A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Platform Engineering Services
Finding the best platform engineering services can be a game-changer for your business. Platform engineering helps streamline workflows, improve productivity, and reduce developer burnout. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right platform engineering service for your company.
Key Takeaways
- Platform engineering helps make software development faster and more consistent.
- Not every company needs platform engineering, but it becomes important as you grow.
- Look for services that offer automation, good integration options, and a user-friendly experience.
- Avoid common mistakes like making the platform too complex or ignoring feedback from developers.
- Keep an eye on future trends like AI, increased automation, and better security measures.
Understanding Platform Engineering Services
What is Platform Engineering?
At its core, platform engineering is a team structure and cultural shift used to manage complexity. A platform team creates a self-service internal developer platform that acts as a bridge between the underlying technical providers (think cloud services or internal tools) and the people who use them, like application developers. This discipline focuses on designing and maintaining a unified technology platform to support the needs of diverse development and operational teams.
Key Components of Platform Engineering
Platform engineering involves several key components:
- Automation: Streamlining repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
- Integration: Ensuring different tools and systems work seamlessly together.
- User Experience: Making the platform easy to use for developers.
- Governance: Setting rules and guidelines to ensure consistency and security.
Why It Matters
Platform engineering is crucial because it helps drive consistency and speeds up common tasks. By providing "golden paths" or "paved roads," developers can quickly adopt best practices, making it easier to build, ship, and run their software. This not only reduces the time required to set up and run in the cloud but also enables scaling through environment automation. Ultimately, platform engineering helps businesses stay ahead of the curve and achieve their digital transformation goals.
Platform engineering is not just about technology; it’s about creating a culture that supports innovation and efficiency.
When to Consider Platform Engineering Services
Signs Your Company Needs Platform Engineering
If your company is growing and you notice that your teams are repeating the same tasks, it might be time to think about platform engineering. Platform engineering helps drive consistency and speeds up common tasks. This is especially true if you have more than one app team and start seeing duplicated efforts.
Scalability Issues
When your company starts to grow, scaling can become a big problem. Platform engineering can help by automating environments, making it easier to update and deploy. This not only saves time but also reduces costs related to workload duplication.
Developer Bottlenecks
If your developers are spending too much time on setup and maintenance rather than actual development, platform engineering can be a game-changer. It allows developers to focus on what they do best by providing the tools and workflows they need.
Platform engineering isn’t just for big companies. Even smaller teams can benefit from the reduced time and cost savings.
Summary
- Signs Your Company Needs Platform Engineering: Repeated tasks and duplicated efforts.
- Scalability Issues: Automates environments and reduces costs.
- Developer Bottlenecks: Frees up developers to focus on development.
How to Choose the Right Platform Engineering Service
Choosing the right platform engineering service can be a game-changer for your company. Here’s how to make the best choice.
Evaluating Your Needs
First, understand what your company needs. Are you facing scalability issues or developer bottlenecks? Knowing your pain points will help you find a service that fits.
Researching Providers
Next, do your homework. Look for providers with a good track record. Check reviews and ask for case studies. Make sure they offer the features you need, like automation capabilities and integration options.
Making the Final Decision
Finally, weigh your options. Compare costs, benefits, and potential ROI. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider the long-term value. Once you’ve made your choice, set up a meeting to discuss your needs and expectations.
Remember, the right platform engineering service can streamline your workflow and make your team more efficient.
Top Features to Look for in Platform Engineering Services
When you’re on the hunt for platform engineering services, there are some key features you should keep an eye out for. These features can make or break your experience, so it’s crucial to know what to look for.
Automation Capabilities
Automation is a game-changer. It reduces the time required to set up and run in the cloud. Look for services that offer robust automation features, enabling you to scale through environment automation. This means your app teams can flexibly edit and update deployment environments without much hassle.
Integration Options
Integration is another critical feature. You want a service that can easily integrate with your existing tools and workflows. This will streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Evaluate VSM solutions to match tools to your business needs and align capabilities with your objectives.
User Experience
User experience is often overlooked but is incredibly important. A good platform engineering service should offer a seamless and intuitive user experience. This not only improves internal developer experience but also accelerates onboarding. Make sure the service you choose is easy to use and navigate.
Remember, the right platform engineering service can significantly enhance your workflow and overall efficiency. Choose wisely!
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Navigating platform engineering can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls and how to dodge them.
Case Studies: Successful Platform Engineering Implementations
Tech Industry Examples
Numerous organizations have already embraced platform engineering with great success. For example, Amazon’s implementation of platform engineering has streamlined their workflow and automated software delivery. Explore Zeet, Octopus Deploy, and Spinnaker for a streamlined workflow and automated software delivery.
Healthcare Sector
In the healthcare sector, platform engineering has been a game-changer. Hospitals and clinics have used these services to improve patient data management and streamline operations. This has led to better patient outcomes and more efficient use of resources.
Finance and Banking
The finance and banking industry has also seen significant benefits from platform engineering. By integrating advanced tools and automation, banks have enhanced their security measures and improved transaction speeds. This has not only increased customer satisfaction but also reduced operational costs.
Platform engineering is not just a trend; it’s a proven strategy for improving efficiency and achieving better results across various industries.
The Role of Platform Engineers
Skill Sets Required
A platform engineer’s role is to align development practices with business objectives, reducing the management burden of complex tools and infrastructure. They need a mix of skills, including coding, system design, and cloud services. Understanding the Cloud Engineer Learning Path, DevOps Engineer Learning Path, and Platform Engineer Learning Path is crucial for anyone looking to enter this field.
Daily Responsibilities
Platform engineers design and maintain all desktop and separate appointment activities, assist in template installation, and prepare scripts for all software. Their day-to-day tasks often involve streamlining CI/CD with Jenkins and Kubernetes, ensuring smooth software delivery. They also explore GitLab for source code management and value stream management.
Team Collaboration
Collaboration is key in platform engineering. Engineers work closely with developers, operations, and other stakeholders to ensure the platform meets everyone’s needs. This often involves unlocking collaboration by exploring tools like GitLab for source code management. The goal is to reduce repetitive and manual work, easing the cognitive load on developers.
Platform engineers are the unsung heroes who make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. They bridge the gap between development and operations, ensuring that everyone can work efficiently and effectively.
Budgeting for Platform Engineering Services
Cost Factors
When planning your budget for platform engineering services, it’s crucial to consider various cost factors. These include the initial setup costs, ongoing maintenance, and any additional features you might need. Don’t forget to account for the salaries of platform engineers, which can be quite high. Also, think about the costs of training your team to use the new platform effectively.
ROI Considerations
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) is essential. Measure what matters: key metrics for successful software delivery with GitLab VSM. This will help you streamline development, address bottlenecks, and leverage automation. Aligning with business goals is also crucial. Advanced platforms like GitLab DevSecOps enhance VSM with real-time monitoring, analytics, and automation for efficient software delivery and improved operational productivity.
Budget Planning Tips
- Evaluate Your Needs: Before you start, make sure you know what your company needs. This will help you avoid overspending on unnecessary features.
- Research Providers: Look into different service providers and compare their offerings and prices.
- Plan for the Future: Make sure your budget is flexible enough to scale with your organization. This will support growth and align with your business goals.
The head of platform engineering is responsible for headcount and budget planning, as well as all north star metrics (NSMs), KPIs, and OKRs.
By following these tips, you can create a budget that not only meets your current needs but also supports future growth and innovation.
Future Trends in Platform Engineering
AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are set to revolutionize platform engineering. With platform engineering at the helm, the future of cloud-native development is poised for unprecedented growth and transformation. AI frameworks are becoming more accessible, making it easier for developers to build powerful applications. This trend is expected to reshape job dynamics and introduce new ethical and economic considerations.
Increased Automation
Automation is crucial for productivity, collaboration, and innovation. Embracing automation can optimize the development pipeline for faster delivery. This means focusing on necessary builds and streamlining processes to boost efficiency. Automation capabilities are becoming more advanced, allowing for more complex tasks to be automated, which in turn frees up developers to focus on more strategic work.
Enhanced Security Measures
As platform engineering evolves, so do the security measures that come with it. Enhanced security measures are essential to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations. This includes implementing robust security protocols and continuously monitoring for potential threats. The goal is to create a secure environment that fosters trust and reliability.
The future of platform engineering is bright, with AI, automation, and enhanced security measures leading the way. Staying ahead of these trends will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Measuring the Success of Your Platform Engineering Efforts
Key Performance Indicators
To know if your platform engineering efforts are paying off, you need to track some key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics help you see how well your platform is doing and where you might need to make changes. Some important KPIs include:
- Deployment frequency: How often you release new updates.
- Lead time for changes: The time it takes from making a change to having it in production.
- Mean time to recover: How quickly you can fix issues when they arise.
- Change failure rate: The percentage of changes that cause problems.
- Reliability: How often your platform is available and working as expected.
Feedback Loops
Gathering feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. Regularly ask your developers and other users for their thoughts on the platform. This can help you spot issues early and make necessary adjustments. Capturing feedback and outcomes can also show the impact of your platform on the overall business.
Continuous Improvement
Platform engineering is not a one-time task. You need to keep improving based on the feedback and data you collect. This means revisiting your goals, making necessary changes, and always looking for ways to do things better. Iterate from step 3 and keep refining your platform to meet the evolving needs of your users.
Remember, measuring success is not just about numbers. It’s about understanding how your platform helps your team and your business achieve their goals.
DIY vs. Professional Platform Engineering Services
Pros and Cons of DIY
Building your own platform can be a rewarding experience. You get full control over every aspect, and it can be tailored exactly to your needs. However, this approach can be very time-consuming and expensive. You need a team with the right skills, and even then, the complexity can be overwhelming.
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Pros:
- Full control over the platform
- Customization to fit specific needs
- Potential cost savings in the long run
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Cons:
- High initial costs
- Requires a skilled team
- Can be very complex and time-consuming
Benefits of Professional Services
Opting for professional platform engineering services can save you a lot of headaches. These services come with expertise and experience, ensuring that your platform is built efficiently and effectively. They also offer ongoing support and updates, which can be a huge advantage.
Professional services can help you avoid the pitfalls of DIY, offering a smoother, more reliable path to a functional platform.
Cost Comparison
When comparing costs, it’s important to look at both the short-term and long-term expenses. DIY might seem cheaper initially, but the hidden costs can add up. Professional services might have a higher upfront cost, but they often provide better value over time.
| Aspect | DIY Costs | Professional Services Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup | Low to High | High |
| Maintenance | High | Low to Medium |
| Skill Requirements | High | Low |
| Time Investment | High | Low |
Choosing between DIY and professional services depends on your specific needs and resources. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to make the best decision for your company.
Conclusion
Finding the best platform engineering services can seem like a big task, but it’s totally doable if you break it down step by step. Start by understanding what platform engineering is and why it might be needed for your company. Then, look at the specific needs of your team and how a platform engineer can help streamline processes and reduce repetitive tasks. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so take the time to talk to your engineers and understand their pain points. By doing this, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right platform engineering service that fits your company’s unique needs. Happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is platform engineering?
Platform engineering is about creating and maintaining tools and workflows for software teams. It helps make tasks more consistent and faster.
When should a company consider platform engineering services?
If your company has more than one app team and you notice repeated efforts, it might be time to think about platform engineering services.
How can platform engineering benefit my business?
Platform engineering can speed up development, reduce burnout, and make software processes smoother.
What are the key components of platform engineering?
The main parts include automation, integration options, and a focus on user experience.
Why is platform engineering important?
It helps create efficient workflows, reduces repeated tasks, and supports developers in building and running software more easily.
What should I look for in a platform engineering service?
Look for services that offer strong automation, easy integration with other tools, and a good user experience.
What are common mistakes in platform engineering?
Common mistakes include making the platform too complicated, not listening to developer feedback, and not having clear goals.
What are the benefits of hiring professional platform engineering services over doing it yourself?
Professional services can save time, provide expert knowledge, and ensure your platform is built correctly from the start.
