Betatalks the podcast

In this episode, we talk with Mark Heath. He is a software architect at NICE Systems, a Pluralsight author, and a Microsoft MVP. In this podcast, we discuss some of the key challenges involved with microservices development and newer technologies that aim to address those challenges, such as Aspire and Dapr. We also touch upon concepts like sidecar patterns and how starting with a monolithic architecture first before extracting services can be beneficial. The use of serverless technologies through Azure Functions was examined in depth. Specifically how durable functions can help solve issues around workflow orchestration that often arise in microservices architectures. Additionally, we explore topics such as optimizing performance at scale in multi-tenant environments and audio programming using .NET. Lastly, we discuss the evolution of the Azure Functions programming model and stress the importance of understanding infrastructure implications when developing cloud-based applications.About this episode, and Mark Heath in particular: you can find Mark on X @Mark_heath and GitHub. You can also take a look at his website.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we talk with Hanna Engel. She is an Azure Cloud Solutions Specialist at Azelis. We dive into how quantum computers operate differently than classical computers using qubits and probabilities. This makes them well-suited for problems in AI, simulation, and optimization. Some companies are already pairing quantum with AI for applications like optimizing battery production. While challenges remain, experts predict continued exponential progress could enable a million qubit computer within five years. Once more widely available, entirely new uses may emerge across industries like healthcare. We cover the current capabilities and the long-term potential of quantum computing to transform fields. We also discuss issues like privacy, security, and responsible development.About this episode, and Hanna Engel in particular: you can find Hanna on LinkedIn. About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we talk with Yannick Reekmans. He is a managing partner and Microsoft cloud solution architect at Qubix. We talk about Microsoft Power Platform and AI. We discuss various topics, including the challenges of using Copilot due to data security and privacy concerns, limitations of security tools in Power Platform, embracing constructive criticism in software development, and differences in introversion and social energy levels. We also discuss the potential impact of generative AI on low-code development and the importance of control and quality when using AI-powered Copilots.About this episode, and Yannick Reekmans in particular: you can find Yannick on X @yannickreekmans or LinkedIn. You can also read all his interesting blog posts on his website.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we speak with Jessey Johnson, a Cloud Solution Architect and an Advanced Cloud Expert (ACE) at Microsoft, who serves as a bridge between business, IT, and technology. We delve into topics such as digital transformation, the evolving landscape of Azure, and address barriers to inclusion in the tech industry. Jessey shares her journey in assisting Dutch organizations to securely adopt cloud services and what ignited her passion for information security compliance. We explore Microsoft's emphasis on developing user-friendly security tools and discuss how cultural biases can hinder underrepresented groups.  About this episode, and Jessey Johnson in particular: you can find Jessey on LinkedIn. About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this special episode, Rick interviews Oscar. We talk about Oscar’s work at Virtual Vaults. For the people who don’t know, Oscar is the CTO of Virtual Vaults, a platform for M&A transactions. Mergers & Acquisitions, that is. We discuss the development of their SaaS platform, emphasizing security and compliance. Oscar highlights their focus on constant improvement through new features, evolving technologies, and an agile culture. He outlines their plans for the coming year, which include improving reliability, security, and developer experience through initiatives like moving to Azure Container Apps. We also cover topics like cloud adoption, software architectures, database choices, and lessons learned over the company's evolution.About this episode, and Oscar van Tol in particular: you can find Oscar on @oscarvantol on X and GitHub. About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we talk with Shay Rojansky. He is a Microsoft principal software engineer working on .NET data access and a performance member of the Entity Framework team. And he's a lead developer of Npgsql, the open source .NET data provider for PostgreSQL. We discuss various topics related to data and performance in .NET, such as the evolution of Entity Framework, debates on abstraction usage, database performance optimization, and breakthrough changes in software development. We share stories about improving performance for specific customer scenarios and benchmarking. Overall, we focus on gaining a full-stack understanding of software, using instrumentation to identify optimization opportunities, and emphasizing simple and accessible features over complexity. About this episode, and Shay Rojansky in particular: you can find Shay on @shayrojansky on X and GitHub. Also, check out his website where you can read all his very interesting blogs.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we talk with Sakari Nahi. He is responsible for the vision, brand, and quality of his company Zure. He is a Microsoft Regional Director and an Azure MVP. He has over twenty years of experience creating custom software and ten years of experience with Azure. He is the founder of the Finland Azure user group and a co-host at the Finnish podcast Ikkunastudio. They talk about the early days of Azure and public clouds, the evolution of services like Cosmos DB, and AI capabilities on Azure. Sakari shares some of his favorite features in Azure over the years. They also talk about the potential of AI and how it can help with productivity but may not replace developers' jobs.About this episode, and Sakari Nahi in particular: you can find Sakari on @sakarinahi on X and LinkedIn. Also, check out his podcast Ikkunastudio, and the website of his company Zure.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we talk with Gerben van de Wiel. He is a Principal Cloud Security Architect at Betabit, specializing in bolstering security through meticulous pen testing and detailed software assessments at YieldDD. Gerben's proficiency is not just limited to assessments; he is also adept at creating and conducting security-focused training programs to elevate the readiness to counteract cyber threats. They discuss Gerben's work in security assessments and training programs. They talk about how the cybersecurity landscape has changed over time, with more professional attackers and widespread ransomware attacks. Gerben describes the different types of security testing they perform such as white box testing using source code. They discuss challenges such as keeping up with new vulnerabilities and tools as the field changes rapidly. About this episode, and Gerben van de Wiel in particular: you can find Gerben on GitHub and LinkedIn. Also, check out his many Betatalks videos in which he discusses even more security and development.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel 

In this episode, we have a Christmas special. We talk with two very special guests, the hosts themselves. They look back at some of their favorite episodes from the past year, such as interviews with Jimmy Bogart about open source, Sarah Young about security, and Edward Keilholz about Azure Container Apps. They discuss how they enjoyed learning about topics outside their daily work and getting to know the people behind the technologies. We want to thank all our guests for an amazing year, and we hope to see you in 2024.We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New YearAbout Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel

In this episode, we talk with Sherry List. She has worked with a variety of web technologies in the past and currently works as Senior Program Manager at Microsoft. Apart from her everyday job, she is chairperson of the board at Hack Your Future. She is also a co-founder of Synthetic AI Data and of the ngVikings and ngSpain conference, as well as some Meetups groups, such as ngCopenhagen, Women Techmakers Denmark and ForDevs. We talk about her work at Microsoft managing the Learn platform. They discuss how Learn brings together documentation, tutorials, Q&A, and the Architecture Center. Sherry also talks about her side projects - she is a co-founder of a startup called Synthetic AI Data that generates synthetic images to train AI models, and she is chairperson of HYF (Hack Your Future), an organization in Denmark that helps people from disadvantaged groups become web developers. We also dive into Sherry's motivations for helping others and the impact of her work.About this episode, and Sherry List in particular: you can find @sherrrylst on X and LinkedIn. Also, check out HYF and her company website Synthetic AI Data.About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and join us on our Betatalks Discord channel