DevOpSpace: Ashish Prabhakaran on the Shift from Engineering to Entrepreneurship
The leap from a stable nine-to-five job to the uncertainty of a startup is a defining moment for any founder. Ashish Prabhakaran, the Co-founder of DevOpSpace, spent six years honing his skills as a software engineer before deciding to build his own venture in 2018. Today, DevOpSpace is a specialized IT solutions provider focusing on the critical intersection of development and operations, helping companies streamline their infrastructure for the cloud era.
Ashish's journey into entrepreneurship was a slow burn that began during his college days. "Even while studying engineering, I knew I wanted to do something of my own," Ashish recalls. "I spent years working as a programmer and designer, learning the technicalities of the industry, but the dream of building a company was always in the back of my mind. It wasn't about the money; it was about the freedom to innovate."
What is DevOps?
For those outside the tech world, Ashish simplifies the concept. "DevOps is the bridge between software development and IT operations," he explains. "In the old days, these were separate teams. Today, to scale fast and stay secure, you need a unified approach where infrastructure is treated as code. That's the space we operate in—making complex IT systems more agile and reliable."
The Transition: Leaving the Safety Net
Deciding to leave a comfortable IT job was not easy. Ashish emphasizes the importance of mental preparation. "You have to be willing to give up the stability of a monthly paycheck," he notes. "But when you start seeing your own ideas come to life, the satisfaction outweighs the risk. My advice to anyone sitting in a cubicle today is to start building something on the side. When your side hustle starts demanding more time than your job, that's your sign."
DevOpSpace was born out of a realization that while many companies were building software, few were managing the infrastructure effectively. Ashish and his team stepped in to fill this gap, providing high-end consulting and project development services that allow startups and established firms to focus on their core product while DevOpSpace handles the "plumbing" of the digital world.
Building a Team and a Culture
Hiring for a niche field like DevOps requires a focus on both skill and mindset. "We don't just look for certifications," Ashish says. "We look for people who are curious about how things work under the hood. In our company, everyone is a problem solver. We've built a culture where remote collaboration is the norm, allowing us to attract talent regardless of their location."
He is also a firm believer in continuous learning. "The tech stack changes every six months," he observes. "If you're not learning, you're becoming obsolete. We encourage our team to experiment with new tools and platforms, ensuring that DevOpSpace stays at the cutting edge of the cloud-native ecosystem."
Ashish's Advice for Future Tech Founders
- Master Your Craft: Before you lead a tech company, you must be a technician. Spend your early years learning how to code and how systems work.
- Don't Fear Failure: Nothing can stop a person who is persistent. Every technical hurdle is just a lesson in disguise.
- Start Small, Think Big: You don't need a massive office or a huge team to start. Start with one client, deliver exceptional value, and the growth will follow.
- Leverage the Community: The tech world is built on open-source and shared knowledge. Engage with communities, contribute to projects, and learn from your peers.
The Vision for DevOpSpace
Looking ahead, Ashish aims to grow DevOpSpace into a global leader in IT infrastructure management. He is particularly excited about the potential of AI and automation in the DevOps space. "The future is about self-healing systems," he says. "We want to build platforms that can anticipate failures and fix themselves, allowing human engineers to focus on higher-level innovation."
DevOpSpace at a Glance
- Core Services: DevOps Consulting, Cloud Infrastructure, and Project Development.
- Experience: Founded in 2018 with a foundation of 6+ years of IT expertise.
- Philosophy: Prioritizing technical excellence and persistent innovation.
About the Guest
Ashish Prabhakaran is the Co-founder of DevOpSpace. With a strong background in software engineering and IT operations, Ashish is a visionary leader dedicated to simplifying the complexities of modern cloud infrastructure. He is a passionate advocate for technical education and is frequently involved in mentoring young engineers who want to break into the world of DevOps. Ashish believes that with persistence and a commitment to learning, anyone can build a successful career in the ever-evolving tech industry.
DevOpSpace is an IT solutions provider that specializes in DevOps consulting, cloud infrastructure management, and end-to-end project development. By helping businesses bridge the gap between development and operations, DevOpSpace enables organizations to deliver software faster, more securely, and at a higher scale.