

TestGuild Devops Toolchain Podcast
Joe Colantonio
Welcome to The DevOps Toolchain Show – your go-to podcast for mastering the evolving world of DevOps! Previously known as The TestGuild Performance and SRE Podcast, we dive deep into the latest trends, must-know tools, and cutting-edge techniques shaping modern software delivery.
Join industry experts, engineers, and thought leaders as we uncover insights on automation, performance testing, security, CI/CD, AI in DevOps, and everything in between. Whether you're a DevOps practitioner, SRE, or testing professional, this show equips you with actionable knowledge to optimize your workflow and stay ahead in an ever-changing tech world. We got you covered!
Join industry experts, engineers, and thought leaders as we uncover insights on automation, performance testing, security, CI/CD, AI in DevOps, and everything in between. Whether you're a DevOps practitioner, SRE, or testing professional, this show equips you with actionable knowledge to optimize your workflow and stay ahead in an ever-changing tech world. We got you covered!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2024 • 34min
Mastering OpenTelemetry and Observability with Steve Flanders
Today, we've got an exciting episode lined up for you. Steve Flanders, the senior director of engineering at Splunk and one of the founding members of OpenTelemetry, is joining us. In this episode, we'll explore the power of AI in observability, the intricacies of instrumentation and tracing signals, and the essential role of context and correlation in problem isolation and root cause analysis. Steve will also share insights from his upcoming book, Mastering Open Telemetry and Observability, which aims to make this complex topic accessible to everyone from beginners to experts. Listen in to discover valuable knowledge, from discussing real-world applications like the Astronomy Shop demo app to addressing concerns around personal identification information (PII) and the balancing act of instrumentation. Whether you're a DevOps professional, a developer, or simply interested in the future of observability, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Aug 28, 2024 • 35min
Putting Customers First: A DevOps Imperative with Chris Hood
In today's session, we are thrilled to be joined by Chris Hood, a distinguished keynote speaker and author of "Customer Transformations," who brings his expertise on merging customer success with digital strategy. This is a topic that is not just relevant, but crucial to developers, business strategists, and tech enthusiasts interested in customer success, digital strategy, and DevOps. Chris will explore the seven-step strategy outlined in his book, which emphasizes solving customer problems and fostering collaboration between business and developer teams. As part of our discussion, we'll explore the importance of understanding customer needs, the evolving landscape of APIs and security, and how to integrate customer-centric thinking into organizational culture. We also highlight these strategies' real-world implications, citing personal experiences and illustrating the critical impact of latency on app performance. Join us as we uncover the layers of customer journeys, marketing strategies, and ecosystem building, all of which aim to place the customer at the forefront of your development efforts. Whether you're a developer, business strategist, or tech enthusiast, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge to help you elevate your DevOps toolchain. Try out SmartBear's Bugsnag for free, today. No credit card required: https://testguild.me/bugsnag

Aug 21, 2024 • 29min
From Law to Cybersecurity with Jonathan Steele
Today, we're diving deep into the intersection of legal expertise and cybersecurity with our special guest, Jonathan Steele. Jonathan, a family law attorney turned cybersecurity expert and founder of Steele Fortress, brings a unique perspective by leveraging his legal background to address pressing privacy and security concerns. Jonathan illuminates the increasing accountability of companies for data breaches, offering actionable advice on minimizing risks, including data encryption and using machine learning firewalls. We also delve into the complexities of liability for data leaks, the importance of collecting minimal customer data, and the role of AI in both the legal and cybersecurity fields. Jonathan's insights into identifying data leaks and his emphasis on the necessity for lawyers to adapt to AI advancements are not just informative, but also serve as a motivating call to action to stay competitive in this dynamic landscape. Join us as we unravel the layers of cybersecurity with a legal twist and learn how to protect your data effectively in today's dynamic landscape. Try out SmartBear's Bugsnag for free, today. No credit card required: https://testguild.me/bugsnag

Aug 14, 2024 • 29min
Leveraging AI for Secure DevOps with Peter McKee
In this episode, Peter McKee, the Vice President of Developer Relations and Community at Sonar, has over 25 years of industry experience and takes us through the intricate balance between writing quality, maintainable code, and the pressures of rapid development. Try out SmartBear's Bugsnag now https://testguild.me/bugsnag We'll explore the potential and risks of using code generation tools like Geni and AI, emphasizing the critical need for static code analysis to catch vulnerabilities early. Peter also shares his predictions on AI's role in security over the next few years and stresses the importance of a vigilant approach when adopting cloud services. You'll hear valuable insights on tackling technical debt, integrating security practices into everyday coding, and the role of open-source tools in project security. Plus, we'll discuss how tools from Sonar can assist developers in maintaining high-quality, secure code through static analyzers, linters, and IDE integrations. This episode is packed with actionable advice for DevOps teams, aiming to prioritize code quality and security without compromising speed. The practicality of the advice shared will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your software development lifecycle and protect your projects' integrity, making you feel reassured and confident. Try out SmartBear's Bugsnag for free, today. No credit card required: https://testguild.me/bugsnag

Aug 7, 2024 • 34min
Breaking Down DevOps Testing Silos with Danny Lagomarsino
Today, a special guest, Danny Lagomarsino from SmartBear, is joining us for an insightful discussion all about Breaking Down DevOps Testing Silos. Streamline DevOps w/SmartBear's TestHub https://testguild.me/testhub In this episode, Danny explores the transformative power of AI in software testing, mainly through SmartBear's innovative solutions like TestComplete. He shares fascinating success stories about using AI for object identification in complex enterprise software and the benefits of integrating various tools like Zephyr Enterprise, Bitbar, and LoadNinja into a unified testing hub. We'll also explore how breaking down siloed teams and fostering collaboration can enhance productivity and alignment. Danny emphasizes the value of solid team foundations, continuous learning, and open communication in achieving organizational goals. Plus, we'll touch on SmartBear's exciting AI roadmap and new tools in the pipeline. Whether you're a seasoned DevOps professional or just starting out, this episode is a goldmine of practical insights and strategies. These are not just theoretical concepts, but actionable steps that can help streamline your testing efforts and enhance your DevOps toolchain. Tune in and join the conversation as we aim to bridge gaps and drive efficiency in the ever-evolving world of DevOps and testing.

Jul 31, 2024 • 28min
Essential CISO Skills and Strategies with Dr. Sly Cotton
This episode delves into the essential skills and strategies that every Cybersecurity Information Security Officer (CISO) must possess in 2024. These are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools that will empower you to excel in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this video will provide valuable insights to help you succeed as a CISO in 2024. Stay tuned to enhance your cyber-pro skills and stay competitive in the industry! Dr. Sly Cotton, an expert with over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, shares invaluable insights on the indispensable role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Together, we'll explore essential CISO skills and strategies, as detailed in Dr. Cotton's book, "Cyberspace Guardians," and discuss real-world scenarios affecting organizations globally. We'll also delve into the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures, the impact of AI on security, and how organizations can protect their most valuable data from ever-evolving threats.

Jul 24, 2024 • 28min
A Day In The Life With Dev Op with Michael Martinez
Join us as we uncover DevOps's secrets, exploring his journey from full-stack developer to leading innovations, the power of AI tools, and cutting-edge strategies for seamless integration and productivity. Give TestHub a try to manage, automate, and deliver: testguild.me/testhub Today, we're diving deep into the world of DevOps with our special guest, Michael Martinez. Michael is an experienced DevOps manager and lead for Stoplight and SmartBear's platform products, with a rich background as a full-stack developer and Software Development Engineer in Test (SDAT). In this episode, we'll explore Michael's journey from full-stack development to spearheading DevOps, the crucial role of collaboration and empathy in the field, and how he tackled the challenges of integrating startup energy into SmartBear's larger organizational structure after Stoplight's acquisition. We'll also explore innovative uses of AI tools for cost efficiency and productivity, the importance of repeatable processes, and implementing infrastructure as code. Michael shares insights on maintaining environments close to production for smooth releases, using Helm charts, automated testing, and ensuring shared responsibility for uptime—all while emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and customer-centric actions. We'll also touch upon modern CI/CD tools, security in the DevOps pipeline, and how empowering developers with AI tools like GitHub Copilot is shaping the future of DevOps. So, prepare for an enlightening discussion filled with practical advice and forward-thinking strategies to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of DevOps. Listen up!

Jul 17, 2024 • 30min
Building a Real World DevOps Pipeline with Javier Alejandro Re
Today, we have a special treat for all DevOps and DevSecOps enthusiasts. Joining me is Javier Alejandro Re, CEO of Crowder and founder of Lippia.io, with over 15 years of experience in technology and business. In this video, you will learn how to build a real-world DevOps pipeline, seamlessly integrating quality and non-functional requirements. From code quality checks using tools like SonarQube to advanced security scanning and automated functional testing, Javier explains everything you need to know to improve your software quality continuously. Watch to the end to see the recommended tools for each stage of your pipeline, along with examples. We'll explore the four essential stages of a DevSecOps pipeline: code quality checks, security scanning, functional testing, and performance testing. Plus, Javier shares invaluable insights on tools like Git Leaks, Cloud, Trivy, Defecto, and k6 and how they can be integrated into your pipeline to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively. Stay tuned to discover the practical steps to kickstart your DevOps journey. These steps are designed to be straightforward and actionable, empowering you to maintain a high-quality codebase and ensure your microservices meet expected response times. Don't miss out on exploring additional resources like lipia.io and their GitHub repository, and find out about a 30-day trial offer for their test manager tool. So, if you want to enhance your DevOps pipeline and stay ahead of the game, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Let's dive in!

Jul 10, 2024 • 30min
Beginner Guide to Load Testing
Today, I have a special episode for you Beginner Guide to Load Testing with K6 and Meter that features Karime Salmon, one of our top-rated Automation Guild speakers who presented at the 2024 event. Try Bugsnag Now: https://testguild.me/bugsnag In this episode, Karime explains why load testing has shifted from a niche practice to an industry standard, especially after 2020, when the world pivoted to remote work. This session was packed with practical steps, from understanding your environment and data considerations to setting realistic testing baselines and analyzing key performance metrics like response time, error rates, resource utilization, and scalability. By the end of this episode, you'll feel equipped with the necessary knowledge to implement efficient load tests. Karime also delves into the importance of a 'warm-up' phase to simulate real-world traffic and avoid false negatives. This phase is often overlooked but is a key component of effective load testing. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer roadmap for implementing efficient and effective load tests, ensuring your applications can handle real-world demands. Join me as we embark on this load-testing expedition—your quest for practical application starts here! If you missed the Automation Guild 2024 event, no worries. You can still get instant access to all the awesomeness from this year's event. Head over to automationguild.com and register now.

Jul 3, 2024 • 28min
DevOps Software Testing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them with Jay Aigner
Today, we have a special guest – Jay Aigner, a seasoned software testing and quality assurance expert. Jay brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience founding and running a top-tier QA agency. In this episode, we delve into topics highly relevant to your daily work in DevOps software testing and quality assurance. We'll discuss the importance of maintaining a paper trail for daily updates, the intricate process of evaluating and selecting automation tools, and the dynamic nature of tool selection. We'll also explore the significance of proofs of concept (POCs), the challenges in integrating automation into software development, and the critical role of communication and alignment within organizations. Jay shares practical insights on balancing manual and automated testing, navigating common pitfalls in CI/CD pipelines, and the evolving landscape of QA, including the impact of AI and future trends. Whether you’re dealing with poor releases, bandwidth issues, or need expert advice on tool selection and implementation, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help enhance your QA processes. Try out SmartBear's Bugsnag for free, today. No credit card required. https://links.testguild.com/bugsnag