Discovering the Architecture Middle Path

Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Dive into the world of software architecture with our podcast, where we take an engaging and pragmatic approach to exploring its intricacies. Join industry veterans Sanjiva Weerawanna, CEO and founder of WSO2, and Asanka Abeysinghe, CTO of WSO2, as they share insights gained from their experience in the field. Throughout this podcast series, we'll unravel the complexities of building robust systems, improving architecture, and designing at scale while effectively solving real-world problems.

  1. 4D AGO

    EP 16: Modernization Unpacked: Perspectives

    In this live episode, recorded at WSO2Con Europe 2025, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are joined by Jeremy Schneider, Senior Partner & Co-Head of Global Software & High-Tech Practice at McKinsey & Company, to explore the challenges and opportunities of platformless modernization and the cultural transformation required for organizations to become software-driven. They discuss the importance of leadership in understanding technology, the "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture, and how organizations can empower teams with autonomy while maintaining governance. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on software development, with insights on rethinking workflows, data foundations, and organizational structures to fully leverage its potential. Key Discussion Points:● The cultural transformation needed to become a software-driven organization.● The "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture.How AI is reshaping software development and the challenges of adoption.● Balancing freedom and governance for developers and teams.● The importance of a product mindset for long-term modernization success. Hosts Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/ Jeremy Schneider LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydschneider/

    35 min

  2. MAR 13

    EP15: The Role of Architects in the Enterprise

    In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka dive into the role of architects in modern enterprises, exploring their responsibilities, influence, and evolving scope. They discuss the different types of architects—enterprise, solution, software, and platform architects—their impact on technology strategy, and how they collaborate. The conversation also covers how architects balance governance with agility, drive modernization, and adapt to emerging trends like AI and automation. This episode provides a practical perspective on what it means to be an architect in today’s complex enterprise landscape. Discussion Points ● Introduction – What it means to be an architect, common misconceptions, and why this discussion matters. ● Core Responsibilities – Defining technical vision, aligning with business goals, governance vs. agility, and enabling teams. ● Types of Architects – Business, enterprise, solution, software, and platform architects; their roles, collaboration, and impact. ● Architects as Strategic Enablers – The shift from control to enablement, driving modernization, and influencing cloud adoption and platform engineering. ● Future of the Architect Role – The impact of AI and automation, increasing business awareness, and essential skills for modern architects. ● Conclusion – Recap of responsibilities, how architects can stay effective, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Hosts Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

    30 min

  3. 12/17/2024

    EP14: Platform Engineering for Architects

    In this episode, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are joined by special guest Daniel Bryant to explore the evolving practice of platform engineering through the lens of software architecture. They discuss why platform engineering should have a product mindset with developers as its primary customers, how platform and software architectures are symbiotic, and why good APIs, abstractions, and automation are essential for success. The conversation also highlights the role of internal developer platforms (IDPs) in enabling efficient and scalable software delivery. - Platform, definition - Platform engineering should have a product focus: developers are customers - Platform architecture and software architecture are symbiotic - Good APIs, abstractions, and automation are the prize for everything - Platform engineering - Internal developer platform Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

    46 min

  4. 11/26/2024

    EP13: First Principle Thinking for Architects

    In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka explore the power of first principle thinking and why it’s a must-have approach for architects. They break down how this method helps tackle complex problems by focusing on fundamental truths rather than relying on assumptions or best practices. From root cause analysis to iterative refinement, they discuss how architects can apply first principles to design innovative and scalable solutions. Tune in to rethink your approach and elevate your architectural decision-making! Intro - recap  Understanding first principles (we spend more time here) Goals, problems, diagnosis, design, apply (doing) Why architects need first principle thinking (frame the architects role in the enterprise ) Architects are key decision-makers in technology strategy and modernization. They must navigate complex organizational constraints (e.g., cost, scalability, and compliance). Challenges in adopting first principles in enterprise  Organizational resistance to change. Biases and assumptions within the architecture team, fear of unknown  Managing risk when challenging traditional practices. Solutions to overcome these barriers (e.g., fostering a culture of curiosity,  collaboration, meritocracy ). Conclusion

    41 min

  5. 10/09/2024

    EP12: Crafting the Digital Modernization Roadmap for Architects

    In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka explore the evolving landscape of digital modernization. They discuss how modernization is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey, transitioning from digital transformation to digital modernization. The conversation delves into various modernization styles, such as rehosting, replatforming, rebuilding, and replacing, and addresses challenges like cost, skills, and organizational resistance. They also highlight the role of platforms and AI in accelerating modernization, with a focus on cost savings, risk reduction, and business agility. ● Modernization is not a project it’s a journey ● From digital transformation to digital modernization ● Why modernization ● Modernization styles ○ Rehost/Lift & shift ○ Replatform/Lift and reshape/encapsulate ○ Rebuild/rewrite/redesign/strangler pattern ○ Replace/COTS/SaaS ● Horizontal(layer or system) / vertical (application) ● Challenges - cost/time/skills, org resistance, balance innovation and stability ● Role of a platform in modernization ● AI to turbo charge modernization Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

    35 min

  6. 09/10/2024

    EP11: Cell-Based Architecture

    In this special edition episode, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are joined by special guest Paul for an in-person recording in the studio. Sanjiva leads the discussion while Paul and Asanka, co-authors of the cell-based architecture, share their insights and experiences. Together, they explore the core principles of cell-based architecture, its practical applications, and how it reshapes modern software architecture. Discussion points : History, how did it start?  Concepts, cells, components, cell gateway, cell boundaries, communication  DDD and cells  Two pizza teams and cells  Benefits of adopting CBA  Choreo as a reference implementation  Projects  Using CBA for control plane (Choreo V3) Future trends Links: CBA paper: https://github.com/wso2/reference-architecture/blob/master/reference-architecture-cell-based.md Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

    47 min

  7. 08/06/2024

    EP10: Is Full Lifecycle API Management Dead? A Deep Dive into Internal Developer Platforms and the Platformless Manifesto

    In this episode, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are excited to have Christian Posta, a Service Mesh expert and Global Field CTO at Solo.io, join them. Together, they will explore the question: Is full lifecycle API management dead? They will discuss Christian’s article and the evolving landscape of API management. The conversation will also cover the Platformless manifesto and the important role of Internal Developer Platforms in modern software development. Lastly, Christian will share his thoughts on service mesh.   Links: Christian’s article: https://dzone.com/articles/full-lifecycle-api-management-is-dead Platformless manifesto: https://github.com/wso2/reference-architecture/blob/master/platformless.md Cilium-based service mesh: https://wso2.com/library/blogs/how-we-implemented-zero-trust-in-choreo/ Chapters:  1. Full Lifecycle API Management 2. Internal Developer Platforms (IDP) 3. Connecting Platformless with API Management and IDPs 4. History and future trends of service mesh

    49 min

  8. 06/25/2024

    EP9: Platforms - Insights from the Experts

    Sanjiva and Asanka welcome Gregor Hohpe and Frank Leymann to explore the modern landscape of platforms. This episode explores the strategic value of platforms, their role in creating platforms, and key architectural principles. Learn about the importance of APIs, cloud native middleware, and developer experience (DX), along with operational considerations like governance and CI/CD. They’ll explore real-world examples, the debate on building vs. buying platforms, and future trends shaped by AI and machine learning. Tune in for an in-depth discussion that will cover: ○ Why platforms are hot right now, defining modern platforms, and the "dark matter" analogy ○ Types of platforms, their strategic value, and how they create thriving ecosystems ○ Building and managing platforms (architecture, engineering, APIs, middleware, and DX) ○ Operational considerations (governance, platform discovery, and CI/CD pipelines) ○ How platforms empower architects to drive innovation ○ Case studies, best practices, and build vs. buy ○ AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies 🔗 Links - ▻ Platform Strategy Book (by Gregor): https://a.co/d/0iz0OpMX ▻ Platformless Manifesto (by Sanjiva and Asanka): https://github.com/wso2/reference-architecture/blob/master/platformless.md Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

    1h 8m
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About

Dive into the world of software architecture with our podcast, where we take an engaging and pragmatic approach to exploring its intricacies. Join industry veterans Sanjiva Weerawanna, CEO and founder of WSO2, and Asanka Abeysinghe, CTO of WSO2, as they share insights gained from their experience in the field. Throughout this podcast series, we'll unravel the complexities of building robust systems, improving architecture, and designing at scale while effectively solving real-world problems.

Information

  • Creator
    Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe
  • Show Website
    Discovering the Architecture Middle Path