DevOps Paradox

What is DevOps? We will attempt to answer this and many more questions.

DOP 304: Strategies for Successful Talent Retention 02/26/2025

DOP 304: Strategies for Successful Talent Retention #304: As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern work environments, the debate surrounding remote work versus in-office setups remains a hot topic. Companies are constantly reevaluating their strategies when it comes to talent retention, with the return to office being a significant point of discussion. On one hand, working in an office provides the opportunity for direct human interaction. This option can be particularly beneficial for those who are younger or new to the field, as they can directly learn and collaborate with their colleagues. Furthermore, for some individuals, an office environment provides the structure and engagement they need, preventing feelings of isolation that sometimes accompany remote work. In this episode, Darin and Viktor tackle what it take to retain top talent in 2025. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/35390255

DOP 303: How To Develop a CLI in 2025 02/19/2025

DOP 303: How To Develop a CLI in 2025 #303: In today's digital realm, command-line interfaces (CLI) are lifelines for developers, embodying the efficiency and power required to manage complex tasks. The goal in designing a CLI is not to overwhelm users with command intricacies but to allow them to navigate operations seamlessly and intuitively. In this episode, we speak with Wesley Beary, a founding engineer at Anchor, about their journey of developing a robust CLI for their product. Wesley's contact information: LinkedIn: Developing CLIs: How Anchor developed a CLI and the tools that helped along the way YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/35319615

DOP 302: Using AI To Help With Your Programming Tasks 02/12/2025

DOP 302: Using AI To Help With Your Programming Tasks #302: As individuals, engineers may feel that the day-to-day tasks and projects they undertake are not life-changing. After all, if an engineer has an off day, it doesn't mean they're suddenly out of the job market. However, when we look at the larger picture from a business standpoint, the stakes are significantly higher. Companies that choose to ignore or delay engaging with emerging technologies might find themselves in precarious positions. The necessity of stepping out of the comfort zones to experiment and innovate is more important now than ever before. The failure to at least explore new avenues could mean missing the opportunity to adapt when the market demands change. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss while changes, like AI, might not impact your business today, when they do take place, the effects can be sudden, leaving little time for a reactive strategy. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/35212670

DOP 301: Exploring OpenRewrite and the Future of Code Modernization 02/05/2025

DOP 301: Exploring OpenRewrite and the Future of Code Modernization #301: How many applications are in your organization that need to be kept up to date? More than likely, that number is every application needs to be kept up to date, if for no other reason than to keep your security teams happy. It gets even worse if you have 10s, 100s or even 1000s of applications. How do you make this manageable? In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Schneider from Moderne to discuss OpenRewrite, a large-scale software refactoring solution. Jonathan explains how OpenRewrite assists in application modernization, security vulnerability repair, and code quality improvements. Jonathan's contact information: X: LinkedIn: Code Remix Summit Use the code MODERNE3VIP for an additional $300 off Strategy Letter V YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/35111880

DOP 300: How To Become an AI Native Engineer in 2025 01/29/2025

DOP 300: How To Become an AI Native Engineer in 2025 #300: Innovation and technology are constantly shifting the landscape of various industries, and the rise of AI is no exception. The term "AI Native Engineer" is becoming more prevalent. This shift denotes not just an evolution in the technological tools at our disposal but a transformation in how engineers engage with these tools to enhance productivity and innovation. In this episode, our friend Patrick Debois joins us to talk about what he has been doing over the past year with AI. Patrick's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/35007460

DOP 299: Managing Your AI Workloads With KitOps 01/22/2025

DOP 299: Managing Your AI Workloads With KitOps #299: The ability to efficiently manage and analyze data is crucial in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. One innovative solution that addresses this need is ModelKit. ModelKits are built on existing standards, ensuring compatibility with the tools your data scientists and developers already use. In this episode, Darin and Viktor speak with Gorkem Ercan, CTO at Jozu, about KitOps, the open source DevOps project built to standardize packaging, reproduction, deployment, and tracking of AI / ML models, so it can be run anywhere, just like application code. Gorkem's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34916005

DOP 298: Tools Versus Culture 01/15/2025

DOP 298: Tools Versus Culture #298: Throughout numerous conferences, experts have often proclaimed that choosing the right culture is paramount over the selection of tools. However, it’s an oversimplification to deem one right over the other. Tools and culture share a symbiotic relationship, each influencing and reshaping the other. In this episode, Darin and Viktor try to settle this debate. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34819420

DOP 297: Streamline Access Control Using Cerbos 01/08/2025

DOP 297: Streamline Access Control Using Cerbos #297: In today's digital landscape, ensuring secure and efficient access to systems is crucial. Authorization plays a vital role in granting the right access levels — but how can businesses implement it effectively? In this episode, we speak with Alex Olivier, co-founder & CPO at Cerbos, about how Cerbos presents an adaptable solution that streamlines access control and governance by externalizing authorization logic and focusing on policy-driven management. Alex's contact information: LinkedIn: X (Formerly Twitter): YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34726085

DOP 296: 2025 - The Year of Not Yet 01/01/2025

DOP 296: 2025 - The Year of Not Yet #296: As we step into 2025, the tech landscape is marked by a myriad of opportunities and challenges, with artificial intelligence taking center stage. While AI is firmly entrenched in our daily lives, other technological advances and industry trends also demand our attention. In this episode, Darin and Viktor make their tech predictions for 2025. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34564825

DOP 295: If You Are Listening to This, Go Back to Bed 12/25/2024

DOP 295: If You Are Listening to This, Go Back to Bed #295: Merry Christmas from the entire team, and thank you for making us a part of your year! YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34329730

DOP 294: Looking Back on Our 2024 Predictions 12/18/2024

DOP 294: Looking Back on Our 2024 Predictions #294: Here we are at the end of 2024. Darin and Viktor look back at the predictions they made back in episode 244. Let's see how they did. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34328640

DOP 293: Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Changing Tech World 12/11/2024

DOP 293: Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Changing Tech World #293: As we edge closer to the end of 2024, companies grapple with the complexities of workforce retention and attraction. Companies must navigate post-COVID realities and adjust to altered market conditions. The enduring quest for stability in these uncertain times shapes employee priorities as they seek job security amidst market volatility. In this episode, we speak with Michael Zuercher, CEO and co-founder of Prismatic, about the challenges and opportunities businesses must address while trying to attract and retain talent. Michael's contact information: LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34221475

DOP 292: No Project Is Truly Open Source 12/04/2024

DOP 292: No Project Is Truly Open Source #292: Open source software has become an integral part of the modern digital landscape. It's often celebrated for its free access and collaborative ethos, contributing to rapid technological advancement. However, the reality of open source is more complex, involving issues of ownership, licensing, corporate influence, and the role of foundations. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss the moral and strategic dimensions of licensing and contributions to open source software. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34210710

DOP 291: The Future of Software Development in an AI-Driven World 11/27/2024

DOP 291: The Future of Software Development in an AI-Driven World #291: As we approach the end of 2024, a recurring theme in the tech industry is the impact of AI on software jobs. While some fear mass job displacement, others see an opportunity for unprecedented innovation. In some respects, it appears that the job market is experiencing shifts reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution. However, unlike the fear of robots taking over in sci-fi narratives like The Terminator, current concerns are rooted in AI automating roles traditionally held by humans. In this episode, we talk with Derek Ferguson, Chief Software Officer for the Fitch Group, about how new technologies historically create demand for new skills and roles, suggesting that AI may similarly open doors rather than close them. Derek's contact information: LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/34127776

DOP 290: KubeCon North America 2024 Review 11/20/2024

DOP 290: KubeCon North America 2024 Review #290: Darin catches up with Viktor and Whitney Lee just minutes after they've finished up at KubeCon NA 2024. We discuss the good things and bad things that they experienced while in Salt Lake City. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33956222

DOP 289: When to Build Your Own vs. Using Off-the-Shelf 11/13/2024

DOP 289: When to Build Your Own vs. Using Off-the-Shelf #289: For startups, navigating the dilemma of cloud selection is critical. While major providers offer incentives and familiarity, stepping out of the conventional path to explore other providers or even setting up specialized solutions can lead to significant cost savings and tailor-made optimizations. The balance is in understanding when to scale with commercial offerings and when to embark on more customized, potentially costlier ventures. In this episode, we talk with Hugo Santos, CEO at Namespace Labs, about how by optimizing for specific use cases, they have identified a niche where they can outperform hyperscalers. However, this path is complex and not always practical for every company, especially those lacking the necessary infrastructure expertise. Hugo's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33870322

DOP 288: The Laws of Software Evolution 11/06/2024

DOP 288: The Laws of Software Evolution #288: Let's journey back in time, roughly 30 to 50 years ago, to an era where systems were relatively simple. These foundational systems were built with fewer components, making them not only easier to understand but also simpler to manage. At that time, the stability of a system was often directly correlated with its simplicity. Fewer variables meant fewer potential points of failure, and system operators could focus on optimizing the core elements. The mantra of the day was straightforwardness and robust design. Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves surrounded by systems that are more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. While each individual component or subsystem might be meticulously engineered and robust by today's standards, the sheer volume and interconnectedness introduce a new layer of complexity. However, this is not a detriment to technological progress, but rather a testament to our boundless ambition and innovation. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss an article from 44 years ago titled Programs, Life Cycles, and Laws of Software Evolution by Meir Lehman. Laws of Software Evolution YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33757937

DOP 287: Automating Dependency Updates with Renovate 10/30/2024

DOP 287: Automating Dependency Updates with Renovate #287: In the world of software development, updating dependencies remains a crucial yet often neglected task. Many developers dread the manual labor involved, especially considering potential compatibility issues and the risk of breaking existing functionality. In this episode, we talk with Rhys Arkins, the creator of Renovate, about the origins of the project and how dependency update automation helps with software development efficiency and security. Rhys' contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33632962

DOP 286: The Hidden Costs of Free Services 10/23/2024

DOP 286: The Hidden Costs of Free Services #286: Consumers are often enticed by the allure of free services. From email services like Gmail to networking tools like Twingate, the appeal of getting something for nothing is irresistible. But is it truly 'free'? When taking advantage of free services, one must consider the underlying trade-offs. Using free tools often means contributing personal data in exchange—a model many big tech companies operate upon, particularly for ad-supported services. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss when taking advantage of free services, one must consider the underlying trade-offs. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33535282

DOP 285: Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Software in Modern Enterprises 10/16/2024

DOP 285: Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Software in Modern Enterprises #285: In the fast-paced world of technology, organizations often find themselves in a complex dance between embracing the latest advancements and grappling with decades-old infrastructure. This delicate balance is highlighted in today's enterprises as they attempt to integrate legacy systems with modern solutions like microservices. The challenges, both technical and organizational, raise critical questions about the future of software development and business strategy. In this episode, we speak with Neil Millard, author of Confident Contractor, about how enterprises often cycle through waves of consultants every 18-24 months, disrupting continuity and expertise in managing these complex systems. Neil's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33432637

DOP 284: From Scratch Isn't Really From Scratch 10/09/2024

DOP 284: From Scratch Isn't Really From Scratch #284: Every step forward is built upon the achievements of the past. When you're developing software, leveraging existing knowledge and improvements can propel your success. Stepping blindly into the vast sea of technological options without understanding the motivations behind their existence can lead to costly missteps. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss when you choose to use someone else's technology, you are inherently choosing to adopt someone else's decisions. YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33346297

DOP 283: OpenTelemetry Meets Mobile 10/02/2024

DOP 283: OpenTelemetry Meets Mobile #283: Moving beyond the usual suspects in observability, today's focus shifts towards mobile—a relatively unexplored domain for OpenTelemetry. The integration of OpenTelemetry with mobile applications opens new avenues for mobile app observability. In this episode, Darin and Viktor talk with Austin Emmons from Embrace about the need for educating developers about the value of instrumentation and how OpenTelemetry can significantly aid in performance monitoring and diagnostic efforts for mobile applications. Austin's contact information: LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33249712

DOP 282: How To Measure Software Complexity 09/25/2024

DOP 282: How To Measure Software Complexity #282: In the ever-evolving world of technology, the intricacies of software development and system design continually challenge engineers and developers alike. Insights from past thinkers, such as John Gall, combined with modern-day practices, provide a fascinating lens through which we can understand and navigate these complexities. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss a blog post from Mahesh Balakrishnan titled "Three Laws of Software Complexity (or: why software engineers are always grumpy)" Three Laws of Software Complexity (or: why software engineers are always grumpy) YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33156717

DOP 281: The Impossibility of Competing with Tech Giants 09/18/2024

DOP 281: The Impossibility of Competing with Tech Giants #281: In today's rapidly evolving tech industry, many startups believe they can challenge the well-established giants by offering similar products with minor tweaks. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft will absorb a few of these new competitors, while many others will simply disappear. The driving force behind this harsh reality isn't just competition; it's the absence of truly innovative products. The tech landscape is unforgiving to those who don't innovate. While it might seem tempting to follow the footsteps of successful giants like Adobe, Amazon, and Microsoft, the key to success lies in innovation and offering something new. Companies that fail to grasp this reality will find themselves disappearing into obscurity. In this episode, Bret Fisher and Nirmal Mehta join Darin and Viktor to discuss how artificial intelligence is affecting the tech industry. Bret's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: Nirmal's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/33063342

DOP 280: Understanding the Importance of Policy as Code for Cloud-Native Success 09/11/2024

DOP 280: Understanding the Importance of Policy as Code for Cloud-Native Success #280: Policy as Code is not just a trend but a critical practice for cloud-native success. It ensures automation, consistency, version control, auditability, security, and flexibility. By adopting policies as code, organizations can effectively manage and enforce policies, leading to improved compliance and faster incident response. In this episode, Darin and Viktor dive deeper into the topic, share real-world scenarios, and discuss the practical implications of implementing policies as code as they review a blog post from Nirmata titled “What Is Policy-As-Code? Top 10 Reasons Why Policy-As-Code Is Essential for Cloud-Native Success”. What Is Policy-As-Code? Top 10 Reasons Why Policy-As-Code Is Essential for Cloud-Native Success YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32983097

DOP 279: Exploring Grafana Alloy 09/04/2024

DOP 279: Exploring Grafana Alloy #279: One topic continues to emerge in conversations about technology and observability — OpenTelemetry. It's clear that OpenTelemetry has become fundamental in the tech industry. In this episode, we talk with Paschalis Tsilias, a software engineer with Grafana, about Alloy, a vendor-neutral distribution of the OpenTelemetry (OTel) Collector. Paschalis' contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32848582

DOP 278: GUI versus Command Line in Development 08/28/2024

DOP 278: GUI versus Command Line in Development #278: In today's tech landscape, developers often find themselves caught in the middle of a debate that never seems to age: GUI or CLI? While the tools and interfaces we use may evolve, the core question remains. How do we balance the efficiency and familiarity of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with the raw power and flexibility of command-line interfaces (CLIs)? In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss a blog post by Ian Miell titled In Praise of Low Tech DevEx. In Praise of Low Tech DevEx YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32323212

DOP 277: Making Security Tooling Easy for Developers 08/21/2024

DOP 277: Making Security Tooling Easy for Developers #277: Developers are often caught in a challenging position. They are keen to write code, innovate, hack, and build new things. However, when security measures are perceived as long, difficult, and cumbersome tasks, these essential protocols tend to be avoided or improperly implemented. The key is to balance the pursuit of creativity with the need for robust security. The idea is simple yet profound: by ensuring that security tools are straightforward and user-friendly, developers are more likely to incorporate them into their workflow. This not only benefits the developer but also the entire organization by safeguarding the product from potential vulnerabilities. In this episode, we talk with Luke Hinds, CTO of Stacklok, about how bridging the gap between development and security can lead to healthier, more secure software environments. Luke's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32227662

DOP 276: Why APIs Matter More Than Ever 08/14/2024

DOP 276: Why APIs Matter More Than Ever #276: In today's fast-paced tech world, one sentiment seems to echo louder than ever: "Don't give me help, give me an API." Whether it's AWS configurations, Kubernetes manifests, or even something as fundamental as setting up a basic S3 bucket, an intuitive, well-designed API can mean the difference between smooth sailing and being lost at sea. When companies fail to adapt and streamline their operations through user-friendly APIs, they risk obsolescence. In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss why organizations must prioritize simplicity and customer-centric design in their technical architectures to stay competitive. Today's sponsor: Save 25% on your first Barbaro Mojo order using the code DevOps25 YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32225392

DOP 275: Managing Modern Infrastructure with GitOps 08/07/2024

DOP 275: Managing Modern Infrastructure with GitOps #275: In the constantly evolving landscape of technology, embracing new methodologies can significantly enhance our system management capabilities. One such methodology that has risen to prominence is GitOps. This practice enhances the declarative nature of infrastructure management, aiming to increase efficiency and reliability. In this episode, we talk with Christian Hernandez about the origins, principles, and challenges of GitOps. Christian's contact information: X (Formerly Twitter): LinkedIn: YouTube channel: Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts: Slack: Connect with us at: /episode/index/show/devopsparadox/id/32129122

DevOps Paradox

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