SE-Radio Episode 239: Andrew Clay Shafer on Modern Platform-as-a-Service

Platform Features

Cloud Foundry distinguishes itself by shifting the focus from server-centric to application-centric primitives, enhancing the user experience for both developers and operators. Andrew Shafer highlights the platform's commitment to strict XP engineering practices and test-driven development, which are deeply rooted in Pivotal's history of application development 1. This approach ensures a seamless deployment experience, contrasting with other tools like Puppet and Chef, which require more expertise 2.

It's not a question of that scale or not a scale. What cloud foundry is doing is shifting the primitive from being a server centric primitive to an application centric or service centric primitive.

--- Andrew Shafer

The platform's open-source nature and robust foundation support its innovative deployment strategies, making it a preferred choice for enterprises and startups alike.

   

Historical Development

The historical development of Cloud Foundry is rooted in its origins at VMware, where it began as a project with engineers experienced in Google's infrastructure. Andrew Shafer explains that the transition to Pivotal allowed for greater focus and freedom to innovate, leading to the evolution of Cloud Foundry's architecture 1. This shift was crucial in adapting and evolving the platform to meet modern demands.

Cloud Foundry started as a project at VMware, and the majority of the early engineers on cloud Foundry had all kind of come from behind the veil at Google.

--- Andrew Shafer

The platform's development reflects a blend of technical expertise and strategic organizational changes, setting the stage for its current success.

   

Governance

Cloud Foundry's governance model emphasizes contribution over traditional meritocracy, fostering a community-driven approach to development. Andrew Shafer describes this model as "governance by contribution," where the more code one writes, the more influence they have 3. This approach encourages active participation and collaboration within the community, ensuring that the platform evolves with the needs of its users.

Governance by contribution basically means that, you know, we, we want everyone to write the code. And the more code you write, the more say you get by virtue of the fact that you're writing the code.

--- Andrew Shafer

The foundation's structure, supported by a trillion-dollar market cap, underscores its commitment to open-source principles and community engagement 1.