EP20: The Agentic Enterprise

In this episode of Discovering the Architecture Middle Path, Asanka is joined by Selvaratnam Uthaiyashankar (Shankar), WSO2's Chief Product Officer, to explore the architecture of product design. The conversation looks at the principles behind product decisions, the tradeoffs that shape those choices, and how architecture, developer experience, deployment models, and different user needs influence product design. They also discuss how product principles evolve as customer expectations and technologies such as AI and agentic systems continue to change.In this episode:- What are product design principles?Guiding principles, product requirements, feature requests, long-term consistency- Why we made the choices we didKey decisions, tradeoffs, constraints, what we deliberately chose not to do- Architecture and product designAPIs, platforms, extensibility, deployment models, developer experience, architect–product collaboration- Designing for different users and environmentsDevelopers, architects, operators, SaaS vs. self-managed, simplicity vs. flexibility- How product principles evolveWhat stays stable, changing customer expectations, AI and agentic systems, what architects should look forHostAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/Selvaratnam UthaiyashankarLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthaiyashankar/

In this episode, Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe are joined by WSO2 Chief AI Officer Rania Khalaf to discuss what the agentic enterprise really means. The conversation looks beyond AI pilots and explores the architectural foundations needed to make agents practical at enterprise scale. Topics include agents as first-class actors, the platform capabilities required to support them, and why identity, policy, observability, and audit matter in an agentic world. The episode closes with a practical view of what architects should start doing now.🔥 Key topics covered: What an agentic enterprise actually meansAgents as first-class actors in the enterpriseWhy AI pilots don’t scale without architectural foundationsThe platform foundations needed to support agents at scale ○ APIs, Integration, Identity ○ Data (KBs, context graphs, data lakes) ○ Agent control plane Identity, policy, observability, and audit in an agentic world What architects should do nowAdditional reading: https://wso2.com/library/blogs/agentic-enterprise-with-wso2/HostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/Rania KhalafLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raniakhalaf/

In this episode, Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe demystify what “agents” really are and why architects should care. They walk through core concepts and terminology—agents, agent loops, prompts, context, memory, RAG, tools, MCP, and skills—and discuss how agents observe, act, and evaluate. The conversation compares agents to traditional systems, explores where agents fit in modern architectures (including solo agents, agent-to-agent patterns, and multi-agent setups), and looks at orchestration challenges. They also cover risks, guardrails, and governance, and close with practical takeaways on what architects should start doing now, with a hook into the next episode on the agentic enterprise.🔥 Key topics covered:What are ‘agents’Terms: Agent, agent loop (e.g. chain of thought), prompt (system prompt, role, user prompt), context, context graph, memory, RAG, tools, MCP, skills, observe & test → evaluate, interfaces (or how to talk to the agent), solo agents, A2A, multi-agents, agent orchestrationAgents vs traditional systems Where agents fit inRisks, guardrails and governance What architects should do now Hook to the next session, ‘Agentic Enterprise.’ 🎙️HostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/#wso2 #genai #microservices

In this episode, hosts Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe explore the lost art of deep work and why it is critical for architects. They discuss how constant interruptions, shallow work, and overreliance on AI shortcuts can undermine clear thinking and architectural quality. The conversation focuses on creating space for focused thinking, applying first principles, and how architects and leaders can protect deep work in today’s noisy enterprise environment.🔥 Topics covered:● Why deep work is rare but essential for architects● Shallow work, AI shortcuts, and the illusion of progress● Analog tools, doodles, and notebooks, whiteboards as catalysts for clarity● Protecting focus in a distracted, calendar-driven world● Deep work, first principles, and better architectural decisions● Why leaders and architects must model and defend deep workHostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/#wso2 #genai #microservices

In this special live podcast episode, Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana and Asanka Abeysinghe sit down with Selyna Peiris (Director and Chief Growth Officer, Selyn Group) and Miguel Cuñat (Founder, The Pekoe Trail). They explore how brands are built—through people, vision, and purpose. The conversation delves into personal and product branding, offering a fresh perspective on why brand awareness is crucial in the modern digital era.🔥 Key Discussion Topics:● Why brand matters for architects: shaping technology choices, trust, and adoption● The connection between personal brands, product brands, and platform strategy● Building authentic, purpose-driven brands that outlast individuals● Navigating identity and succession in business, technology, and tourism● Productizing innovation, "ecosystems of brands," and balancing legacy with adaptation● The human side of brands: storytelling, trust, and emotional connection● Real-world examples: The Pekoe Trail's collaborative journey, Selyn’s social impact, and WSO2's open source legacyHostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/Miguel CuñatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-cunat-40b992155/Selyna PeirisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selynapeiris/#WSO2 #BrandBuilding #DigitalTransformation

In this live episode, recorded at WSO2Con Europe 2025, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are joined by Jeremy Schneider, Senior Partner & Co-Head of Global Software & High-Tech Practice at McKinsey & Company, to explore the challenges and opportunities of platformless modernization and the cultural transformation required for organizations to become software-driven. They discuss the importance of leadership in understanding technology, the "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture, and how organizations can empower teams with autonomy while maintaining governance. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on software development, with insights on rethinking workflows, data foundations, and organizational structures to fully leverage its potential. Key Discussion Points:● The cultural transformation needed to become a software-driven organization.● The "build vs. buy" debate in platformless architecture.How AI is reshaping software development and the challenges of adoption.● Balancing freedom and governance for developers and teams.● The importance of a product mindset for long-term modernization success.HostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/Jeremy SchneiderLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydschneider/

In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka dive into the role of architects in modern enterprises, exploring their responsibilities, influence, and evolving scope. They discuss the different types of architects—enterprise, solution, software, and platform architects—their impact on technology strategy, and how they collaborate. The conversation also covers how architects balance governance with agility, drive modernization, and adapt to emerging trends like AI and automation. This episode provides a practical perspective on what it means to be an architect in today’s complex enterprise landscape. Discussion Points ● Introduction – What it means to be an architect, common misconceptions, and why this discussion matters. ● Core Responsibilities – Defining technical vision, aligning with business goals, governance vs. agility, and enabling teams. ● Types of Architects – Business, enterprise, solution, software, and platform architects; their roles, collaboration, and impact. ● Architects as Strategic Enablers – The shift from control to enablement, driving modernization, and influencing cloud adoption and platform engineering. ● Future of the Architect Role – The impact of AI and automation, increasing business awareness, and essential skills for modern architects. ● Conclusion – Recap of responsibilities, how architects can stay effective, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. HostsSanjiva WeerawaranaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/Twitter: @sanjivaMedium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawaranaAsanka AbeysingheLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysingheTwitter: @asankamaBlog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

In this episode, hosts Sanjiva and Asanka are joined by special guest Daniel Bryant to explore the evolving practice of platform engineering through the lens of software architecture. They discuss why platform engineering should have a product mindset with developers as its primary customers, how platform and software architectures are symbiotic, and why good APIs, abstractions, and automation are essential for success. The conversation also highlights the role of internal developer platforms (IDPs) in enabling efficient and scalable software delivery. - Platform, definition - Platform engineering should have a product focus: developers are customers - Platform architecture and software architecture are symbiotic - Good APIs, abstractions, and automation are the prize for everything - Platform engineering - Internal developer platform Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/

In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka explore the power of first principle thinking and why it’s a must-have approach for architects. They break down how this method helps tackle complex problems by focusing on fundamental truths rather than relying on assumptions or best practices. From root cause analysis to iterative refinement, they discuss how architects can apply first principles to design innovative and scalable solutions. Tune in to rethink your approach and elevate your architectural decision-making! Intro - recap  Understanding first principles (we spend more time here) Goals, problems, diagnosis, design, apply (doing) Why architects need first principle thinking (frame the architects role in the enterprise ) Architects are key decision-makers in technology strategy and modernization. They must navigate complex organizational constraints (e.g., cost, scalability, and compliance). Challenges in adopting first principles in enterprise  Organizational resistance to change. Biases and assumptions within the architecture team, fear of unknown  Managing risk when challenging traditional practices. Solutions to overcome these barriers (e.g., fostering a culture of curiosity,  collaboration, meritocracy ). Conclusion

In this episode, Sanjiva and Asanka explore the evolving landscape of digital modernization. They discuss how modernization is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey, transitioning from digital transformation to digital modernization. The conversation delves into various modernization styles, such as rehosting, replatforming, rebuilding, and replacing, and addresses challenges like cost, skills, and organizational resistance. They also highlight the role of platforms and AI in accelerating modernization, with a focus on cost savings, risk reduction, and business agility. ● Modernization is not a project it’s a journey ● From digital transformation to digital modernization ● Why modernization ● Modernization styles ○ Rehost/Lift & shift ○ Replatform/Lift and reshape/encapsulate ○ Rebuild/rewrite/redesign/strangler pattern ○ Replace/COTS/SaaS ● Horizontal(layer or system) / vertical (application) ● Challenges - cost/time/skills, org resistance, balance innovation and stability ● Role of a platform in modernization ● AI to turbo charge modernization Hosts: Sanjiva Weerawarana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivaweerawarana/ Twitter: @sanjiva Medium: https://medium.com/@sanjiva.weerawarana Asanka Abeysinghe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asankaabeysinghe Twitter: @asankama Blog: https://blog.architect2architect.com/ Medium: https://asankama.medium.com/