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Platform Engineering for Architects
Platform Engineering for Architects

Platform Engineering for Architects: Crafting modern platforms as a product

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Profile Icon Max Körbächer Profile Icon Hilliary Lipsig Profile Icon Andreas Grabner
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€37.99
Paperback Oct 2024 374 pages 1st Edition
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Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Max Körbächer Profile Icon Hilliary Lipsig Profile Icon Andreas Grabner
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€37.99
Paperback Oct 2024 374 pages 1st Edition
eBook
€20.98 €29.99
Paperback
€37.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at €18.99p/m
eBook
€20.98 €29.99
Paperback
€37.99
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Renews at €18.99p/m

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Platform Engineering for Architects

Platform Engineering and the Art of Crafting Platforms

In this first chapter, we will learn how to identify when our organization is in the right state to plan a platform. For this, we will clarify why platforms have become such a relevant topic, how a product mindset fits into this, and what the checkpoints are to find out whether we are ready for a platform or not. We will learn about the platform differences and which platform types are most commonly built.

Next, we will delve into the three core elements of a platform: the pervasive cloud, the developer experience, and the main attributes of a platform. Overall, we will see recurring elements of cloud-native engineering. This leads us to the question of whether we really need yet another abstraction layer. We will also consider whether a platform will help us to overcome the problem of a high cognitive load caused by overengineered complex systems and development processes or just end up being yet another layer. We will reflect...

The demand for platforms as a product

In the cloud-native environment, hardly any other topic has built up such a myth in recent years as the term platform and the associated role of the platform engineer. As with the introduction of the first usable CI/CD pipelines, this gold rush led to rapid adaptation, often without sense or reason. Now that we have arrived in the valley of knowledge, we can deal extensively with the question: do you need a platform, and if so, how do you design and implement it to ensure that it lasts into the future?

To answer this question, we should first look at what constitutes such a platform. A platform is the combination of different capabilities that are required to master traditional and cloud-native environments so that it supports the end user in the development, delivery, and operation of an application. Platforms can be an enabler to turn non-cloud native infrastructures into valuable resources. However, most computing platforms today provide...

Do we need yet another abstraction layer?

Let’s briefly summarize what we have seen so far. A platform puts a bracket around, and a layer of abstraction on top of, your existing infrastructure and environments. The platform enhances it with further capabilities so that your development teams can utilize it in an automated, self-serving way.

From a technical perspective, this represents the next layer of abstraction. Therefore, it is only right to discuss this new fabric we put on top. Going from the bottom to the top, we see the bare metal, followed by the hypervisor for virtualization; this is topped by cloud providers. Some might include containers, Kubernetes, or serverless components – and now, we will add our platform. These are at least four layers, each promising to make the layer underneath simpler and glued together by a hard-to-be-defined meta-level of scripts, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud libraries, and automation. So, do we really need this yet another...

Implementing developer- and product-focused solutions

Throughout the next few years, we will see an evolution of cloud computing. In this context, platforms will play a crucial role. On the one hand, the cloud will be everywhere, becoming an abstraction for infrastructure. It doesn’t matter whether this is in the form of edge computing or very specialized services or offers. On the other hand, as we have learned in the previous section, we have to focus on delivering environments that enable the best experience possible for developers and other roles, so those people can focus on generating value. Bringing these elements together practically is the key enablement for an IT organization to keep up the speed with the market while delivering continuous value to your company.

The pervasive cloud

The pervasive cloud is not a single solution. It clusters a variety of cloud-computing capabilities that are undergoing a transformative shift to drive business and innovation significantly...

Understanding the socio-technical aspects

Designing a successful platform involves much more than technical prowess; it requires a deep understanding of its users’ diverse needs, fostering and motivating collaboration from an early stage, and creating an open environment that welcomes a platform-centric culture. These sociotechnical aspects of platform engineering are crucial perspectives that emphasize not just the technical components of a platform but also the human elements—how individuals and groups interact with the system and how it influences their work and behaviors. Understanding this often invisible part of creating a platform is essential. It is the glue that defines that technologically robust systems are relevant, as well as defining the deeply integrated daily workflows and behaviors of the users. Respecting this almost meta level means enhancing productivity and driving adoption through high satisfaction. We have to acknowledge that every technical decision...

Summary

In this opening chapter, we have explored the role of platforms in modern software development, particularly within cloud-native environments. We’ve established that platforms are not just infrastructure elements but elemental products that require strategic planning and continuous refinement to align with evolving technological and business demands.

You have learned about the platform fundamentals, and you recognize the comprehensive nature of platforms that combine software development, operation, and deployment into a cohesive environment. To build on that, you saw why the platform as a product mindset is a key component. It entails continuous development, user engagement, and responsiveness to feedback, to maintain relevance and value.

Then, we discussed the importance of simplifying the developer’s interactions with the platform, significantly reducing cognitive load and operational complexity. Two short tool examples should cause your curiosity and...

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Key benefits

  • Learn how to design platforms that create value and drive user adoption
  • Benefit from expert techniques for shifting to a product-centric mindset as an architect and platform team
  • Implement best practices to understand platform complexity, manage technical debt, and ensure its evolution
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

The rapid pace of technological advancements, the shortage of IT talent, and the complexity of modern systems highlight the need for structured guidance in building resilient, user-centric platforms for cloud-native environments. This book empowers platform engineers and architects to implement value-driven internal development platforms. You’ll learn how to identify end users, understand their challenges, and define the purpose of a platform, with a focus on self-service solutions for modern cloud-native software development, delivery, and operations. The book incorporates real-world examples of building platforms within and for the cloud, leveraging the power of Kubernetes. You’ll learn how adopting a product mindset for architecting and building platforms helps foster successful platform engineering teams. This emphasizes early end-user involvement and provides a framework that gives you the flexibility to easily adapt and extend for future use cases. The book also offers insights into building a sustainable platform without accumulating technical debt. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to drive the design, definition, and implementation of platform capabilities as a product that aligns with your organizational requirements and strategy.

Who is this book for?

This book is for platform architects and solutions architects seeking to enhance their skills in designing and building a platform as a product. It also offers valuable insights for decision-makers, platform engineers, and DevOps professionals. While familiarity with cloud-native concepts, CI/CD, and Kubernetes is beneficial, the book builds on these topics to address self-service, cost management, and technical debt. It’s particularly suited to experts tackling the challenge of integrating diverse domains to create effective internal developer platforms with top-notch operational readiness.

What you will learn

  • Make informed decisions based on your organization's platform needs
  • Identify missing platform capabilities and technical debt
  • Develop a critical user journey through your platform capabilities
  • Define the purpose, principles, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your platform
  • Utilize relevant data points for making data-driven product decisions
  • Implement your own platform reference and target architectures
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Publication date : Oct 31, 2024
Length: 374 pages
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Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781836203599

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Length: 374 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781836203599

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Table of Contents

15 Chapters
Part 1 – An Introduction to Platform Engineering and Architecture Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Platform Engineering and the Art of Crafting Platforms Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Understanding Platform Architecture to Build Platform as a Product Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Building the Foundation for Supporting Platform Capabilities Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2 – Designing and Crafting Platforms Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Architecting the Platform Core – Kubernetes as a Unified Layer Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Integration, Delivery, and Deployment – Automation is Ubiquitous Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Build for Developers and Their Self-Service Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3 – Platforms as a Product Best Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Building Secure and Compliant Products Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Cost Management and Best Practices Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Choosing Technical Debt to Unbreak Platforms Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Crafting Platform Products for the Future Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
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