In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, speed and precision are everything - every millisecond counts and a tiny misstep can mean missing out on the podium. It’s a lot like platform engineering, where the goal is to deliver software quickly and efficiently while juggling complex systems. Just as F1 teams fine-tune every detail, from engine performance to pit stops, platform engineers analyse data and make split-second decisions to stay ahead. The bottom line? In both, being “slow and steady” just doesn’t cut it. If you want to win, you’ve got to prioritise speed and adaptability.

Platform engineering, much like F1, operates in a high-pressure, high-speed environment. The demand for continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD), and fast iteration cycles mean that platform teams need to design systems that are not only stable but also capable of supporting rapid changes and scaling without delay. In modern businesses, the ability to release software updates quickly and reliably is crucial to staying competitive.

Platform engineers must continuously improve infrastructure, deployment pipelines, and observability tools to keep everything running at top speed. This has gotten increasingly complex as the cloud-native computing landscape is a lot to take in!

Platform teams need to choose the right tooling and figure out how best to create toolchains that work. Source: 

Why “Slow and Steady” Fails in Platform Engineering

Platform engineers must keep up with the fast-moving technological landscape. With rapid innovations in cloud computing, DevOps practices, and container orchestration, moving slowly risks falling behind. Those who aren’t constantly improving their platforms may be overtaken by competitors with more agile, modern systems.

They need to solve problems in real-time. Quick responses are essential, whether it's handling unexpected traffic spikes, mitigating security vulnerabilities, or fixing failed deployments. Slow responses in either environment can lead to catastrophic results, whether that’s a car retiring from the race or an outage that costs a company millions in lost revenue.

Every experience offers new lessons, and teams must adjust accordingly. Platform engineering operates under the ethos of 

. Static systems that evolve slowly will eventually struggle under new demands. Continuous delivery pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code help engineers maintain the pace needed to deliver value quickly and consistently.

The most effective systems are those optimised for high performance while maintaining control. Platform engineers strive to create systems that can handle high traffic, scale efficiently, and remain reliable under heavy workloads. While a cautious approach may reduce risks, it can also limit opportunities for innovation.

In all these aspects, just as in racing, the key to staying competitive lies in agility, quick decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

A well-designed technology platform can make a huge difference here - not just for the Platform team but for the entire “pit crew” of your organisation (Infra, Ops, Security, Information Systems, Site Reliability and more). The concept of an internal developer platform is not new. It emerged as a modern way to run engineering teams with elite teams self-building IDPs for around 5 years prior (for example, Spotify, Airbnb).

Build vs Buy: Internal Developer Platforms in the Race for Speed

Platform engineering teams face a critical decision now: should they build an internal developer platform (IDP) from scratch, or should they buy an off-the-shelf solution? Platform engineers must assess which will get them across the finish line faster.

For many teams, the best approach is often a 

. They may start with a bought solution that covers their core needs and then customise or extend it where necessary, combining the best of both worlds.

SkyU: A Solution to Accelerate Your Platform Engineering

 option for an internal developer platform, SkyU is a powerful solution designed to meet the demands of modern platform engineering. SkyU is built to help teams streamline their development processes, enabling faster software delivery while maintaining the stability and scalability needed to compete in today’s fast-paced environment.

With SkyU, platform engineering teams can:

 SkyU's pre-built platform ensures you can get started quickly, reducing the friction and delays associated with building an IDP from scratch.

 By providing streamlined workflows and automation tools, SkyU helps your engineering teams focus on innovation rather than infrastructure management.

 As your organisation grows, the platform scales effortlessly, ensuring that your internal systems are always ready to handle increasing demands.

The platform offers continuous updates and support, allowing platform engineers to focus on delivering value rather than worrying about maintaining the platform itself.

Choosing SkyU lets you bypass all of the complexities and time constraints of building a custom platform. At the same time, it modernises your software delivery, accelerating and transforming your customer experience entirely.

In F1, the winner isn’t the one who drives the safest, but the one who drives the fastest while making the fewest mistakes. In platform engineering, the same holds: speed, agility, and continuous improvement are the keys to success.

So, buckle up - slow and steady won’t win this race. 

F1, DevOps & Platform Engineering: Why Slow and Steady Won’t Win the Race

Blue/Green deployment strategies allow you to minimize downtime and reduce risk during application updates. In this article, I will walk you through setting up an Amazon ECS (Elastic Container Service) Service with Blue/Green deployment using AWS CodeDeploy.

This approach ensures that your service remains available while rolling out new application versions. AWS CodeDeploy enables you to deploy new versions of your application without causing downtime. It allows for a gradual shift of traffic from the old version (blue) to the new version (green).

Here is the Overview of a Blue-green deployment:

In the architecture shown above, we use several key AWS services to manage the automated blue-green deployment:

 manages the blue-green deployment process.

 to route traffic between the old and new versions.

 on the Amazon ECS compute platform assigns listeners to direct traffic to the updated ECS application and uses two target groups during the deployment. CodeDeploy also manages rollbacks by redirecting traffic from the new task set back to the original task set if needed.

The following sequence diagram illustrates the key steps in updating Amazon ECS services.

Step 1: Setting Up AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) Service Roles

To kick off the process, it's essential to set up the required permissions using IAM roles. You will need to create roles for both the ECS task execution and the CodeDeploy service. These roles will allow AWS services to interact with each other securely.

: This role allows ECS to pull container images and publish logs to Amazon CloudWatch.

: This role gives AWS CodeDeploy the necessary permissions to manage your ECS services during a Blue/Green deployment.

, and then select the required services (ECS, CodeDeploy).

Use the AWS Managed PolicyAWSCodeDeployRoleForECS for the IAM role.

Step 2: Creating the Application Load Balancer (ALB)

An Application Load Balancer (ALB) distributes incoming traffic across multiple targets, such as Amazon ECS tasks in this case. The ALB plays a crucial role in Blue/Green deployment by directing traffic between the old (blue) and new (green) versions.

3. Configure the listener to forward HTTP (port 80) or HTTPS (port 443) requests.

4. Choose at least two Availability Zones to ensure high availability.

5. Create a new target group(Target Group 1 — Blue) or use an existing one to register your Blue Version ECS tasks.

The ALB will handle routing during deployment, gradually shifting traffic from the blue version to the green one.

Step 3: Creating the Amazon ECS Task Definition

Next, create an ECS task definition, which is a blueprint describing the containers to run as part of your ECS service. This step involves defining the Docker image, CPU, memory requirements, and networking configuration.

4. Define the container configuration, including:

Container image (e.g., from Amazon ECR or Docker Hub)

Environment variables and logging settings.

For testing purposes, you can use the Nginx Docker image with an HTML file to identify the Blue/Green version.

Let’s use the Docker image sachithram/nginx-blue:latest for the blue version. To perform the blue/green deployment, create a new revision of the task definition, updating only the image tag sachithram/nginx-green:latest for the green version.

5. Once the task definition and revision are created, this configuration will be used to launch containers during the Blue/Green deployment process.

Step 4: Creating the Amazon ECS Service with Blue/Green Deployments

With your task definition ready, the next step is to create an ECS service that uses 

. AWS CodeDeploy will manage the process, ensuring the new version is tested before routing traffic to it fully.

Steps to create the ECS service with Blue/Green deployment:

1. Open the Amazon ECS Console: Go to the 

 and choose the ECS cluster where you want to deploy your service. Let's use a Fargate Type ECS Cluster.

Blue/Green deployment (powered by CodeDeploy)

all tasks in the service are updated simultaneously

. This deployment method quickly replaces the old (blue) version of the tasks with the new (green) version without any gradual traffic shift.

 where your ECS cluster runs. Ensure the subnets you select are accessible to the 

, choose two subnets in different availability zones to ensure high availability.

 for the ECS tasks. Ensure that the security group allows communication between the ECS tasks and the ALB. Add any necessary inbound/outbound rules, such as allowing 

 if your application listens on that port.

 should allow inbound traffic from the internet. The 

 should restrict inbound traffic only to allow connections from the 

, ensuring that the containers are only accessible through the load balancer.

Next, you’ll need to associate your ECS tasks with the load balancer listeners:

 (or any port that the green deployment will be using for testing).

Ensure that the ALB listeners and security groups are set up to allow traffic from the ECS service.

 Select the target group you created earlier when setting up the ALB. This will be the 

 If you haven’t created a second target group for the green environment, create it here and associate it with your ECS service.

When you create the service you can go to the load balancer URL and you will see the blue version can be accessed from the load balancer.

AWS CodeDeploy will manage traffic shifting between the 

It will perform health checks on the green environment before switching all traffic.

Step 5: Verifying the Amazon ECS Blue/Green Deployment

Finally, you need to verify that the deployment was successful and the new environment is running as expected. AWS CodeDeploy allows you to perform gradual traffic shifting, monitor deployment health, and perform rollbacks if necessary.

, you will see your ongoing ECS Blue/Green deployment.

 to ensure the green environment receives traffic successfully.

4. Once the new version is stable and working, CodeDeploy will shift all traffic from blue to green.

Update the ECS service with the new Green Task Revision. Once updated, navigate to the AWS CodeDeploy Dashboard, where you will see a new deployment has been triggered.

Implementing Blue/Green Deployments with Amazon ECS and AWS CodeDeploy

Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) are the critical pillars supporting the operational integrity of public sector enterprises. These organizations are often under scrutiny to ensure they operate within legal frameworks, protect sensitive data, and efficiently manage resources. The essence of GRC lies in aligning IT and business strategies, managing risks proactively, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Ensuring compliance in any organization involves a strategic approach to meet regulatory requirements and maintain ethical standards. In the dynamic landscape of public sector enterprises, where adherence to rules is crucial, implementing effective strategies becomes paramount. Public sector enterprises are subject to a myriad of regulations and standards, from data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to industry-specific regulations. Compliance ensures that organizations adhere to these laws, avoiding legal penalties and fostering trust among the public.

Key Regulations Affecting Public Sector Enterprises

 Laws such as GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) mandate stringent measures for handling data and ensuring privacy. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to protect citizens' sensitive information and maintain their trust.

 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in the U.S. imposes stringent financial reporting and auditing requirements. Adherence to SOX is imperative for ensuring transparency in financial practices within public sector enterprises.

 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set standards to ensure digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Compliance with WCAG is vital for promoting inclusivity and equal access to services.

 Conducting regular audits is a proactive strategy to identify compliance gaps and areas for improvement. Regular assessments empower public sector enterprises to stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and maintain a strong adherence to established standards.

 Education is fundamental to fostering a culture of compliance. Regular training programs aimed at educating staff about regulatory requirements and ethical practices are essential. This cultivates a workforce that is not only aware of compliance obligations but is also actively engaged in upholding them.

 Leveraging technology, particularly compliance management software, can be transformative. These tools streamline compliance processes, making it easier to track, report, and manage compliance status. Embracing technology is a proactive approach that not only reduces administrative burdens but also enhances the overall effectiveness of compliance frameworks.

 Public sector enterprises can benefit from collaborative efforts with industry peers, regulatory bodies, and compliance experts. Sharing insights and best practices fosters a collective approach to compliance, ensuring a more comprehensive and adaptive strategy.

 Maintaining open communication channels with the public and stakeholders is crucial. Transparently sharing information about compliance efforts not only builds trust but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and responsible governance.

Security Imperatives in Public Sector Enterprises

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, safeguarding sensitive information and infrastructure is a top priority for public sector enterprises. Security in public sector enterprises extends beyond protecting physical assets. It involves a comprehensive effort to shield digital information and infrastructure from the escalating threats posed by cyber-attacks. The rise in cyber-attacks targeting government entities underscores the critical need for robust security measures. These attacks, ranging from data breaches to ransomware incidents, pose severe consequences not only in terms of financial loss but also as potential threats to national security. Recognizing this, public sector enterprises must adopt a proactive stance, implementing a multi-faceted approach to fortify their digital perimeters.

 Unauthorized access to sensitive information within government databases can have severe consequences, including financial loss and threats to national security. Vigilant protection against data breaches is crucial to maintaining the confidentiality of critical information.

 Ransomware attacks have the potential to cripple government operations by encrypting files and demanding a ransom for their release. Proactive measures are essential to prevent and mitigate these malicious campaigns, ensuring the smooth functioning of vital services.

 Employees or contractors with privileged access to sensitive information pose a significant risk. Whether intentional or accidental, insider threats can lead to data breaches. Comprehensive strategies are necessary to monitor and minimize these risks effectively.


 A solid security foundation involves controlling access to sensitive data. By implementing strong access controls, only authorized individuals can access critical information, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized disclosures.

 Educating the workforce about cybersecurity threats and best practices is crucial. Regular training programs empower employees to recognize and respond to potential security incidents, making them the first line of defense against emerging threats.

 Recognizing the inevitability of security incidents, having a well-defined incident response plan is crucial. This strategic approach enables quick and effective responses to security breaches, minimizing their impact. Regular drills and updates to the incident response plan ensure its continued effectiveness in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Policy Management in Public Sector Enterprises

Policy management involves developing, implementing, and maintaining policies that guide the operations and decision-making processes within organizations. In the public sector, policies must reflect compliance requirements, ethical standards, and best practices for data handling and security.


 Engaging stakeholders is fundamental to policy development in the public sector. By including various perspectives, policies become more comprehensive and aligned with the organization's overall goals. This inclusive approach helps address the specific challenges and aspirations of the public sector entity.

 The success of policies depends on their clarity and accessibility. Policies should be written in a clear and understandable language, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Ensuring that policies are easily accessible to all employees fosters a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities, promoting adherence and contributing to a culture of transparency.

 Policies need to adapt to changes in laws and regulations. Regular reviews and updates are essential to keep policies relevant and effective. This proactive approach helps prevent compliance gaps and ensures that policies remain in line with the evolving regulatory environment.

Compliance, security, and policy management are intertwined disciplines that form the backbone of GRC in public sector enterprises. Navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements, securing sensitive data against cyber threats, and developing effective policies are daunting tasks. However, by embracing best practices, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of compliance and security awareness, public sector enterprises can navigate these challenges successfully. The goal is not just to protect against risks but also to build resilient, transparent, and efficient organizations that serve the public trust. In sum, the journey towards robust GRC is ongoing, requiring continuous improvement and adaptation to the dynamic global landscape. For public sector enterprises, this journey is critical for safeguarding data, ensuring compliance, and ultimately, delivering on their commitment to the public they serve.

SkyU Technical Documentation

SkyU Support Desk

Feature Guides

Insights & Extensions

FAQs

Feature Articles

F1, DevOps & Platform Engineering: Why Slow and Steady Won’t Win the Race

Implementing Blue/Green Deployments with Amazon ECS and AWS CodeDeploy

Compliance, Security, and Policies Associated with a Public Sector Enterprise

SkyU Technical Documentation

SkyU Support Desk

Feature Guides

Insights & Extensions

FAQs

How can DORA metrics help improve software delivery performance?

What are DORA metrics, and how do they help in an IDP?

Can DORA metrics be customized for different teams within the organization?

How frequently should teams review their DORA metrics?

Feature Articles

F1, DevOps & Platform Engineering: Why Slow and Steady Won’t Win the Race

Implementing Blue/Green Deployments with Amazon ECS and AWS CodeDeploy

Compliance, Security, and Policies Associated with a Public Sector Enterprise