Understanding Platform Engineering with Sergiu Petean from Allianz Direct |🎙️#31
The evolution of DevOps is inevitable and we have long lived in a paradigm where Platform Engineering is no longer the Next Big Thing, but a necessity. We decided to talk to our friend Sergiu Petean from Allianz Direct and CNCF, who is very advanced in both theory and practice, and shared with us his observations on what Platform Engineering is today and how it changes depending on the type and size of the organisation.
- What is platform engineering?
- What's the difference between a DevOps engineer 10 years ago and a platform engineer today?
- How do you make infrastructre for a big company with very different verticals?
- Why would you rebuild a platform from scratch?
- What are the solutions for smaller companies?
You can listen to episode 31 of DevOps Accents on Spotify, or right now:
In a fascinating conversation with Sergiu Petean, a seasoned technology expert with over 20 years of experience, we dive deep into the world of platform engineering, its significance, and how it's reshaping the landscape of DevOps and cloud transformation. Sergiu, with his rich background in technology and innovation, including contributions to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation and co-founding Open IoT Vienna, shares his insights on the evolution of DevOps into platform engineering and the implications for businesses and developers alike.
The Evolution of DevOps into Platform Engineering
Sergiu Petean brings a nuanced understanding of digital transformation, emphasizing a bottom-up approach where DevOps principles significantly impact organizational structure. He argues that digital transformation is inherently tied to cloud transformation, necessitating efficient software delivery, building, and operation processes. This, according to Petean, is where DevOps shines, but he introduces a newer philosophy: platform engineering. In his view, platform engineering is essentially DevOps executed correctly, focusing on the entire organizational experience rather than isolated tooling or processes.
Understanding Platform Engineering
Platform engineering, as Petean describes, is not just about managing a collection of tools or services. It represents a holistic approach to solving organizational problems, ensuring that every tool or process implemented is evaluated against the broader ecosystem. This approach fosters a unified experience in software development, release, operation, and evolution. Platform engineering, therefore, extends beyond the technical domain, incorporating stakeholder experiences and expectations into the technology stack.
The Federated Model of DevOps
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the Federated model of DevOps. This model suggests a shift from centralized to distributed DevOps responsibilities, where various organizational units maintain their independence while adhering to overarching standards. This approach allows for customization and flexibility within different departments, promoting innovation without sacrificing coherence or quality. Petean emphasizes the importance of a core platform engineering team that liaises with federated DevOps roles across the organization, ensuring alignment and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Challenges and Opportunities
The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing platform engineering, especially in large organizations with multiple departments and diverse requirements. The flexibility and adaptability of platform engineering come into play here, allowing organizations to evolve their technology stack in response to changing business needs without being locked into specific tools or processes.
Looking Forward
As we look to the future, platform engineering appears poised to play a pivotal role in how organizations approach software development and operational excellence. The shift towards viewing platform engineering as a strategic capability rather than merely a set of tools or processes underscores its potential to drive significant value for businesses. Sergiu Petean's insights provide a compelling case for adopting platform engineering principles, suggesting a future where DevOps evolves to meet the increasingly complex demands of the digital landscape.
In conclusion, the discussion with Sergiu Petean illuminates the evolving role of DevOps and the emergence of platform engineering as a critical discipline in the technology space. As organizations strive to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the principles of platform engineering offer a roadmap for integrating technology, processes, and people in a way that enhances efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.
Show Notes:
- Follow Sergiu Petean on LinkedIn to keep updated on most valuable insights.
- Follow CNCF to learn more from Sergiu's community efforts.
- Make sure to visit KubeCon and engage us there.
Podcast editing: Mila Jones / milajonesproduction@gmail.com