Azure & DevOps Podcast Ted Neward: Software Architecture - Episode 361
Aug 4, 2025
Ted Neward, a Senior Distinguished Engineer at Capital One, brings a wealth of experience in high-scale enterprise systems and deep expertise in Java and .NET. He discusses his career journey and the vital need for simplicity in software architecture. Ted explores the impact of generative AI on development, emphasizing the importance of not relying solely on AI for innovation. He also delves into the evolution of programming languages, the significance of writing skills for developers, and the philosophical foundations that underpin effective software design.
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Need for Next-Gen Languages
- Our industry is overdue for a new mainstream programming language that incorporates services as first-class constructs.
- Java and C# are mature but complex, and we need higher abstractions that better match how we think about software.
Value of Simple Architecture
- Software architects often fetishize complexity, but creating simplicity is much harder and more valuable.
- Simple architecture is more resilient and easier to operate and maintain over time.
Better Alerting with Fuzzy Logic
- Design alerting systems with fuzzy logic to handle fluctuating signals instead of rigid binary states.
- Alerts and alarms should consider temporal behavior and signal velocity to improve response effectiveness.