Igor Debatur, the CEO and co-founder of Uploadcare, joins us to discuss the complexities and challenges of file management in modern applications. Uploadcare specializes in making the file upload experience seamless for users. Igor shares how their journey started from being an agency that built products for clients to creating a comprehensive solution for file management that addresses the needs of engineers today. We delve into the intricacies of file uploads, which may seem straightforward but are fraught with challenges such as security, compliance, and scalability. Igor emphasizes the growing demand for efficient file handling as applications increasingly require users to upload larger files, including images and videos. He explains how Uploadcare's services help developers avoid the pitfalls of building file management systems from scratch, allowing them to focus on their core business rather than dealing with tedious technical issues. This episode provides valuable insights into why many companies should consider using a managed solution like Uploadcare instead of attempting to build their own file management solutions, especially when they can save time and resources in the process.

Takeaways:

• Uploadcare helps engineers manage file uploads, making the process more efficient and reliable.
• The growing demand for video and image uploads means tools like Uploadcare are essential for developers.
• Igor emphasized that building file management systems from scratch is often not practical for companies.
• Uploadcare offers a modular file uploader that integrates easily with various JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular.
• The service provides real-time image transformations and document conversions to streamline user experiences.
• Using Uploadcare saves companies valuable engineering time, allowing them to focus on their core business needs.

Links referenced in this episode:

• uploadcare.com
• softwarearchitectureinsights.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Upload Care
• Zillow

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Managing configuration in cloud-native applications can be overwhelming due to its complexity and abundance. This episode focuses on five essential best practices to help simplify configuration management. We discuss the importance of maintaining a single source of truth, using automation to handle variations, and implementing revision control for tracking changes. Centralizing configurations and deploying them through automated systems are also highlighted as key strategies. By treating configurations with the same discipline as source code, we can significantly reduce complexity and enhance the reliability of our applications.

Navigating the complexities of software configuration in cloud-native applications is a significant challenge for architects and developers alike. Throughout this discussion, I explore the various types of configurations that exist within modern applications, from network interconnections to database permissions and application secrets. As cloud-native architectures often employ microservices, the sheer volume of configurations can lead to confusion and potential errors. I emphasize the importance of managing this complexity by implementing five best practices that can greatly aid in organizing and controlling configurations more effectively.

The first practice I highlight is establishing a single source of truth for all configuration data. By avoiding redundant copies of configurations scattered across multiple servers, we can minimize the risks of configuration drift and ensure that changes are uniformly applied. Next, I discuss the use of automation to handle variations within configurations, which allows for a single configuration file to be adapted for multiple use cases without the need for numerous duplicates. This not only simplifies management but also reduces potential errors.

Additionally, I advocate for the use of revision control systems to track changes to configuration files, ensuring that we have a clear history of modifications that can be referenced in case of issues. Centralizing configurations in a well-known location and employing automated distribution systems further solidify our ability to manage configurations with confidence. By treating configurations with the same discipline as we do our code, we can enhance the reliability and security of our applications, ultimately leading to better software architecture outcomes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• softwarearchitectureinsights.com

Mentioned in this episode:

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Architecting for Scale

Michi Kono, the CTO of Garner Health, joins us to discuss the intersection of technology and healthcare. Garner Health leverages advanced data management techniques to help employers find the best healthcare providers for their employees. Michi shares insights from his extensive background in the financial sector, where he led significant tech initiatives, and explains how those experiences inform his current work in healthcare. We explore the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, including data accessibility and the challenges posed by outdated practices. Michi emphasizes the importance of modernizing data systems and the role of startups in driving innovation in this vital industry.

The conversation with Michi Kono, CTO of Garner Health, delves into the intersection of technology and healthcare. Michi shares his transition from the financial sector, where he played significant roles at companies like Capital One and Stripe, to the healthcare field. At Garner Health, he leads initiatives that leverage data analysis to guide employees in choosing quality healthcare providers. The discussion highlights the importance of utilizing modern data management techniques to improve healthcare outcomes, underscoring how data-driven approaches can enhance the quality of life for millions. Michi explains how the complexities of the US healthcare system, including regulation and privacy concerns, present unique challenges compared to the financial industry. The episode also touches on the evolution of healthcare data management and the need for modernization within healthcare organizations to keep up with technological advancements.

Takeaways:

• Michi Kono transitioned from financial technology to healthcare to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
• Garner Health utilizes data science to analyze medical outcomes and recommend quality healthcare providers.
• The healthcare industry is complex and unique, reflecting challenges in data access and integration compared to finance.
• Modern data management in healthcare is evolving, yet many systems still rely on outdated practices, slowing innovation.
• Healthcare startups face unique challenges but have opportunities to leverage new technologies for improved patient outcomes.
• Understanding data flow and machine learning basics is essential for future engineers in both healthcare and financial technology.

Links referenced in this episode:

• softwarearchitectureinsights.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Gartner Health
• Stripe
• Meta
• Capital One
• Snowflake
• Zocdoc
• EPIC

Mentioned in this episode:

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How do you operate a modern organization at scale?

Read more in my O'Reilly Media book "Architecting for Scale", now in its second edition. http://architectingforscale.com

Architecting for Scale