Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

CI Can't Keep Up With AI | Blacksmith CEO & Co-Founder Aditya Jayaprakash

AI coding agents are writing software faster than ever. But what happens when the systems responsible for testing and validating that code can't keep up? In this episode of Uplink, Michael Reid sits down with Aditya "JP" Jayaprakash, Co-founder & CEO of Blacksmith, to explore why continuous integration (CI) has become one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern software development.

Next.js already traces your requests. Here's how to export them with OpenTelemetry.

Traces are a goldmine of information that can help you, or your AI, find slow pages and fix them. Next.js comes out of the box with support for tracing. Incoming requests, fetch() calls, middleware, and server-side rendering are all wired up and ready to send traces to any OpenTelemetry-compatible backend. The catch is, unless you configure an exporter, you’ll never see those traces.

AI Is Not a Switch: The Real Path to AI-First Operations

Organizations are no longer asking whether to adopt AI; that question is settled. The focus now is on reaching a point where AI is doing meaningful operational work—or as the industry calls it, being “AI-first.” But being “AI-first” isn’t binary. You don’t go from zero AI to meaningful autonomy by flipping a switch. In reality, getting there means moving through distinct stages.

The Frictionless Workplace Isn't What You Think It Is: Beyond the Ticket

For many EUC and digital workplace leaders, the challenge isn't a lack of technology. It's understanding why workplace issues continue to surface despite years of investment in automation, AI, and digital transformation. Support teams are still dealing with high ticket volumes. Rollouts intended to improve employee experience can create new sources of disruption, and IT often struggles to understand what employees are experiencing until problems escalate into complaints, incidents, or support requests.

Best AI Store Builders for Shopify in 2026

Most entrepreneurs underestimate how fast AI Store Builders have changed what's possible for first-time store owners. You no longer need a developer, a designer, or weeks of setup time to launch something that looks professional. The challenge now is picking the right platform, because not all of them handle product descriptions, niche targeting, or Shopify-specific setup with the same depth. After reviewing the top options across features, merchant feedback, and real-world results, this guide breaks down the five best picks for 2026.

Bus Lanes and Loading Zones in US Cities: A Continuity Problem, Not Just an Enforcement One

Most bus lanes and loading zones stay blocked not because enforcement is too lenient, but because it only exists in the moments someone happens to be watching. Councils tend to read this as a compliance problem that more citations will eventually fix. Recent enforcement data points to something else. The curb is not ignored. It is watched intermittently, and violations cluster in exactly the hours nobody is looking.

How Do Workforce Support Services Help People Find Long-Term Employment?

Finding a job is exciting. Building a career that continues to grow five years later is something entirely different. Many Australians begin a new role with enthusiasm, only to discover that long-term success depends on much more than submitting a good résumé or performing well in an interview. Confidence, communication skills, ongoing learning, employer support, and access to the right opportunities all influence whether someone stays employed and progresses in their career.

College and Career Planning for Students Guide

Planning for life after graduation works best when students start early. They should review their options and align school choices with their future goals. A strong college and career plan helps students compare academic paths, explore careers, understand costs, and apply with confidence. The process should include course selection, career research, testing, financial aid, and support from trusted adults. Students do not need every answer right away, but they do need a clear plan that grows with them over time.

Navigating the Digital Ledger: The Best E-commerce Tax Accounting Services This Year

Managing an online storefront can feel like a constant challenge. There are so many different elements that you keep in mind here and you're always going to be pulled in countless different directions. However one thing can derail everything and leave you feeling totally lost and that's a tax compliance issue. Digital commerce businesses operates on an entirely different level compared to a brick and mortar retail front. As such, it is essential to guarantee that you complete the right steps. This means that you need to make sure that you understand some of the key challenges and issues.