Exploring the intricacies of platform engineering and the key challenges faced by platform engineering teams
Platform engineering is a specialized discipline that focuses on creating scalable, reliable, and efficient building platforms for developers. Unlike DevOps, which is more about the deployment and operation of applications, platform engineering is about building the underlying infrastructure and tools that developers use. It plays a crucial role in enabling developers to be more productive and efficient in their work.
In this article, we will delve into the world of platform engineering, discussing some key lessons learned from the experiences of others in the field. We will also explore the top challenges that platform engineering teams face and provide strategies to overcome them. From balancing adoption and completeness to addressing diverse backgrounds in operations, we will uncover the complexities of platform engineering and the strategies to navigate them.
Adoption vs. Completeness:
Problem: Our devs can’t wait a year
One of the most pressing challenges for a platform engineering team is finding the right balance between building a comprehensive, feature-rich platform and getting it into the hands of users as quickly as possible. The key is to prioritize features that offer the most value to the largest number of users and to roll them out in a way that encourages early, yet meaningful, engagement with the platform.
Solution: Focus on incremental value
Instead of aiming for a fully-featured platform right out of the gate, concentrate on delivering incremental value to your users. Identify the most pressing use cases that your platform can address and build features that solve those specific problems. This approach not only speeds up the development cycle but also encourages early adoption.
Diverse Backgrounds in Operations:
Problem: Not every dev is a ‘Nix nerd
A platform may be used by both novice developers who need a lot of guidance and expert developers who require advanced features and the ability to customize. This diversity necessitates a flexible, adaptable platform design that can cater to different skill levels without becoming either too simplistic or too complicated.
Solution: Two-layer design
To cater to a diverse user base, consider implementing a two-layer API design. The foundational layer should provide the raw functionality needed for complex use cases, giving experienced developers the flexibility they seek. Simultaneously, provide a user-friendly interface or GUI for beginners to interact with the platform easily. This two-layer approach ensures that developers of all skill levels can effectively use the platform.
Vendor Lock-In:
Problem: I like this vendor; I don’t “LIKE them like them”
Platform engineering teams often rely on third-party services for certain functionalities, which can lead to vendor lock-in. This dependency can limit the platform’s future adaptability and pose risks if the vendor decides to increase rates or discontinue the service.
Solution: Vendor abstraction or open source
To mitigate the risks of vendor lock-in, consider implementing abstraction layers or wrappers around third-party services. This allows you to switch vendors with minimal impact on the platform or its users. Alternatively, adopting open source tools as your developer platform ensures that you have control over the technology and can avoid vendor lock-in.
Measuring Success:
Problem: It’s hard to prove the benefits of platform engineering
Determining the success of a platform is not straightforward. Traditional metrics like uptime or latency are important but don’t provide a complete picture. The challenge is to identify the right set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and use them to guide ongoing improvements to the platform.
Solution: Consider DORA metrics
DORA metrics, developed by the team at Google Cloud, provide a framework for measuring the effectiveness of platform engineering. These metrics focus on deployment frequency, lead time for changes, change failure rate, and time to restore service. By tracking these metrics, you can gain insights into how well the platform enables developers to write, test, and ship code efficiently.
Real-World Case Studies:
Stitch Fix, Uber, and Netflix
To illustrate the practical application of platform engineering, let’s look at a few real-world case studies. Stitch Fix created a platform for data scientists, Uber established a platform engineering team to handle ongoing technical debt, and Netflix implemented a developer platform to enable polyglot development. These success stories highlight the benefits and challenges of platform engineering in different contexts.
Conclusion:
Platform engineering is a critical discipline that empowers developers to be more productive and efficient. By understanding the challenges and implementing effective strategies, platform engineering teams can create robust and adaptable platforms that meet the diverse needs of developers. Balancing adoption and completeness, addressing diverse backgrounds in operations, mitigating vendor lock-in, and measuring success are key considerations for successful platform engineering. As more organizations recognize the value of platform engineering, the field will continue to evolve, driving innovation and enabling developers to thrive.
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