Exploring Code Liability and Defining Serverless

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Code is considered a liability and includes not only application code but also infrastructure code and configuration. Domain-specific languages for infrastructure like YAML and CloudFormation are categorized separately due to low maintenance costs when done correctly. Using tools like Pulumi or CDK as infrastructure code requires more maintenance compared to YAML. Serverless is defined as not managing uptime, focusing on differentiated code, utilizing managed services like Lambda, DynamoDB, Cognito, and AWS AppSync. A serverless architecture involves delegating most of the infrastructure responsibilities to managed services, such as AWS. Leveraging services like Firebase is preferred for simpler applications, while AWS services are more suitable for robust applications like financial services. The essence of serverless lies in being responsible for code functionality and not uptime, promoting the use of managed services for a more efficient and beneficial architectural approach.

“If you can outsource it and if it’s not something that makes you different, you should use a service, because you’ll always be asked to do more things than you can build that are differentiated to your organization.”

Are you ever frustrated by your software development team getting bogged down doing undifferentiated tasks, leaving less time for innovation? In this episode, Joseph Emison, co-founder and CTO of Branch Insurance and author of “Serverless as a Game Changer,” suggests how serverless technology can streamline the way we do software development.

Joe starts by explaining the existing gap between the best and average software development teams, highlighting how teams often prioritize undifferentiated tasks instead of focusing on what truly sets them apart. He challenges the conventional wisdom that code is an asset and explains why it can be a liability.

Joe breaks down the definition of serverless technology and delves into the real costs of software development. He addresses a few of the most commonly raised objections to adopting serverless: lock-in, security, and uptime. You’ll also learn the Branch development principle and how they successfully implement serverless architecture and gain many benefits from the approach.

This episode is a must-listen for any developer or engineering leader looking to gain an understanding of serverless technology and revolutionize the way we approach software development.

Listen out for:

Career Journey - [00:01:09]
Writing “Serverless as a Game Changer” - [00:04:25]
Software Development Teams Gap - [00:11:07]
Differentiated vs Undifferentiated - [00:14:52]
The Real Costs of Software Development - [00:19:57]
The Serverless Mindset - [00:24:58]
Code is a Liability - [00:27:44]
Infrastructure as a Code - [00:31:06]
Serverless Definition - [00:32:29]
Serverless Security Objections - [00:36:22]
Serverless Uptime Objections - [00:40:30]
Branch Development Principle - [00:45:22]
Hiring Junior Developers - [00:48:39]
Branch’s Cloud Bill - [00:54:06]
3 Tech Lead Wisdom - [00:55:27]

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Joseph Emison’s Bio
Joe Emison is the co-founder and CTO of Branch Insurance, a B corporation and insurance carrier that makes it simple to bundle home and auto insurance. Previously, Joe founded BuildFax (acquired by Verisk), Spaceful (acquired by DMGT), and BluePrince (acquired by Harris Computer). Joe is also the author of “Serverless as a Game Changer: How to Get the Most out of the Cloud”.

Follow Joe:

Twitter / X – @JoeEmison
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/joemastersemison
Serverless as a Game Changer: How to Get the Most Out of The Cloud – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0137392621/

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