In this episode of the Cloud Control podcast, host Shon Harris interviews Andrew Mills, a Senior Solutions Architect at Instaclustr by NetApp. They discuss open source data solutions, particularly focusing on Apache Kafka and its surrounding ecosystem. Andrew shares his journey in the tech industry, his experience with open source technologies, and his role in helping organizations adopt event-driven architecture and become cloud-native. He emphasizes the importance of being curious and continuously learning from mistakes.

Also touched upon is the role of open source software in cloud computing and the challenges and benefits it presents. Additionally, they discuss the security risks associated with open source and the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance security measures. Finally, they explore the importance of effective communication and the role of mentors in career development.

#apachekafka #opensource #opensourcecommunity #datainfrastructure

Guest: Andrew Mills, Senior Solutions Architect, Instaclustr by NetApp https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammills01/ https://www.instaclustr.com/

Host: Shon Harris, Developer Relations Lead, Spot by NetApp @inkedtater / swharr

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Timestamped Chapter Summary

00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode’s theme on open source data solutions.

01:20 - Introduction of Andrew Mills, discussing his role and expertise in Apache Kafka and surrounding ecosystem.

03:13 - Andrew’s career journey from starting in tech to becoming a senior solutions architect.

05:34 - Transition to working with open source technologies and challenges faced.

08:18 - Discussion on the integration of Instaclustr into the NetApp family and its role.

10:20 - Explanation of Kafka's functionalities and its applications in different industries.

18:31 - Role of open source in supporting enterprise solutions and community contributions.

25:30 - Future of open source security in the cloud and AI integration.

32:06 - Advice for engineers on handling large scale system failures and importance of communication.

39:10 - Reflections on personal growth and development within the tech industry.