Platform Engineering for Architects: Crafting modern platforms as a product

Design and build Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs) with future-oriented design strategies, using the Platform as a Product mindsetKey FeaturesComprehensive guide to designing platforms that create value and drive user adoptionExpert insights on shifting to a product-centric mindset for architects and platform teamsBest practices for managing platform complexity, reducing technical debt, and ensuring continuous evolutionBook DescriptionAs technology evolves, IT talent shortages and system complexity make it essential to have structured guidance for building scalable, user-focused platforms. This book provides platform engineers and architects with practical strategies to develop internal development platforms that enhance software delivery and operations.You’ll learn how to identify end users, understand their needs, and define platform goals with a focus on self-service solutions for cloud-native environments. Using real-world examples, the book demonstrates how to build platforms within and for the cloud, leveraging Kubernetes. It also explores the benefits of a product-centric approach to platform engineering, emphasizing early end-user involvement and flexible design principles that adapt to future requirements.Additionally, the book covers techniques for maintaining a sustainable platform while minimizing technical debt. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to design, define, and implement platform capabilities that align with your organization’s goals.What you will learnMake informed decisions aligned with your organization's platform needsIdentify missing platform capabilities and manage that technical debt effectivelyDevelop critical user journeys to enhance platform functionalityDefine platform purpose, principles, and key performance indicatorsUse data-driven insights to guide product decisionsDesign and implement platform reference and target architecturesWho this book is forThis book is for platform engineers, architects, and DevOps professionals responsible for designing and managing internal development platforms. It is also useful for decision-makers involved in optimizing software delivery and operations in cloud-native environments. Familiarity with cloud computing, Kubernetes, and CI/CD concepts is helpful but not required, as the book provides practical guidance on platform engineering, self-service solutions, and managing technical debt.Table of ContentsPlatform Engineering and the Art of Crafting PlatformsUnderstanding Platform Architecture to Build Platform as a ProductBuilding the Foundation for Supporting Platform Capabilities Architecting the Platform Core – Kubernetes as a Unified LayerIntegration, Delivery, and Deployment – Automation is UbiquitousBuild for Developers and Their Self-ServiceBuilding Secure and Compliant ProductsCost Management and Best PracticesChoosing Technical Debt to Unbreak PlatformsCrafting Platform Products for the Future Read more