Software Architecture Insights

Lee Atchison

Software Architecture Insights is your go-to resource for empowering software architects and aspiring professionals with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the complex landscape of modern software design. SAI provides invaluable insights into crucial aspects of software architecture, including cloud computing, application security, scalability, availability, and more. Whether you're a seasoned architect looking to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends or a prospective software architect eager to build a strong foundation in this dynamic field, our platform is here to guide you in making informed decisions that will shape the success of your software projects. Join us on a journey of discovery, learning, and mastery as we delve deep into the architectural principles that drive innovation and excellence in the world of software.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    From Finance to Healthcare: Navigating the Shift with Michi Kono

    Michi Kono, the CTO of Garner Health, joins us to discuss the intersection of technology and healthcare. Garner Health leverages advanced data management techniques to help employers find the best healthcare providers for their employees. Michi shares insights from his extensive background in the financial sector, where he led significant tech initiatives, and explains how those experiences inform his current work in healthcare. We explore the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, including data accessibility and the challenges posed by outdated practices. Michi emphasizes the importance of modernizing data systems and the role of startups in driving innovation in this vital industry. The conversation with Michi Kono, CTO of Garner Health, delves into the intersection of technology and healthcare. Michi shares his transition from the financial sector, where he played significant roles at companies like Capital One and Stripe, to the healthcare field. At Garner Health, he leads initiatives that leverage data analysis to guide employees in choosing quality healthcare providers. The discussion highlights the importance of utilizing modern data management techniques to improve healthcare outcomes, underscoring how data-driven approaches can enhance the quality of life for millions. Michi explains how the complexities of the US healthcare system, including regulation and privacy concerns, present unique challenges compared to the financial industry. The episode also touches on the evolution of healthcare data management and the need for modernization within healthcare organizations to keep up with technological advancements. Takeaways: Michi Kono transitioned from financial technology to healthcare to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Garner Health utilizes data science to analyze medical outcomes and recommend quality healthcare providers. The healthcare industry is complex and unique, reflecting challenges in data access and integration compared to finance. Modern data management in healthcare is evolving, yet many systems still rely on outdated practices, slowing innovation. Healthcare startups face unique challenges but have opportunities to leverage new technologies for improved patient outcomes. Understanding data flow and machine learning basics is essential for future engineers in both healthcare and financial technology. Links referenced in this episode: softwarearchitectureinsights.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Gartner Health Stripe Meta Capital One Snowflake Zocdoc EPIC Mentioned in this episode: What do 160,000 of your peers have in common? They've all boosted their skills and career prospects by taking one of my courses. Go to atchisonacademy.com. Atchison Academy How do you operate a modern organization at scale? Read more in my O'Reilly Media book "Architecting for Scale", now in its second edition. http://architectingforscale.com Architecting for Scale

    31 min
  2. SEP 17

    The New Reality of Software Development: AI's Impact on Code Quality

    The increasing use of AI in software development has led to significant changes in the industry, with 62% of developers now utilizing AI tools. While this has enhanced productivity, it has also resulted in greater code complexity and a decline in code quality. Recent findings from the 2025 GitClear AI Code Quality Research report reveal alarming trends: as AI usage rises, so does the duplication of code, leading to more time spent on refactoring rather than creating new code. This shift indicates a troubling pattern where the ability to manage and simplify complex systems is becoming more critical than simply writing new code. In this discussion, we will explore these challenges and the importance of maintaining high code quality in an AI-driven environment. The landscape of software development has notably transformed in 2024, with 62% of developers now leveraging AI in their workflows. While this integration has significantly boosted productivity, it has also raised concerns regarding code quality and complexity. The discussion reflects on findings from the recent 2025 GitClear AI Code Quality Research report, which analyzed over 211 million lines of code and revealed a troubling trend: as AI usage increases, so does the complexity of software systems. Developers are now dedicating more time to refactoring existing code rather than creating new features. This shift highlights a critical issue in the industry: as AI generates more code, it often leads to duplication and violates the fundamental principle of not repeating oneself. Consequently, the reliance on AI tools may inadvertently increase maintenance challenges and bug vulnerability, requiring developers to adapt their roles and focus on system-level understanding and refactoring expertise to ensure sustainable software development practices. Takeaways: In 2024, 62% of professional developers are using AI in their development process, significantly impacting productivity. The increased use of AI has led to more complex code and larger codebases, affecting overall code quality. Developers are now spending more time refactoring existing code rather than writing new features, which alters their workflow. The 2025 GitClear report shows a troubling rise in code duplication as AI-generated code becomes more common. AI coding tools struggle to understand the full context of projects, leading to increased code duplication and complexity. To address these challenges, organizations must focus on long-term maintainability, including reducing duplication and improving test coverage. Links referenced in this episode: softwarearchitectureinsights.com2025 GitClear AI Code Quality Research Report

    11 min
  3. AUG 12

    Welcome to Software Architecture Insights - Starting this Fall

    That's right, the content you know and love from Software Architecture Insights will be available in podcast format for your on-the-go listening convenience. In addition, we will bring you interviews with industry movers and shakers that are changing the course of what it means to be a software architect and what it means to lead and drive a software development organization. Topics include: The importance of AI as a tool to modern application architecture.Use of AI in designing, building, and operating modern applications at scale.Modern application security best practices and tools.Building and operating highly scaled SaaS and similar applications.Process and systems necessary to operate an application at scale.The importance of managing the complexity of your IT infrastructure and application ecosystem. The podcast will be hosted by leading cloud and software architecture expert, Lee Atchison. Each episode will be in one of several formats: 1-1 discussion between Lee and leading technologists and industry experts on a variety of important, timely topics.A direct-to-listener conversation with Lee on a specific topic.Important industry news and current event important in this fast moving industry. Whether interviewing a special guest, covering material from a recent article, or giving an update on a new industry trend, you will be able to depend on Lee for relevant, important content for software architects, technical software leaders, and lead developers alike. Software Architeture Insights ‒ The Podcast, coming this fall. Please DonatePlease consider donating in order to keep this podcast...and other content by Lee Atchison...arriving in your inbox. Please Donate Here

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

3.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Software Architecture Insights is your go-to resource for empowering software architects and aspiring professionals with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the complex landscape of modern software design. SAI provides invaluable insights into crucial aspects of software architecture, including cloud computing, application security, scalability, availability, and more. Whether you're a seasoned architect looking to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends or a prospective software architect eager to build a strong foundation in this dynamic field, our platform is here to guide you in making informed decisions that will shape the success of your software projects. Join us on a journey of discovery, learning, and mastery as we delve deep into the architectural principles that drive innovation and excellence in the world of software.