With digital transformation becoming the norm, modern organizations are constantly evolving to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology. In this new reality, the focus has once again shifted towards individual technical skills, marking the rise of a significant discipline: Platform Engineering.
Platform Engineering as an extension of DevOps
Platform Engineering is an extension of the DevOps methodology. It builds on the principles of collaboration, automation, measurement, and sharing that DevOps champions. However, while DevOps aims at breaking down silos between development and operations teams to create a seamless pipeline, Platform Engineering goes a step further. It seeks to develop and maintain platforms that serve as a foundation for software delivery. In essence, Platform Engineers work to create self-service, automated, and repeatable IT platforms that can be used to develop, test, and deploy applications.
Let's dive into how AWS, one of the leading cloud service providers, is deeply involved in this story.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a multitude of cloud services that can form the building blocks for such platforms. By utilizing these services, Platform Engineers can create robust and scalable platforms that take full advantage of the power of the cloud. Whether it's virtual machines with EC2, containerization with ECS or EKS, serverless computing with Lambda, or data management with RDS and S3, AWS has the tools necessary to create a platform suitable for any organization's needs.
So why is individual technical skill becoming increasingly important in Platform Engineering?
The answer lies in the complexity and bespoke nature of these platforms. Each organization has unique needs, and creating a platform that meets these needs requires a deep understanding of various technologies and how they interact. AWS services, while powerful, are complex and need skilled individuals to use them effectively.
Platform Engineering has seen a significant resurgence as organizations realize the value of investing in individuals with a deep understanding of these technologies. These professionals can build platforms that take full advantage of the power and flexibility offered by providers like AWS while ensuring that they're reliable, secure, and cost-effective.
The shift in the software development landscape
The rise of Platform Engineering signifies a shift in the software development landscape. Rather than being merely a support role, IT is now at the forefront of delivering business value. With the right platform, developers can focus on writing code and delivering features without worrying about infrastructure or deployment issues. This increased efficiency can lead to faster time-to-market, greater innovation, and ultimately, a more significant competitive advantage.
Platform Engineering marks a critical evolution in the DevOps journey, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge to effectively harness cloud services like AWS. It symbolizes the growing importance of individual technical expertise in creating efficient, self-service platforms that fuel innovation and drive business success. With the rise of Platform Engineering, we're witnessing the dawn of a new era where IT is not just a business enabler but a strategic business partner.
If you are looking for help with your Platform Engineering and DevOps, look no further than our team of experienced AWS consultants. We can provide the expertise and guidance necessary to ensure a successful transition from legacy IT infrastructure to cloud native solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of all the benefits that come with running applications in the cloud.
