Adventures in DevOps

We’re not calling you a dummy, but you might be one if you don’t listen to this episode. This time around, the gang discusses the do’s and don’ts of choosing CI/CD tools, including how to safety migrate between them, why super-specialized tools are getting extremely popular this year, and the ONE component that makes or breaks a tool.In This Episode1) The TWO questions you need ask BEFORE you choose your tools (and why there’s no “one size fits all”) 2) How to safely migrate from one tool to another 3) Why super-specialized CI tools are getting more popular in 2022 4) Want to know what makes a CI tool worthwhile? Ask if it has THIS single component and you’re off to a great startPicksJillian- Wheel of Time Book SeriesJonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front: A NovelJonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)Jonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front (TV Movie 1979)Will- The Devil and the BlacksmithWill- Acuity EyedropsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, they explore the realms of DevOps management and team dynamics. Will is joined by Warren and Jillian to delve into the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from a ticket queue system to using epics for task management. They discuss how this shift prioritizes objectives, enhances team focus across global time zones, and improves communication with product teams.The conversation also touches on documenting processes, managing support work, and the importance of adaptability and transparency within organizations. From humorous anecdotes about technical issues to practical advice on handling resistance from higher-ups, the episode is packed with real-world examples and expert insights. Tune in to learn how to better align stakeholder priorities, balance planned and unplanned work, and foster a more efficient and cohesive DevOps team. SocialsLinkedIn: Jillian RoweLinkedIn: Warren ParadLinkedIn: Will ButtonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Jillian returns to the podcast after a significant move from Doha, Qatar to a quaint town in New Hampshire. She shares her experiences of adjusting back to life in the U.S., both personally and professionally. The discussion delves into the logistics and emotional aspects of relocating internationally—what it’s like leaving behind furniture deemed disposable overseas, starting fresh with new purchases, and dealing with unexpected challenges along the way.Additionally, they talk about the Dora metrics and the emphasis on why measuring these metrics is crucial for understanding DevOps efficiency within organizations. They also dive into the importance of setting hypotheses when attempting organizational changes. And discuss the challenges faced by companies who fail at measuring progress post-experimentation.SocialsLinkedIn: Jillian RoweLinkedIn: Will ButtonLinkedIn: Warren ParadBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, Will, Warren and Jillian dive into the complexities of secrets management and developer productivity with our esteemed guest, Brian Vallelunga from Doppler. Join them as Brian shares his journey from facing security challenges at Uber to founding Doppler, an innovative solution aimed at transforming how developers handle secrets.They delve into the critical importance of secrets management, Doppler's unique approach to making security practices not only essential but enjoyable for developers, and the future of authentication with identity-based methods. Brian also offers valuable advice on integrating security from day one and discusses the hurdles and necessities of secure secret management.Tune in as they explore the evolving landscape of security standards, the impact of SOC 2 compliance, and the balance between immediate security fixes and long-term stability using tools like Terraform. They also touch on personal experiences with data security, practical tips for safeguarding information, and a touch of light-heartedness with fun picks from our hosts.Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical insights, expert advice, and a visionary look at the future of secure development practices. Socials LinkedIn: Brian VallelungaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Today, we have a dynamic discussion lined up with Will and special guest, Ben Johnson, the CEO of Particle 41. In this episode, they delve deep into the evolving landscape of the tech industry, from incentivizing certifications to the current economic conditions affecting startups.Ben shares his insights on the importance of experience and specialized knowledge, advocating for a system that prioritizes certifications as objective measures of learning. Will critiques the education system and proposes an apprenticeship model as a solution to existing gaps.The conversation also navigates the complexities of the modern job market, the impact of layoffs, and the startup ecosystem's challenges due to economic constraints. We explore innovative paths like personal entrepreneurship, brand building, and creating niche software solutions.Ben and Will also debate the merits of generalism versus specialization, the use of AI in development, and the strategic value of certifications. Plus, we'll touch on the transformative potential SocialsLinkedIn: Ben JohnsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Charles is joined by Caleb Fornari and Jeffrey Groman as we discuss the challenges of public versus private package managers and the security implications of using public repositories.LinksAdventures in DevOps - Devchat.tvDependency Confusion: How I Hacked Into Apple, Microsoft and Dozens of Other CompaniesDevchat.tv | JSJ 357: Event-Stream & Package Vulnerabilities with Richard Feldman and Hillel WayneMalicious code found in npm package event-stream downloaded 8 million times in the past 2.5 monthsGitHub | The Node Security PlatformPicksCaleb- Have a plan to mitigate damage if someone is able to get inside your network. Don’t just secure the public side of your technical infrastructure, make sure your internal security as just as strong as your external security.Charles- Dev Heroes Accelerator | Devchat.tvCharles-  The Umbrella Academy | NetflixCharles- Personal RetreatJeffrey- Asset management: Know and document where all of your digital assets reside. Whether servers, VMs, EC2 instances, and all of your structured and unstructured data.Jeffrey- You can’t secure what you don’t know aboutBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Will and Warren dive deep into the world of career longevity and adaptability in the fast-evolving tech industry. They explore the often-overlooked importance of staying with a project long enough to understand and resolve complex issues, and how job dissatisfaction can be a tool for negotiation rather than a cue to immediately move on.They touch on early career experiences and the shift towards specialization, echoing advice from past guest Kelsey Hightower. Warren  also shares his intriguing perspective on the value of early career terminations, the necessity of soft skills, and the challenges of expanding teams. The conversation will unfold to reveal a balanced view on the evolution from hands-on engineering to management roles, the continual learning required to stay relevant, and the often humorous realities behind career transitions.Listen in as they discuss scaling career paths, the nuances of job switching, and the criticality of balancing technical and business acumen. They also delve into the personal facets of tech careers, from dealing with burnout to the idea of retirement, all while sharing our thoughts on professional books and the lessons they impart. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a seasoned developer, or someone navigating the complexities of the tech industry, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and a dose of humor to keep you engaged. SocialsLinkedIn: Warren ParadLinkedIn: Will ButtonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In today's episode, Warren and Will dive into the difficulties of coordinating between marketing and engineering teams, particularly around handling increased traffic and sales during the holiday season. The discussion covers the importance of auditing code and looking for potential issues or technical debt at the end of the year. The hosts also explore strategies for pitching and justifying technical projects or rewrites to management, emphasizing the need to frame them in terms of business impact. They conclude by reflecting on the value of stepping back from day-to-day tasks at the end of the year to gain a broader organizational perspective.SocialsLinkedIn: Warren ParadLinkedIn: Will ButtonPicksWill - Half-Life: AlyxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Will and Warren dive deep into the world of Mastermind groups and their impact on career success within the DevOps landscape. They explore the origins of mastermind groups from Napoleon Hill’s "Think and Grow Rich" and debate why a staggering 99% of them might be ineffective, according to Will. Warren shares his own experiences and expresses his curiosity about what truly makes such groups effective.They also draw intriguing parallels between accountability in mastermind groups and emergency preparedness in aviation, emphasizing the importance of ingrained habits and continuous skill development. From military training insights to the challenges of creating genuine, trust-filled mastermind groups, we'll cover it all.Additionally, they touch on the broader aspects of professional growth—public speaking, networking, mentorship, and the evolving dynamics of teamwork. Plus, don't miss on practical tips on forming mastermind groups and fostering meaningful professional relationships. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable insights, compelling analogies, and shared experiences that can help you navigate and succeed in your career!PicksWarren - The FormulaWill -  OnyxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In today’s episode, Will Button and Warren are joined by special guest Eyal Solomon, co-founder of Lunar.dev. This episode dives deep into pressing DevOps topics like the complexities of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions and the intricacies of the API economy. They explore the challenges of API management, the importance of visibility and monitoring in API consumption, and strategies to prevent issues like rate limiting and billing surprises.Eyal shares his journey from infrastructure optimization to specializing in API management, highlighting how Lunar dot Dev helps companies handle API quotas, security, and performance through their innovative platform. We also delve into integrating AI within APIs, managing API costs, and the rising trend of AI agents.Join them as they dissect the importance of combining storytelling with educational insights in various content forms, from books to YouTube channels. Learn how running can be a form of meditation and problem-solving, and get top book recommendations from our hosts. Whether you’re dealing with API challenges or looking to optimize your DevOps practices, this episode is packed with valuable insights straight from the experts. Don’t miss out!LinksLunar.devSocialsLinkedIn: Eyal SolomonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Today, Will and Warren dive into the intersection of DevOps and AI with our special guest, Görkem Ercan, CTO of Jozu and a seasoned expert in developer tools and DevOps. In this episode, they explore the practical applications and challenges of integrating Machine Learning into DevOps workflows, utilizing real-world examples like global shirt distribution and the US Army's sizing issues. They also discuss the critical role of psychological safety in successful teams, the surprising origins of the webcam, and the remarkable engineering feats of the Voyager spacecraft.Moreover, they unpack the intricacies of AI model management, confronting issues like non-deterministic outcomes, data drift, and the need for a unified control plane to handle complex, dynamic environments. They touch on the rise of internal AI management, the innovative use of sentiment analysis in customer support, and the surprising interest from consulting firms in AI-driven solutions.SocialsLinkedIn: Görkem ErcanGorkem Ercan Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In today's episode, Warren, Will, and guest Markus Thurner, the director of technology at Vista dive deep into the world of DevOps with an exciting lineup of discussions about engineering excellence, the fast pace of technological innovation, and the ever-present need for balance between training and production.Together, they explore how practice makes perfect in software development, drawing from analogies like the Brazilian soccer player practicing with brain diodes. They talk about the costs and benefits of training engineers, managing cloud expenses, and the evolving landscape of on-premise versus cloud data centers.They dig into the importance of challenging the status quo, the complexities of operational versus capital expenditures, and best practices for writing scalable code. Whether you're curious about the latest in Kubernetes and AWS ECS, or just looking for some practical advice on continual learning and improvement, this episode has something for everyone.Plus, stay tuned as they share personal recommendations, from the best gaming tablets for those long flights to must-listen podcasts and even a Metallica song that ties back to a gripping World War I tale.This packed episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on engineering excellence, and how teams can find balance, define their metrics, and drive both innovation and quality in their projects.SocialsLinkedIn: Markus ThurnerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In today's episode, Warren, Will, and special guest Falit Jain dive deep into the intricate world of incident management and response, drawing from rich experiences at tech giants like Amazon and Disney. They explore real-life scenarios, including Amazon's complex debugging challenges with over 150 engineers maintaining their detail page, and the high stakes of live streaming events at Disney.\Join them as they discuss the crucial aspects of effective incident response, from the importance of familiarity with systems and the role of on-call processes to the value of communication and meticulous postmortems. They also deep-dive into cultural influences from leadership, the balance between new feature launches and system stability, and the significance of metrics like mean time to resolution and error budgets.SocialsLinkedIn: Falit JainPicksWarren - Radical FocusWill - The Sacred Mushroom and the CrossBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In today's episode, they dive deep into the world of AI and prompt engineering with our dynamic panel of experts, featuring Anthony Spiteri. He shares their fascinating journey over the past 18 months, manipulating language models like ChatGPT to achieve remarkable results. They explore the intriguing development of a location-based app for finding the European delicacy, Black Pudding, and dive into the complexities of using AI for mentorship, accountability, and even fitness.Join them as they uncover the technical intricacies of building apps with AI, the philosophical questions surrounding AI's future, and the growing importance of prompt engineering. They also touch on critical issues of data security, the ethical implications of AI, and the ever-evolving landscape of DevOps. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss. So, grab your headphones and get ready to explore the cutting edge of DevOps and AI!SocialsLinkedIn: Anthony SpiteriBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, they dive deep into the intricate world of DevOps and the nuances that drive its continuous evolution. This episode brings you into a thought-provoking conversation featuring Michael Cade, Global Field CTO at Veeam Software. Join them as they explore a wide array of topics, from the controversial practice of intentional data leaks as an advertising strategy to the intricate details of Michael's groundbreaking "90 days of DevOps" project. This initiative, which began in 2022, has grown to feature 91 sessions and contributions from a spectrum of subject matter experts, aiming to enrich our understanding of varied DevOps topics. Michael brings fascinating insights into cloud-native data management and the challenges of integrating databases with Kubernetes.They delve into the critical aspects of business continuity, data backups, and the shared responsibility model for platforms like GitHub while emphasizing the importance of security measures such as multi-factor authentication. The episode also covers the evolution of programming languages in DevOps, the significance of physical and digital note-taking for task management, and the personal balance between professional responsibilities and physical activity.The discussion extends to the mentorship challenge within the DevOps community, the importance of creating and sharing valuable content, and the role of storytelling in simplifying complex technical concepts. Whether you're interested in hearing about the use of various cloud platforms, the behind-the-scenes of Michael's career at Veeam, or tips for achieving work-life harmony, this episode has something for everyone. So, plug in your AirPods Pro 2, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to be inspired by another exciting journey into the world of DevOps.SocialsLinkedIn: Michael CadeMichael CadeGitHub: @MichaelCadeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of cloud infrastructure and developer experience. Join our host, Warren and Will and Eli Ben Israel—former AWS and Microsoft engineer and co-founder of Wing—as they explore the challenges and innovations in DevOps.In this episode, Eli shares pivotal insights from his journey at Amazon, revealing that despite advanced tools like CDK, building on the cloud remains fraught with difficulties. They dissect the cognitive barriers developers face in understanding cloud mechanics and the need for greater access and autonomy in cloud development.Discover the transformative potential of the Wing project, designed to abstract cloud complexities and enhance developer productivity by providing a seamless, cloud-agnostic platform. They also touch upon the importance of good API design, the intriguing philosophy behind Kubernetes, and how projects like Wing promise to simplify and scale cloud development.As they navigate through infrastructure challenges, community building in open-source projects, and the shift from Slack to Discord, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned DevOps professionals and curious newcomers.Stay tuned for technical insights, book recommendations, and a journey through the future of cloud development on **Top End Devs**!Socials LinkedIn: Elad Ben-IsraelBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

Warren delves into this episode featuring an engaging conversation with David Stenglein, a seasoned industry expert with over 20 years of experience. In this episode, they shed light on the pitfalls of hiring product managers amidst hype cycles, urging a shift towards a product mindset that prioritizes user pain points and tangible value. They critique traditional metrics like DORA and ENPS, discussing their limitations and the need for better communication and alignment on business-level metrics.They explore the complexities of platform adoption, from Kubernetes to Docker, and the challenges of managing modern technologies. David emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between innovation and practicality, while Warren delves into the cognitive load and the necessity of higher-level abstractions. With discussions ranging from the evolution of software platforms, and the transformative potential of WebAssembly, to the nuances of user-driven platform development, this episode is packed with valuable insights for every developer navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape. So, tune in as they dissect the future of platform development and the delicate dance between innovation and efficiency.SocialsLinkedIn: David StengleinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, Warren and Will delve deep into the intricate world of DevOps and SaaS integrations, featuring insights from special guest Michael Zuercher from Prismatic. Throughout the discussion, they talk about the challenges legacy companies face in updating their massive infrastructure and how Prismatic is revolutionizing SaaS integrations with its innovative approaches. They explore the significance of flexible and reliable integration platforms, learn about the evolution of farming technology, and take a closer look at the long tail of customer needs in the tech industry.Moreover, the experts take on the complexities of handling large data files and API integrations, including the persistent issues of idempotency, pagination, and rate limiting. Additionally, they discuss leadership and market strategies, with book recommendations and personal anecdotes enriching our tech talk. Tune in as they uncover how Prismatic is crafting tools to simplify the integration process, reduce reliance on core developers, and help businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Get ready for an episode filled with technical expertise, practical advice, and a few surprises along the way!SocialsLinkedIn: Michael Zuercher prismatic.io/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, they delve into the intricacies of DevOps implementation with our insightful hosts and key guest, Marius Stanca. They share invaluable perspectives on the continuous learning nature of DevOps, the evolving toolkit, and the essential roadmap for organizations. Highlighting the critical need for understanding problems before adopting DevOps solutions, the conversation covers practical experiences, automation strategies, and effective resource management.They also discuss the misuse of terms like "agile" and "DevOps" and the importance of eliminating waste through lean principles, citing "The Toyota Way." Moreover, they reflect on the challenges of starting with DevOps, noting the high-quality, minimal-effort maintainability of resources. They explore the automation of everyday tasks, leveraging tools like GitHub and GitLab, and the necessity of adapting to evolving technologies.Marius Stanca introduces the "awesome DevOps" repository, a collaborative resource collection meticulously vetted for DevOps and SRE relevance. Navigating through topics such as team structuring, the simplification of workflows, the perpetual struggle of innovation in DevOps, and the use of GPT in generating source code, this episode is packed with expert advice and humorous insights. Tune in as we bridge the gap between theory and practical execution, providing a rich roadmap for your DevOps journey!SocialsLinkedIn: Marius Stancamarius.xyzBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.

In this episode, the panel together with our guest, Galen Marchetti dives deep into tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the DevOps world. They unpack the hurdles of blue-green deployments, feature flags, and the necessity of parallel execution for smooth production rollouts. They explore the complexities of testing changes in production, managing containerization, and optimizing build speeds with multistage Docker builds. Listen to engaging discussions about kurtosis—a powerful tool for creating development environments—and its impact on projects like Ethereum, as well as the broader implications for open-source contributions. From humorous anecdotes about using VIM in production to thoughtful reflections on the trauma of production errors, this episode covers it all.Plus, get book recommendations, music picks, and tips on the latest tools from our speakers! Don't miss out on these valuable insights and entertaining banter from the frontline of DevOps. SocialsLinkedIn: Galen Marchetti Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-devops--6102036/support.