85. From PHP to Azure: Navigating shifting tech landscapes - with Sander Molenkamp

In this episode, we talk with Alex Thissen, a cloud architect at Xebia. We discuss the evolving .NET ecosystem and productivity tools for developers. Alex shares insights on the collaborative .NET community. We highlight the advantages of Dev Containers, which simplify setting up and managing development environments, allowing for seamless onboarding and multi-project work without conflicts. We also compare Visual Studio Code with the full Visual Studio IDE, noting strengths of each, and explore the value of OpenTelemetry in standardizing observability, making debugging and monitoring more efficient across platforms. About this episode, and Alex Thissen in particular: you can find Alex on X @alexthissen, GitHub and LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Roelant Dieben, a cloud and AI architect at Sopra Steria, about his work in the .NET community and the evolving role of AI. He shares his passion for knowledge sharing and discusses AI's rapid advancements, as well as challenges like data quality and identifying good use cases. They also touch on the cooling AI hype, making this a prime time for practical implementations. Roelant emphasizes the need for governance, especially around data leakage, and they discuss AI's impact on developers, regression testing, and balancing budget, performance, and use cases in cloud and AI services. About this episode, and Roelant Dieben in particular: you can find Roelant on X @RoelantDieben and LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Rene Schulte, head of 3D CoPs and Quantum Communities of Practices at Reply. We dive into the cutting-edge world of generative AI and digital humans, exploring the potential of AI-powered virtual personas capable of engaging in emotional, human-like interactions. Rene shares how these technologies are used in real-world applications, from personalized customer service to immersive educational experiences. We also discuss the challenges of responsible AI development, including aligning these systems with human values and cultural sensitivities. Additionally, we explore the latest advancements in multi-modal AI models, along with important security and privacy considerations.About this episode, and Rene Schulte in particular: you can find Rene on X @rschu, LinkedIn and GitHub.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Martin Zikmund, a Microsoft MVP and an open source contributor. We dive into the Uno Platform, a powerful cross-platform development framework. Martin shares his extensive experience with the Uno Platform and the evolution of Windows development. From working on Windows Phone apps to discovering the Uno Platform as a solution for efficient, cross-platform development. He explains how the Uno Platform compares to other frameworks, highlighting its ability to target a wide range of platforms, including mobile, desktop, and web, while leveraging familiar XAML and C# syntax. We also discuss the open-source nature of the Uno Platform, its relationship with Microsoft, and the competitive landscape it navigates.About this episode, and Martin Zikmund in particular: you can find Martin on X @mzikmunddev, LinkedIn and GitHub. Also look at the Uno Platform website, X, and YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest news. About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Hoving, a big data engineer and Microsoft Data Platform MVP, about the diverse and dynamic world of big data engineering. Lisa shares insights into her day-to-day responsibilities, which span cloud architecture, DevOps, development, and more. We discuss the challenges of working across so many technical domains and the importance of being a 'jack of all trades' in this field. We also explore the evolution of Azure data services, the complexities of navigating the growing ecosystem of tools, and the importance of choosing the right solutions for specific use cases. Additionally, we delve into the different roles within data engineering, from data analysts to data scientists, and explain the value of the medallion architecture in managing data lifecycles. Lisa also opens up about her advocacy for neurodiversity, sharing her personal experiences and the positive impact of creating inclusive workplace cultures. About this episode, and Lisa Hoving in particular: you can find Lisa on X @lizaard08 and LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, Rick and Oscar discuss Azure's evolution from Azure Service Manager to Azure Resource Manager, focusing on the 2024 retirement of classic services and the challenges of migrating to the new ARM model. They highlight the benefits of using tools like Bicep for managing Azure resources, the importance of modernizing applications over simple "lift and shift" migrations, and the guidance provided by the Cloud Adoption Framework. The episode also covers Azure SQL Hyperscale, emphasizing its impact on performance and scalability, showcasing the need for organizations to stay current with modern cloud practices.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, Rick and Oscar explore the evolution of Azure compute services, from its early days to the powerful platform it is today. We discuss key milestones like the shift to Azure Resource Manager, which enabled infrastructure as code, and the introduction of Azure Functions, which streamlined compute tasks by focusing on core functionality. The conversation also covers Azure's integration of containers, advancements in Azure App Service, and the challenges of navigating an ever-growing ecosystem. We offer valuable insights into Azure's growth and its impact on developers and organizations.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Gabrielle Davelaar, a senior AI specialist in the Global Black Belt organization for EMEA at Microsoft. We delve into the rapid evolution of AI adoption in large enterprises, highlighting the challenges around scalability, sustainability, and security. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of optimizing AI models and infrastructure, rather than simply chasing the latest and greatest hardware, drawing a parallel to the "iPhone effect" that has gripped the AI community. We explore the potential of small language models (SLMs) as a more targeted and accessible alternative to large language models like GPT-3 and GPT-4. We also discuss the need for better security practices around AI, including the idea of "hacking" AI models to identify vulnerabilities.  About this episode, and Gabrielle Davelaar in particular: you can find Gabrielle on X @gabrielledavel1 and LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Rick van den Bosch. Yes, our very own host Rick van den Bosch. He zooms in on his role as Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, helping Azure customers succeed through monthly check-ins, issue resolution, and technical guidance. He explains how customer feedback is key in validating and improving Azure services like Bicep. He also shares how the Fast Track program helps customers quickly implement new services like Azure External Identities. Rick highlights innovative ways customers are using AI and Azure to transform productivity. And, he showcases The Ocean Cleanup's important work using Azure services.About this episode, and Rick van den Bosch in particular: you can find Rick on X @rickvdbosch, LinkedIn, GitHub, or visit his website.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we talk with Sophie van den Akker, an IT engineering specialist at van Lanschot Kempen Bank. She shares her experience initially using the Power Platform but hitting limitations that prompted a rebuild in .NET. This sparks a discussion about when low-code or full-code is more suitable. Sophie details her work maintaining various apps across technologies and balancing stakeholder needs. We explore processes for decision-making, such as attending conferences to validate assumptions and learn best practices. Sophie emphasizes starting with data and considering factors like security when choosing tools. We dive into perspectives on challenges in rebuilding applications and strategies for technology selection and professional growth.About this episode, and Sophie van den Akker in particular: you can find Sophie on LinkedIn or visit her website to read all her interesting blogs and learn more about her. About Betatalks: have a look at our videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.