Service FAQ
Get answers to common questions about our DevSecOps, cloud architecture, platform engineering, and compliance services.
DevSecOps Questions
What is DevSecOps and how is it different from DevOps?
DevSecOps integrates security practices into every phase of the software development lifecycle, while DevOps focuses on development and operations. It adds automated security testing, vulnerability scanning, and compliance checks in CI/CD pipelines to catch issues early without slowing delivery.
How long does it take to implement DevSecOps?
A basic DevSecOps implementation typically takes 30–90 days, depending on infrastructure and team size. Initial weeks focus on critical security fixes and basic automation, followed by security gates, monitoring, and mature pipeline rollout by week 12.
What are the key benefits of DevSecOps for startups and SMBs?
DevSecOps delivers substantial benefits: faster, automated secure deployments; significant reduction in security rework; streamlined compliance preparation; lower overall security costs; and the ability to meet enterprise security requirements. Exact improvements vary by organization.
What security tools are typically used in DevSecOps?
Common tools include SAST (SonarQube, Checkmarx), DAST (OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite), SCA (Snyk, WhiteSource), container security (Aqua, Twistlock), IaC scanning (Checkov), and SIEM/monitoring (Splunk, ELK).
How much does DevSecOps implementation cost?
Costs vary by company size and complexity. Startups may invest $25K–50K; SMBs $50K–150K for tools, training, and consulting. These are estimates—actual ROI depends on reduced incidents and faster deployments.
Can DevSecOps actually speed up development?
Yes—automating security checks removes manual bottlenecks, leading to more frequent releases and less rework. Organizations report significant improvements in deployment frequency and reduced remediation time when security is built in early.
What are DORA metrics and how does DevSecOps improve them?
DORA metrics—Deployment Frequency, Lead Time for Changes, MTTR, and Change Failure Rate—measure delivery performance. DevSecOps boosts these by automating checks, catching issues earlier, improving monitoring, and streamlining approvals.
How does DevSecOps help with compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR)?
It embeds compliance controls—audit trails, access controls, encryption, and monitoring—directly into pipelines. Continuous compliance monitoring keeps you audit-ready, often reducing time to certification significantly.
Cloud Services Questions
What is the cost of cloud migration for SMBs?
SMB cloud migrations typically range $25K–100K, covering assessment ($5K–10K), migration ($15K–50K), and optimization ($5K–40K). Many SMBs see 30–50% operational savings within a year.
How long does cloud migration take for a typical SMB?
A 3–6 month timeline is common: assessment (2–4 weeks), pilot (4–6 weeks), full migration (6–12 weeks), and ongoing optimization.
AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud— which is best for SMBs?
AWS offers broad services; Azure integrates with Microsoft tools; Google Cloud excels at data analytics and ML. We evaluate existing tools, workloads, and growth plans to recommend the best fit.
How can SMBs ensure cloud security and compliance?
Essential controls include IAM with MFA, encryption, network segmentation, compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA), and continuous auditing. We embed these in architectures from day one.
What are the hidden costs of cloud adoption?
Watch for egress fees, idle resources, overprovisioning, and storage sprawl. FinOps practices—cost monitoring and right-sizing—can save 30–40% on bills.
Should SMBs use a multi-cloud or single-cloud strategy?
Most start with one provider to minimize complexity and cost, yet design for portability. Multi-cloud is warranted when avoiding lock-in or meeting specific requirements.
How do we handle cloud disasters and ensure business continuity?
Implement multi-region backups, defined RTO/RPO, IaC for rapid rebuilds, runbooks, and regular DR tests. This approach achieves 99.9% uptime for critical systems.
What cloud services do SMBs actually need?
Core services: compute, storage, managed databases, load balancing, CDN, backup, monitoring, and security. Advanced services—analytics, AI/ML—are added as you scale.
Platform Engineering Questions
What is platform engineering and how does it differ from DevOps?
Platform engineering builds self-service platforms so developers can deploy independently. DevOps combines teams; platform engineering creates the tools and golden paths that let hundreds of devs work autonomously.
How long does it take to implement platform engineering?
Initial setup is 3–6 months: core capabilities in months 1–2, golden paths in 3–4, metrics and iteration in 5–6. The platform then evolves continuously.
What are the costs of platform engineering for a 50–100 person team?
First-year investments often land between $200K–500K for team salaries, tooling, and consulting. Actual ROI varies but can include substantial developer productivity gains and operational efficiency.
What tools are needed for platform engineering?
Key tools: Kubernetes, Terraform/Crossplane, Backstage, Argo CD, Prometheus/Grafana, and CI/CD platforms. We tailor selections to your scale and goals.
How do we measure platform engineering success?
Metrics: self-service adoption (>90%), provisioning time (minutes vs days), deployment frequency, MTTR improvements, and reduction in operational toil. We benchmark and track monthly.
What size company needs platform engineering?
Organizations with 20+ developers see benefits; at 50+ it's critical. Indicators include manual infrastructure bottlenecks, inconsistent environments, and slow onboarding.
How does platform engineering improve DORA metrics?
By standardizing pipelines and golden paths, deployment frequency rises, lead time shrinks, MTTR improves, and change failure rates fall—mirroring DORA best practices.
What is a golden path in platform engineering?
A golden path is a well-documented, preconfigured deployment route that encapsulates best practices—developers follow it for most cases, with freedom to deviate when necessary.
CMMC Compliance Questions
What is CMMC and who needs it?
CMMC is a DoD cybersecurity certification. Level 1 (15 requirements from FAR 52.204-21) covers FCI self-assessment; Level 2 (110 requirements) covers CUI with C3PAO assessment. All DoD contractors must certify by 2025.
How long does CMMC certification take?
Level 1 typically takes 30–60 days; Level 2 takes 3–6 months if readiness gaps are minor, 6–12 months from scratch. This spans gap assessment, remediation, and formal assessment.
What does CMMC certification cost?
Costs estimate: gap assessment $5K–15K; remediation $25K–100K; C3PAO assessment $15K–40K; annual maintenance $10K–25K. Total first-year cost often ranges $50K–150K for Level 2.
Can we self-assess for CMMC?
Level 1 requires annual self-affirmation. Level 2 allows self-assessment for select contracts, though most CUI contracts require C3PAO assessment. Level 3 always requires third-party assessment.
What happens if we fail CMMC assessment?
A C3PAO failure report lists deficiencies. You must remediate and can retest after 90 days; until then, you cannot bid on contracts requiring that level. Mock assessments help ensure first-time pass.
How is CMMC different from NIST 800-171?
CMMC Level 2 aligns to NIST 800-171's 110 controls but adds mandatory third-party assessment, 3-year certification, no POA&Ms, and Level 1/3 distinctions beyond FAR requirements.
Do subcontractors need CMMC certification?
Yes—any subcontractor handling FCI/CUI must hold the appropriate CMMC level before receiving covered information. Primes must verify sub compliance.
What are the 17 practices for CMMC Level 1?
Level 1 maps 15 FAR safeguarding requirements into 17 assessment practices across 6 domains: Access Control, Identification & Authentication, Media Protection, Physical Protection, System & Communications Protection, and System & Information Integrity.
Why do some sources say CMMC Level 1 has 15 requirements while others say 17 practices?
FAR 52.204-21 defines 15 requirements; when mapped to NIST 800-171A for assessment, they expand into 17 practices. Both refer to the same Level 1 scope from different viewpoints.
SOC 2 Compliance Questions
What is SOC 2 and why do startups need it?
SOC 2 is an AICPA framework proving control over customer data. Startups use it to close enterprise deals, meet cyber insurance requirements, and build market trust—becoming table stakes for B2B SaaS.
How long does SOC 2 certification take?
Type I audits take 4–8 weeks; Type II requires an operational period of 3–12 months (6 months typical) plus audits. Preparation adds 2–3 months, so total time is up to 12–15 months.
What does SOC 2 compliance cost?
Costs include preparation $15K–40K, audit fees $20K–50K, tools $5K–20K, and ongoing management $10K–30K annually. Total first-year cost often falls between $50K–100K for startups.
What's the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I assesses design at a point in time; Type II evaluates operational effectiveness over months. Most customers require Type II for proof of ongoing control performance.
Which SOC 2 trust services criteria should we include?
Security is required. Common additions are Availability for SaaS, Confidentiality for sensitive data, Processing Integrity for financial/healthcare, and Privacy for personal data—scope to your needs.
Can we pass SOC 2 without dedicated security staff?
Yes—by leveraging automation tools, consultant support, strong policies, and compliance platforms, many startups achieve and maintain SOC 2 without full-time security hires.
How often do we need to renew SOC 2?
Type II reports are issued annually, covering a 12-month period. Annual audits and continuous monitoring are best practice and often contractually required.
What controls are required for SOC 2?
SOC 2 requires controls addressing trust service criteria—common ones include access management, encryption, monitoring, incident response, vendor management, and change management. Auditors verify effectiveness, not prescription.
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