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Livin' on the Edge Podcast

Platform Engineering Insights with Expert Michael Levan

About

The concept of 'platform engineering' has gained significant attention in the Kubernetes and API industry, particularly highlighted at KubeCon 2023. This emerging field raises questions about its definition, best practices, and real-world relevance. In the latest episode of the Livin' On the Edge podcast, the host interviews industry expert Michael Levan, delving into the intricacies of platform engineering.

Episode guests

Michael Levan

Seasoned Engineer and Consultant for Startups and Enterprises

Michael Levan is a seasoned engineer and consultant who spends his time working with startups and enterprises around the globe on Kubernetes and Platform Engineering projects. He was a member of the Kubernetes v1.28 Release Team.

Welcome to the "Livin' On the Edge" Podcast Episode: Platform Engineering Insights with Expert Michael Levan

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the often-misunderstood world of platform engineering, a topic that has been buzzing at events like KubeCon 2023. Join us as we sit down with Michael Levan, a renowned industry expert, to dissect what platform engineering really means for developers and organizations today.

Understanding platform engineering with Michael Levan

Platform engineering is more than just a buzzword; it's about crafting and managing developer platforms, toolchains, and workflows focused on internal self-service capabilities. Michael Levan shares his insights, defining platform engineering as an engineering discipline with a product mindset. It's about creating internal environments and deployment methods for internal teams, ranging from developers to IT and cybersecurity.

Key takeaways from the episode

  • Redefining platform engineering: Michael emphasizes that platform engineering is not new; many organizations have been implementing its principles unknowingly. The focus should be on the holistic approach rather than getting lost in the marketing hype.
  • Outcome-based decision making and tool selection: Learn about the importance of focusing on desired outcomes before diving into tool selection, helping to avoid technical debt and ensuring effective platform development.
  • High-velocity teams: Discover the concept of high-velocity teams where individuals with specialized expertise collaborate, offering insights for smaller companies with limited resources.
  • Navigating technology trends: Michael discusses the challenges of keeping up with the rapidly evolving landscape of platform engineering tools and methods, stressing the importance of clear, outcome-focused strategies.

Stay updated with more episodes: Don't miss out on more insightful discussions and expert insights. Check out other episodes of "Livin' On the Edge" for more on the evolving world of technology and software development.