CTO Insights - Issue #141
Evolution of Database Architecture, Software Architecture and Design Trends, Scaling Engineering Organizations and more.
Hi, this is Tosho Trajanov with CTO Insights #141.
CTO Insights is a weekly newsletter on software engineering and technical leadership, aiming to provide you with a set of topics to keep you up to date with the latest developments in the industry and help you be a better leader.
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Featured
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Architecture
Storage Challenges in The Evolution of Database Architecture
In this detailed blog post, Postman engineers discuss their intricate three-step approach to solving a looming storage issue with their sync service, which runs on an AWS RDS Aurora cluster.
You'll learn how they managed to split data across clusters, leverage MySQL replication, and optimize storage without risking downtime, thereby ensuring the service's reliability and performance.
Software Architecture and Design Trends Report
Explore the future trends in software architecture, including the rise of Design for Portability and the impact of large language models like GPT-4 on low-code development and decision documentation.
You'll also learn about sustainability concerns and the niche but growing role of decentralized apps in the industry.
Scalability
Three Research-Backed Principles for Scaling Your Engineering Organization
In managing growing engineering teams, adapting your ways of working is crucial for maintaining impact.
Principles from social science and project management, such as Conway's Law, Dunbar's Number, and Brooks' Law, provide valuable insights into team dynamics and system design, helping leaders navigate through scaling challenges and organizational changes effectively.
Culture
How To Engineer Kindness
This is not a typical story. It focuses on how to be kind and encourage kindness with practical advice and tips. The author dives deep into Honesty, Async Communication, Psychological Safety, Feedback, etc.
Kind is about being invested in other people, figuring out how to help them, meeting them where they are
Leadership
3 Ways to Prepare for the Future of Work
Many forces are converging today in unprecedented ways to reshape the nature of work. To understand and adapt to these forces, leaders need to start thinking seriously about three important areas of concern: the future of workers; the future of working; and the future of work itself.
The authors refer to these three areas as the who, the what, and the why of work. Each has its own particular set of challenges. Leaders need to confront and address these challenges, and the authors of this article provide suggestions for how they can best do that.
What I Wish I Knew: Insights for Aspiring CTOs
Reflecting on his experience as a CTO at SketchDeck, the author shares timeless insights on the evolving roles in startups, the long-term impact of tech choices, and the importance of people management.
Though an older post, it remains an epic resource for understanding the multi-faceted challenges and joys of being a tech leader in a growing company.
AI
Generative AI and The Software Development Lifecycle
This story explores how GenAI can revolutionize the software development process far beyond mere code generation, emphasizing its potential for boosting productivity, innovation, and quality.
You'll learn how GenAI can tackle a variety of tasks, such as reducing repetitive work and aiding in brainstorming, while also understanding the risks and best practices associated with implementing GenAI in your development teams.
Product
The AI effect: Transforming the world of product management
In this article, experienced product leader René Rosendahl explores the impact of AI, specifically generative AI and machine learning, on the field of product management.
You'll learn how AI can serve as a valuable tool for tasks like content generation and research, the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into your products, and why the ultimate goal should always be solving real customer problems rather than simply adding AI for its own sake.
Other
Why Developers Should Get Involved in Open-Source
Dive into this comprehensive article to understand the evolving role of open-source software in modern technology companies and how staff+ roles like Principal Engineers can actively engage in open-source projects.
You'll learn how to leverage open-source for both personal and organizational growth, why it's crucial in today's tech landscape, and practical steps for getting involved.
Top Strategic Technology Trends 2023
This eBook by Gartner guides business leaders in identifying and committing to strategic tech initiatives amid current challenges like recession threats and supply chain issues.
It offers an overview of key technology trends to focus on in the next 36 months, outlining their opportunities, benefits, and practical steps for implementation.
On Productivity Metrics and Management Consultants
In this article, the author critiques McKinsey & Company's blog post on measuring software developer productivity (as many others), arguing that the real aim isn't to gain insights but to sell "political capital" to justify internal programs.
You'll learn how management consulting firms often serve as a means to legitimize predetermined organizational changes under the guise of metrics-based objectivity, and why a qualitative approach may offer more genuine insights into software development productivity.
Optionality: a Strategy for Continuous Professional Development
Dive into the concept of "Optionality," a strategy for ensuring that you remain an in-demand professional in a rapidly changing job market.
You'll learn how continuously developing new, transferable skills can make you adaptable and keep you from becoming obsolete, thus widening your career options over time.
Closing Notes
Thank you for reading through this week's newsletter — I hope you found the content insightful.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
That is all, thank you, everyone.
I am wishing you a productive and fulfilling week ahead.