As more companies move to digital integration, enterprises have to manage data and data-related issues quickly. Brick-and-mortar businesses must transition to the digital space and find their competitive edge. Walmart Labs has done just that by fully utilizing and working with OpenStack.

Sean Roberts, director of Technical Program Management at Walmart Labs, talked with John Furrier (@furrier) and Lisa Martin (@Luccazara), cohosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during OpenStack Days: Silicon Valley 2016 about Walmart Labs and how it uses OpenStack.

Agility and meritocracy

OpenStack allows Walmart Labs to focus on two main objectives: agility and meritocracy. The company is able to quickly identify problems or issues in its infrastructure and make fixes in real time. OpenStack uses real-world cases and examples, and because there are a variety of stacks across enterprises, there will always be multiple solutions to a single problem, according to Roberts. This opportunity to fix infrastructures in real time while dealing with a variety of stacks creates an innovative work ethic in enterprises.

Companies have to stay ahead of the very fast digital curve in order to remain relevant. Today the consumption of commerce is “blurred between retail and online” said Roberts. That blur is where an enterprise’s agility must live.

All hands on stack

OpenStack provides continuous integration and continuous delivery. That delivery combined with a strong software platform allows OpenStack and its partners to be very successful in the digital space, Roberts said. Multiple companies can adopt a similar set of technologies that work for their needs. This ability to share structures and program fixes allows everyone involved to be faster with their program turnaround time.

The current move to digital isn’t just about having the best infrastructures, it’s about maintaining good relationships with customers and employees, Roberts explained. Customers want a pleasant experience when going through the e-commerce process and expect that same treatment in a brick-and-mortar retail space. To maintain those good relationships, enterprises have to work together to create a seamless interaction with customers, he added.

It’s necessary to “develop the people, as well the technology, so they’ll work for us and want to stay,” said Roberts.

Nimble as a thimble

OpenStack allows a company to be quick and agile, Roberts stated. And Walmart Labs is able to constantly deliver changes, which in turn keeps the company nimble and able to think on its feet. It hires quality employees to deliver quality service, and that’s the real key to success, he concluded.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of the OpenStack Days: Silicon Valley 2016.

Photo by SiliconANGLE