Cloud Native Chronicles

Recorded at KubeCon 2026, Michael Meelis (Platform Engineer at ITQ) sits down with Steve Wade (Founder of Platform Fix) to discuss one of the biggest challenges in platform engineering: complexity.At KubeCon, it’s easy to get lost in the growing CNCF landscape. But are all these tools actually helping organizations deliver value, or just slowing them down?This episode explores why simplifying platforms, focusing on developer experience, and aligning with business outcomes is far more important than adopting every new tool.In this episode they discuss:Why the CNCF landscape leads to tool sprawlThe risk of building platforms for technology instead of business valueDeveloper experience and why many platforms fail their usersWhy Git should be the real interface of your platformThe downside of tools like Backstage when misappliedThe hidden cost of “new tools” and operational overheadReal world example: reducing complexity and saving €500K annuallyWhy platform engineering is ultimately about people, not technology👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

Recorded live at KubeCon 2026, Johan van Amersfoort (Chief Evangelist and AI Lead at ITQ) sits down with Frank Denneman (Distinguished Engineer, AI at Broadcom) to challenge one of the most common assumptions in Cloud Native: does bare metal Kubernetes really exist?As AI workloads grow and infrastructure becomes more complex, resource management, security, and consistency become critical. This episode explores why virtualization still plays a key role in modern Kubernetes platforms and how solutions like VMware Cloud Foundation and VKS approach this differently.From GPU allocation and AI workloads to platform consistency and open source alignment, this conversation provides a clear perspective on how enterprise platforms are evolving.In this episode they discuss:Why “bare metal Kubernetes” is often a misconceptionThe role of virtualization in security, isolation, and consistencyResource management challenges with AI and GPUsHow VKS integrates Kubernetes into VMware Cloud FoundationDynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) and smarter GPU usageSupporting both CLI driven and UI driven operationsBroadcom’s role in open source and CNCF AI conformance👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

Recorded live at KubeCon 2026, Johan van Amersfoort (Chief Evangelist and AI Lead at ITQ) sits down with Erik Zandboer (Cloud Native Architect at Portworx) to explore one of the biggest challenges in Kubernetes: stateful workloads and storage.While Kubernetes has become the standard for container orchestration, it was never designed for stateful applications. So what happens when organizations start running databases, AI workloads, and business critical applications on Kubernetes?From scaling limitations of CSI to disaster recovery, hybrid cloud storage, and AI driven architectures, this episode breaks down how platforms like Portworx extend Kubernetes to support real world workloads.In this episode they discuss:Why Kubernetes struggles with stateful workloadsThe limitations of CSI and when they become visibleHow Portworx enables scalable, Kubernetes native storageThe role of OpenShift as a broader developer platformStorage architectures for AI workloads (block vs object storage)Disaster recovery and multi cluster replicationHow abstraction layers improve performance and flexibility across environments👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

Recorded live at KubeCon 2026 , Johan van Amersfoort (Chief Evangelist and AI Lead at ITQ) sits down with Stuart Miniman (Senior Director of Market Insights, Hybrid Platforms at Red Hat) to explore what’s new in OpenShift and how the platform continues to evolve with AI, platform engineering, and enterprise demands.How does OpenShift keep pace with a rapidly changing Cloud Native ecosystem? And what does it take to turn increasing complexity into something scalable, secure, and usable for every type of engineer?From AI workloads and GPU optimization to platform engineering, security, and simplified operations, this episode provides a clear view on how OpenShift is adapting to the next wave of innovation.In this episode they discuss:How OpenShift evolved beyond Kubernetes into a full application platformThe role of AI, GPU optimization, and projects like vLLM and LLMDSimplifying Kubernetes operations for different types of usersThe rise of platform engineering and developer experienceHow OpenShift supports DevOps, ClickOps, and AI-assisted workflowsSecurity and Zero Trust as a foundation for modern platformsKey trends from KubeCon, including AI and digital sovereignty👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

Recorded live at KubeCon 2026, Johan van Amersfoort (Chief Evangelist and AI Lead at ITQ) sits down with Stuart Miniman (Senior Director of Market Insights, Hybrid Platforms at Red Hat) to unpack the reality behind open source, enterprise platforms, and Cloud Native innovation.What role does Red Hat really play in the open source ecosystem? And how do platforms like Red Hat OpenShift translate community innovation into real business value?From misconceptions around “free software” to the rise of GitOps and the increasing importance of speed, this episode provides a grounded view on how modern platforms are built, operated, and scaled.In this episode they discuss: Why open source is a development model, not a business model Red Hat’s contribution to the Cloud Native ecosystem How OpenShift curates and supports open source projects The balance between community innovation and enterprise needs Why GitOps and Argo are becoming the standard The operational reality of maintaining Cloud Native platforms How AI builds on top of Cloud Native foundations👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

In this special live edition of ITQ Cloud Native Chronicles, recorded at Red Hat Summit Connect Nieuwegein, Sander Harrewijnen talks with Markus Nagel, Technical Marketing Manager at Red Hat, about the importance of secure and automated software supply chains.Markus explains how Red Hat Developer Hub, Tekton Chains, and Trusted Artifact Signer simplify signing, verification, and SALSA compliance while helping developers stay focused on building great software. They discuss how automation and platform engineering can make security seamless from commit to production without slowing down innovation.Watch more episodes of ITQ Cloud Native Chronicles for insights on Kubernetes, OpenShift, AI, and hybrid cloud transformation.👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native

In this special episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, recorded live at Red Hat Summit: Connect 2025, Robert Kloosterhuis sits down with Luca Bertone, engineer, author and Ansible expert, to explore the evolution of automation, AI-powered platform engineering and how technologies such as Ansible, Kubernetes and OpenShift AI are shaping the future of IT.Luca shares insights from his work at Red Hat, his experience in highly regulated industries and his journey from writing Ansible by Examples to exploring AI-driven automation. Together, they discuss how organizations can combine open source innovation with enterprise reliability and scale.In this conversation you will learn more aboutHow Ansible integrates with modern DevOps tools including Terraform, Argo CD and TektonThe role of GitOps and configuration management in hybrid and multi-cloud environments• Red Hat’s Ansible Automation Platform and OpenShift AI in enterprise-scale environmentsThe importance of aligning open source innovation with commercial support• Luca’s upcoming projects, including his new book on AI and automationThis episode is for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, automation and cloud native engineering, from developers and SREs to architects and platform engineers.

In this live edition of ITQ Cloud Native Chronicles, recorded at Red Hat Summit Connect Utrecht, Robert Kloosterhuis and Erik Zandboer dive into the evolving world of cloud native storage.They explore how Portworx by Pure Storage delivers a consistent, scalable storage experience across private and public clouds and how this empowers organizations to run stateful workloads efficiently on Red Hat OpenShift.Robert and Erik discuss the role of storage abstraction in Kubernetes, why consistency across environments matters, and how enterprises can prepare for a hybrid, multi-cloud future where performance, control, and automation define success.👉 Learn more about ITQ Cloud Native: https://itq.eu/cloud-native#itqcloudnativechronicles #redhatsummit #portworx #purestorage #openshift #kubernetes #cloudnative #hybridcloud #storagesolutions #itq #datamanagement #cloudinfrastructure

In this special live edition of ITQ Cloud Native Chronicles, recorded at Red Hat Summit: Connect 2025, Robert Kloosterhuis sits down with Andrew Block, Distinguished Architect at Red Hat, to discuss the evolution of Helm, the rise of OCI as a distribution standard, and how AI is reshaping the cloud native landscape.Andrew shares his perspective on the upcoming Helm release, the growing role of OCI in container ecosystems, and his work on ModelPack, a new standard for packaging and distributing AI models. They also explore how organizations can adopt cloud native technologies effectively, balance skills and innovation, and use AI-driven automation to simplify IT operations.

SummaryIn this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Test-Driven Development (TDD). They discuss the fundamental principles of TDD, including the Red-Green-Refactor cycle, the importance of various testing types, and how to define test outcomes. The conversation also touches on performance testing, the role of AI in development, and the benefits of pair programming. Key takeaways emphasize the need for a structured approach to testing, the significance of sanity checks, and the value of tests as documentation for code behavior.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Test-Driven Development00:55 Understanding the Red-Green-Refactor Cycle03:37 Types of Testing: Unit, Integration, and End-to-End05:10 Defining Test Outcomes and Behavior Testing08:48 Performance Testing and Requirements10:39 The Importance of Sanity Testing13:53 Optimizing Test Structures13:59 Standardized Testing Frameworks16:00 Test-First vs. Test-After Approaches18:28 AI in Test-Driven Development20:46 Pair Programming and Testing21:42 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, Johan and Sander discuss the concept of pair programming, its mechanics, benefits, challenges, and the role of AI in programming. They explore how pair programming can enhance team collaboration, knowledge sharing, and efficiency in software development. The conversation also touches on the differences between remote and in-person pair programming and offers insights on how to implement this practice effectively within teams.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pair Programming02:26 The Mechanics of Pair Programming05:06 Benefits and Challenges of Pair Programming07:39 Pair Programming vs. Code Reviews10:20 AI in Pair Programming12:31 Learning and Knowledge Sharing through Pair Programming15:30 Remote vs. In-Person Pair Programming18:12 Implementing Pair Programming in Teams

In this final KubeCon EU 2025 throwback, Johan sits down with Karim Satirli from HashiCorp for a candid and technical conversation on cloud-native tooling, open source culture, and the evolving role of Nomad in AI and edge computing.From solving real customer problems on the KubeCon show floor to discussing how HashiCorp products like Terraform, Vault, and Nomad support hybrid cloud, multi-cluster Kubernetes, and even Raspberry Pi-powered fish farms — this episode covers the spectrum of modern infrastructure needs.🧩 Topics CoveredWhat HashiCorp showcased at KubeCon EU 2025Terraform and Helm for hybrid Kubernetes workloadsA real-world use case: deploying to both EKS and AKS from a unified Terraform pipelineThe engineer-first mentality of solving problems on the spotNomad's support for GPU scheduling and multi-instance GPUsEdge computing stories — including running Nomad on Raspberry Pi 2s for fish farmsThe relevance of Nomad in air-gapped or non-containerized environmentsThe return of HashiDays London — why you should attend and what to expectHashiDays London – happening June 2025 at the Montcalm, LondonHashiDays Singapore – July 2025, featuring cloud engineering and business tracks→ Register at: hashidays.com📬 Feedback or Questions?We’d love to hear from you!Email us at: [email protected]🔗 Connect with UsHost: Johan van AmersfoortLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vhojanTwitter/X: @vhojanGuest: Karim SatirliLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ksatirliTwitter/X: @ksatirli

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, the Johan engages in a detailed conversation with Katarina Brookfield from VMware about their cloud native offerings, particularly focusing on VMware's Kubernetes service integrated within the VMware Cloud Foundation. They discuss the complexities of Kubernetes and how VMware aims to simplify the deployment and management of Kubernetes clusters and virtual machines. The conversation also touches on VMware's contributions to the CNCF landscape and the relationship between VMware's VCF and Tanzu platforms.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Native Chronicles and KubeCon 202501:11 VMware's Cloud Native Offerings and Kubernetes Integration04:11 Simplifying Kubernetes Complexity with VMware Solutions09:56 Contributions to the CNCF Landscape and Community Perception14:39 Understanding VMware's VCF and Tanzu Relationship

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, we explore the highlights from KubeCon 2025, focusing on conversations with Riccardo Martinelli about Kubeflow and Michael Cade about Veeam's cloud-native strategies. The discussions delve into the features and adoption of Kubeflow, the differences between OpenShift AI and vanilla Kubeflow, and the importance of contributions from the community. Additionally, we examine Veeam's role in data protection and the evolving landscape of AI and Kubernetes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to KubeCon 2025 and Kubeflow01:38 Exploring Kubeflow: Features and Adoption07:41 OpenShift AI vs. Vanilla Kubeflow: Key Differences11:32 Contributing to Kubeflow: Opportunities for All14:59 Veeam's Role in Cloud Native and AI20:04 AI and Data Protection: The Future of Backup25:05 Conversations on Kubernetes and Virtualization

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, Johan and Sander dive into the concept of 'Platform as a Product', exploring its significance from a developer's perspective. They discuss the importance of user feedback, the role of product owners, and the challenges of adopting new technologies. The conversation also touches on the balance between commercial and open-source solutions, the necessity of self-service capabilities, and the importance of effective communication and marketing to ensure platform adoption. Key takeaways emphasize starting small, evolving the platform, and treating it as a product that serves the needs of developers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Platform as a Product01:14 Understanding the Developer's Perspective03:30 The Role of Product Owners in Platform Teams05:02 Exploring Different Technology Stacks08:10 Replicating Cloud Experiences On-Premises10:02 Adoption and User Feedback for Platforms12:51 Building Self-Service Capabilities16:08 Choosing Between Commercial and Open Source Solutions19:51 The Importance of Communication and Education25:21 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, Johan and Sander discuss the concept of the 'Golden Path' in software development, emphasizing the importance of standardization and developer experience. They explore how a well-defined Golden Path can streamline deployment processes, reduce the burden on product teams, and foster innovation while avoiding shadow IT. The conversation highlights the need for balance between providing structure and allowing flexibility for teams to adapt to their unique requirements. The episode concludes with key takeaways on the evolving nature of the Golden Path and its role in enhancing productivity within organizations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Native Chronicles03:04 Understanding the Golden Path06:01 The Role of Standardization in Software Development08:51 The Golden Path as a Product12:00 Balancing Freedom and Structure in Development15:05 The Importance of Developer Experience18:04 Avoiding Shadow IT with the Golden Path20:50 Defining the Golden Path: Who's Responsible?23:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this first KubeCon Special of Cloud Native Chronicles, Johan van Amersfoort engages in a conversation with Justin Garrison from Sidero Labs, discussing the innovative solutions Talos Linux and Omni. They explore the unique features of Talos as a Kubernetes-only Linux distribution, its maintenance advantages, and the small footprint it offers. The discussion also covers Omni's role in centralized management for Talos nodes and the importance of open-source contributions in the cloud-native ecosystem. Justin shares insights on the future of infrastructure and the podcasting landscape.

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, hosts Johan and Sander discuss the concept of the 10-minute build, emphasizing its importance in maintaining developer focus and efficiency. They explore the technical and cultural aspects of build processes, the significance of team dynamics, and the necessity of standardizing builds across different teams. The conversation also touches on the balance between speed and reliability in software deployment, advocating for a culture of confidence in shipping software quickly while minimizing risks.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Native Chronicles01:26 Understanding the 10-Minute Build Concept06:08 Team Dynamics and Build Efficiency11:01 Standardizing Build Processes Across Teams14:33 The Importance of Fast Builds19:54 Moving Fast Without Breaking Things23:00 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, hosts Johan and Sander explore the concept of a product mindset in software development. They discuss the differences between building software and creating a product, emphasizing the importance of understanding stakeholder needs and engaging with them throughout the development process. The conversation highlights the significance of early feedback, iterative planning, and team collaboration, using Tesla as a case study to illustrate successful product development strategies. The episode concludes with key takeaways on starting small and fostering a cultural shift towards agile methodologies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Product Mindset03:06 Understanding Product vs. Software06:14 The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement09:13 Learning from Tesla: A Case Study12:01 The Role of Early Feedback15:01 Planning and Iteration in Product Development18:02 Team Collaboration and Communication20:45 Transitioning to an Agile Mindset23:12 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, hosts Johan and Sander discuss the concept of balanced teams in cloud-native development. They explore the essential roles needed for effective product development, the risks associated with not validating products, and the challenges posed by siloed organizations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines and the need for leadership to drive cultural change within organizations. Key takeaways include the necessity of diverse skill sets in teams and the dangers of building products without user validation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Native Chronicles01:04 The Importance of a Balanced Team06:07 Essential Roles in Product Development11:57 The Risks of Not Validating Products14:05 The Dangers of Siloed Organizations18:50 Transitioning from Silos to Balanced Teams21:09 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In the inaugural episode of Cloud Native Chronicles, hosts Johan and Sander introduce the podcast's focus on cloud native technologies from a developer's perspective. They discuss the broad definition of cloud-native, the importance of efficiency in software development, and the various perspectives within the cloud native ecosystem. The episode outlines upcoming topics, including team structure and common challenges faced in the industry, while emphasizing a shorter format for accessibility. The hosts express excitement for exploring the vast landscape of cloud-native technologies and invite listeners to engage with the podcast.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Native Chronicles02:55 Understanding Cloud Native from a Developer's Perspective05:59 Exploring Upcoming Topics and Structure08:59 Conclusion and Future Directions