As we navigate through 2024, platform engineering has emerged as a forefront technology trend, reshaping how businesses approach software development and IT infrastructure. At the heart of this evolution is the need for more efficient, scalable, and reliable systems that can adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape. Platform engineering bridges the gap between complex system architectures and operational efficiency, offering a unified approach to managing software and hardware resources. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of platform engineering, exploring its integral role in modern technology. Additionally, we'll chart a course for aspiring platform engineers, highlighting the tailored courses offered by Bilginç IT Academy that are designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.
Platform engineering, an increasingly vital domain in the tech world, revolves around designing, implementing, and managing digital platforms that support software and system development. This field is diverse and dynamic, encompassing various roles and responsibilities.
Platform Engineering Job Description: A platform engineer typically works on creating and maintaining scalable and efficient platforms. Their job involves ensuring that these platforms are secure, resilient, and capable of supporting the development and deployment of applications and services. They work closely with software development teams to provide the necessary infrastructure, tools, and frameworks that streamline and automate development processes.
Platform Engineering Team: The success of platform engineering hinges on a collaborative and skilled team. This team is composed of professionals who specialize in different aspects of technology such as cloud computing, software development, system architecture, and security. They work together to build and maintain platforms that meet the evolving needs of the business and its technical objectives.
Platform Engineering Services: These services are at the core of platform engineering, focusing on delivering a suite of tools and technologies that enable developers to build, deploy, and manage applications more efficiently. Services may include cloud infrastructure, container orchestration, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, monitoring, and automated testing tools.
In summary, platform engineering is about creating and managing the digital foundation that powers modern applications and services. It's a field that requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative teamwork, making it a critical component of today's technology landscape.
A Platform Engineer is a pivotal player in the tech industry, specializing in creating and optimizing the infrastructure that supports software development and deployment. This professional combines expertise in software engineering, system architecture, and cloud technologies to build and maintain robust, scalable platforms. Their role involves a deep understanding of both operational and developmental aspects, enabling them to bridge the gap between IT operations and software development teams.
A Platform Engineer's responsibilities include designing cloud-based infrastructures, implementing automation tools for efficient deployment, ensuring system security, and maintaining the overall health and performance of the platforms.
Their work is crucial in enabling teams to develop and deploy applications swiftly and reliably, ensuring that the digital infrastructure aligns with the organization's strategic goals and adapts to evolving technological demands.
Platform engineering is an integral part of today’s technology-driven businesses, playing a critical role in various aspects of software development and system management. This field is essential for creating, maintaining, and optimizing the platforms that serve as the foundation for software and services. Here are some key areas where platform engineering is particularly vital:
In essence, platform engineering is used to build the technological backbone of modern enterprises. It enables businesses to develop and deliver high-quality software products rapidly, maintain operational efficiency, and stay competitive in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
Pursuing a career as a platform engineer offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards.
You'll be at the forefront of technological innovation, playing a critical role in shaping the way software is developed and deployed in an organization.
This role not only provides a deep sense of accomplishment but also offers excellent career prospects, as demand for skilled platform engineers continues to rise.
You'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in cloud computing and automation, and your skills will be pivotal in driving business efficiency and digital transformation.
1- Foundational Skills:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field: Start with a solid educational foundation. Focus on courses in software development, system architecture, networking, and databases.
Basic Programming and Scripting: Learn programming languages like Python, Java, or Ruby, and scripting for automation tasks.
Also, take a look at our Free Documents page where you can find many beginner-friendly programming e-books that you can download for free!
2 - Intermediate Skills Development:
Cloud Computing Platforms: Specialize in cloud services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Look for courses that offer hands-on labs.
Microsoft Azure Trainings Page
Google Cloud Platform Course Catalogue
Linux and Windows Server Administration: Gain proficiency in managing server environments, crucial for understanding the underlying systems of platforms.
Administering Windows Server 2012 TrainingThis course offers a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server administration, covering topics such as Active Directory, managing storage, performance monitoring, basic network services, and server maintenance. It's suitable for those new to Windows Server or looking to refresh their knowledge.
3 - Advanced Skill Set:
DevOps Methodologies: Deepen your understanding of DevOps culture and practices. Look for advanced courses covering CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (like Git), and automation tools (such as Jenkins, Ansible, or Terraform).
Full DevOps Institute Course Catalogue
Containerization and Orchestration: Master technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, which are essential for modern platform engineering.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Learn to manage and provision infrastructure through code using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.
4 - Specialization and Certification:
Security and Compliance Training: Take courses in IT security, focusing on network security, application security, and compliance regulations relevant to platform engineering.
Certifications: Earn industry-recognized certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator.
Recommended/Necessary Courses:
Exam Readiness Intensive Workshop: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Training
This five day exam focused course provides learners everything they need to successfully pass the AWS Associate Architect exam. You will cover the full syllabus of the 'Architecting on AWS' three day course where you will learn the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on the AWS platform. Attendees will learn how to optimize the AWS Cloud by understanding how AWS services fit into cloud-based solutions and explore AWS Cloud best practices and design patterns for architecting optimal IT solutions on AWS. The course also covers how to create fledgling architectures and build them into robust and adaptive solutions.
Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Training
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Kubernetes, including its core concepts, how to deploy Kubernetes clusters, and basic troubleshooting. It’s ideal for those preparing for the CKA exam, as well as professionals wishing to manage a containerized application infrastructure. This includes existing IT administrators, as well as those looking to start a cloud career.
AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
This four day course covers all aspects of Azure administration, including managing Azure identities, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks. It's tailored for those looking to pass the AZ-104 exam.
Each of these courses is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical experience required to pass the respective certification exams.
5 - Practical Experience:
Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Gain real-world experience through internships or junior roles in IT departments or tech companies.
Personal Projects and Contributions: Engage in personal projects or contribute to open-source initiatives to apply your skills practically and build a portfolio.
6 - Ongoing Education and Networking:
Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in platform engineering through webinars, online courses, and industry blogs.
Professional Networking: Attend tech meetups, conferences, and workshops to network with industry professionals and learn from their experiences.
7 - Career Advancement:
Seek Higher Positions: As your skills and experience grow, look for opportunities to advance into roles like senior platform engineer, platform engineering manager, or solutions architect.
Mentorship and Leadership: Consider mentoring junior engineers and taking on leadership roles in technical projects or teams.