Platformless: A New Frontier in Enterprise Software Engineering
Our collaborative work with Sanjiva, Paul, and I has led to the development of “Platformless,” a concept detailed in our GitHub spec (Platformless). This innovative approach reimagines enterprise software engineering, moving away from traditional platform-centric models to embrace a more dynamic, flexible framework essential for crafting digital products in the modern era.
Exploring the Essence of Platformless
Platformless is a strategic shift in enterprise software engineering, prioritizing adaptability, scalability, and responsiveness. It’s about building software systems that can swiftly adapt to technological advancements and evolving business requirements.
Platformless is a consumption model that allows seamless access to platform features without the overhead of construction or management of underlying systems. It’s designed for efficiency, letting development teams focus on manufacturing software without unnecessary complexity.
The Core Tenets of Platformless
- API-First: This approach underscores the importance of designing functionalities as APIs from the beginning, facilitating seamless integration and interoperability.
- Cloud Native Middleware: Emphasizes the use of cloud-native technologies in middleware, enhancing scalability, resilience, and agility in digital operations.
- Platform Engineering: Concentrates on creating flexible, adaptable platforms that can evolve in tandem with changing needs and technological shifts.
- Enhancing Developer Experience: Focuses on improving the environment for developers, thus fostering productivity and innovation in software development.
Platformless in Enterprise Software Engineering
The application of Platformless principles brings several advantages to enterprise software engineering:
- Adaptive and Flexible Systems: The API-first and cloud-native approaches allow for rapid adaptation to new technologies and market demands.
- Efficient and Scalable Solutions: Platform engineering within the Platformless framework ensures digital solutions are both efficient and scalable, aligning with business growth.
- Boosted Developer Productivity: A focus on the developer experience leads to more effective and innovative software development, crucial for creating digital products.
Implications for Software Engineering Leaders
For those leading software engineering teams, embracing Platformless means promoting a culture of continuous innovation and adaptation. It involves moving away from rigid legacy systems towards a strategy that values dynamic, responsive software development.
Conclusion
Platformless, as outlined in our GitHub spec, marks a significant advancement in enterprise software engineering. It champions principles vital for the development of robust, adaptable digital products. For organizations looking to excel in software engineering and digital product development, understanding and integrating the Platformless approach is key to staying competitive and future-ready in the evolving digital landscape.
Weerawarana, S., Fremantle, P. & Abeysinghe, A. (2023, November 6). Platformless. WSO2 GitHub. https://github.com/wso2/reference-architecture/blob/master/platformless.md
