The Platform Trap

Internal platforms were supposed to streamline development. Instead, many teams find themselves maintaining internal systems more complex than the apps they support. In this episode, we explore the platform trap—how well-meaning abstractions can evolve into burdens, and what separates effective internal platforms from over-engineered detours. We’ll dig into: ✅ When “platform” becomes a second product ✅ How internal tools silently shape team structure and velocity ✅ The fine line between empowering developers and creating lock-in ✅ The rise of runtime-aware platforms and why they might offer a better path If you’re building developer platforms, or stuck maintaining one that no one really loves, this is your episode.