Nigel Poulton, author of The Kubernetes Book, discusses career transitions, balancing work and passion, challenges of independent authors, navigating pandemic impacts, and how Kubernetes acts as a coach in managing cloud-native applications. Insights on improving paperback self-publishing on Amazon are also shared.
Kubernetes orchestrates modern microservices applications like a coach organizing players in a game.
The pandemic has shifted working dynamics, leading to increased virtual events and concerns about sustainability.
Deep dives
An Analogy to Explain Kubernetes
Kubernetes can be likened to a coach of a sports team where each player has a unique role. Just like a coach organizes players and adjusts tactics during a game, Kubernetes orchestrates different components of modern cloud-native microservices applications. These applications are modular with various moving parts that need coordination to function cohesively. Kubernetes plans, manages, scales, and ensures the smooth operation of all components, akin to how a coach guides and adapts the team during a match.
Effects of the Pandemic and Business Impact
The pandemic has altered working dynamics, impacting productivity and introducing new challenges, notably with children being at home more. The shift to virtual events and live streams has become prevalent, though lacking the interpersonal engagement of in-person gatherings. Beyond technology, the pandemic has influenced secondary businesses, such as environmentally friendly ventures, leading to adjustments and concerns about sustainability and future prospects amidst changing socio-economic landscapes.
The Evolution of Kubernetes
Kubernetes has garnered significant attention from major vendors resembling VMware's early days, becoming a central component in the tech ecosystem. Initially perceived as overly complex, Kubernetes has matured over its five-year existence, offering a balance between simplicity and functionality, albeit not a universal solution. Its growing feature set introduces complexity, making it more suitable for organizations with the resources to invest in its utilization. Embracing Kubernetes is increasingly viewed as essential for staying competitive in the evolving tech landscape, urging companies to adapt to emerging technologies.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
The decision to self-publish Docker and Kubernetes books was driven by a desire to maintain control over content updates and engagement with the community, outweighing potential advantages of traditional publishers. Self-publishing via Leanpub facilitated frequent updates and corrections, ensuring the books' authenticity and relevance. While conventional publishers offered contracts, relinquishing book rights was deemed detrimental to maintaining content integrity and updating flexibility. The self-publishing route allowed for continuous improvements and direct interaction with readers, enhancing the books' value and resonance within the tech community.