When was the concept of DevOps first introduced?

The correct answer is based on the historical context and the inception of the DevOps movement. The concept of DevOps was indeed popularized around 2010, particularly with the organization of the first "DevOpsDays" conference in Ghent, Belgium. This event brought together professionals from development and operations backgrounds, highlighting the need for closer collaboration to improve software delivery and system reliability. It established a community, showcasing practices and principles that are foundational to DevOps today.

The emphasis during the early 2010s on breaking down silos between development and operations teams laid the groundwork for many of the methodologies, tools, and cultural shifts associated with DevOps, ultimately leading to its widespread adoption across various industries. This conference was pivotal in formalizing the term and spreading its significance throughout the tech community.

The context provided highlights why this choice stands out as the accurate representation of when the concept of DevOps was officially introduced, as opposed to the other timeframes mentioned, which do not align with the recognized emergence of the DevOps philosophy.