless workflow for software development, testing, and deployment. By implementing this approach, organizations can reduce product delivery time, enhance system stability, and improve infrastructure management flexibility.
Cycle
Both DevOps and MLOps incorporate pipelines into their workflows, which include a code-validate-deploy cycle. However, the MLOps process introduces additional stages specifically related to data handling and the development/training of machine learning models, beyond the foundational steps found in DevOps. These supplementary steps involving data and machine learning result in minor differences between MLOps and traditional DevOps.
The terms “Data” and “Model” can often be unclear and open to interpretation, as their meaning can vary depending on the specific context and project objectives. However, in most cases, they refer to the process of data labeling, data transformation/feature engineering, and algorithm selection.
In the majority of machine learning projects implemented in today’s industry, machine learning algorithms are commonly applied in a specific manner referred to as “supervised learning.” Within this approach, a machine learning model undergoes training using available data. It is important to note that each data point within the dataset is accompanied by a corresponding “target” or “label” assigned to it. Through exposure to such examples, the model acquires knowledge and proficiency, enabling it to make predictions or classifications when presented with new, unseen data points.
Data transformation and feature engineering are necessary in machine learning because raw data is often insufficient for the machine learning model to understand and produce meaningful prediction or classification results. The machine learning model requires a specific structure of data to operate effectively. Furthermore, the choice of algorithm depends on the nature of the specific prediction problem.
The process of working with data and building machine learning models adheres to the “Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining” (CRISP-DM). This widely adopted standardized process model is extensively utilized in the field of data science.
In overview, MLOps and DevOps in the “Dev” and “Ops” deployment phases share some similarities or resemblances. Detailed differences will be presented by Nexle in the next section of the article.
Development and CI/CD
In the realm of traditional DevOps, “code” refers to a compilation of developer-written commands and files used in software or application development. Once the source code is refined and edited, it is bundled into an executable file (referred to as an artifact), which contains compiled code or a functional application capable of running on a computer. This executable file is subsequently deployed within a production environment where it operates and fulfills its ultimate purpose, such as powering a web application or service. This process follows an optimized automation cycle, iterating until a final, polished product ready for use emerges.
In the process of MLOps, source code is utilized to construct and train a machine learning model. The resulting artifact is a standardized file that can take input data and generate predictions or outcomes based on the trained model. To assess its performance, the validation process involves evaluating the model using a separate test data file, one that it hasn’t encountered during training. This iterative cycle, similar to DevOps, continues until the model attains a specific level of accuracy and performance.
Differences Between DevOps and MLOps
DevOps and MLOps are both crucial methodologies for organizations seeking success in software development and machine learning. Here are some key differences you need to understand:
| DevOps | MLOps |
| DevOps is a method that helps optimize and manage the software development process from start to finish. | Focusing primarily on building, training, and deploying machine learning models. |
| DevOps emphasizes close collaboration and interaction between teams throughout this process to ensure the performance and reliability of the application. | Emphasizing data management related to machine learning and monitoring model versions. |
| It prioritizes ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of the application. | Prioritizing ensuring that machine learning models perform well and remain stable in production environments. |
| It focuses on automating tasks related to software testing and deployment. | The tasks of MLOps include hyperparameter tuning and feature selection during development. |
| Tasks include deploying applications or source code to the production environment and managing infrastructure configuration. | Tasks related to explaining the model and ensuring fairness in the use of machine learning models. |
You should understand that these two methods are completely separate and bring significant benefits to businesses. Therefore, many large enterprises will combine both into their software development processes.
So how can you integrate these two methods to make them work together effectively?
Integrating MLOps with DevOps
To effectively connect MLOps and DevOps, you can follow these suggestions:
- To foster close collaboration among team members, it is important to bring together various experts such as data scientists, operations teams, and development teams. Building strong working relationships and promoting open communication among these teams is crucial.
- Clear and efficient channels should be established to convey information effectively between different working teams. The aim is to prevent any loss or misunderstanding information, ensuring that everyone can work based on the communicated information.
- Automating workflow processes like testing, validation, and model deployment is essential for minimizing errors, improving work efficiency, and ensuring the consistency and reliability of machine learning models in production. Both DevOps and MLOps recognize the importance of automation in enhancing work processes.
- The current process isn’t the best. It’s important to regularly assess and enhance the workflow for better performance and increased efficiency. This will improve both work processes and the application of new technology in MLOps and DevOps.
- Establishing DevOps monitoring and feedback loops is crucial in ensuring that applications and models function as intended. This helps enhance performance, stability, and functionality.
In summary, MLOps isn’t an entirely new revolution in the realm of application development and management. Rather, it serves as a specialized implementation of DevOps that is optimized for machine learning projects. By bridging the gap between data science and information technology, MLOps ensures that the process of developing, deploying, and managing machine learning models is both efficient and reliable. In essence, MLOps offers a specific approach to applying the principles and processes of DevOps to the field of machine learning.
Despite some minor variations in their processes, both MLOps and DevOps place significant importance on collaboration, automation, and continuous monitoring. These shared principles aim to guarantee the quality and performance of applications and models. By combining the strengths of these two fields, powerful and adaptable machine learning solutions can be developed to meet the ever-growing demands of the modern digital landscape.
We hope that the information from Nexle can answer your questions!
