

Big Ideas in App Architecture
Cockroach Labs
Cockroach Lab’s Big Ideas in App Architecture is a podcast for architects and engineers building modern data-intensive applications and systems. In every weekly episode, an innovator joins the show to share useful insights from their experiences building reliable, scalable, maintainable systems. Welcome to Big Ideas in App Architecture!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2024 • 48min
The Power of Data Streaming with Confluent’s Head Of Technology
How to leverage real-time data processing for enterprisesIn this episode, David is joined by Andrew Sellers, Head of Technology at Confluent, to discuss the dynamic world of data streaming and its transformative impact in the enterprise as well as everyday applications. Andrew sheds light on the evolution of data infrastructure and how Confluent is constantly working to revolutionize data management with its platform.Join us as we discuss: The pivotal role of technologies like Kafka and Apache Flink in application architecturesHow data streaming translates into tangible business value, from improved decision-making to enhanced operational efficiencyForesight into the evolving trends in real-time data processing, including why data streaming will ultimately make generative AI better

Apr 23, 2024 • 38min
Discussing Data Trends in the AI Era
Developers need a toolkit to build AI into their applications – models, functions, & data, Hypermode does just that. To learn how the world of data and databases have been rapidly evolving for the age of AI, we sat down with their CTO Gajanan Chinchwadkar (previously Chief Systems Architect at Visa). Join as we discuss:The evolution of database technologies from niche markets to a $100 billion industry with over 8000 options. Scaling databases in different organizational contexts, and strategies for staying up-to-date with industry trends.How AI will impact the programming landscape.

Apr 16, 2024 • 43min
Inside the Mind of the Chief Architect at Index Exchange
With over a decade of experience spanning various industries, Chief Architect Joshua Prismon shares insights on his journey from guiding the architecture of FICO to his current role enabling media owners to grow revenue and marketers to reach consumers on any screen at Index Exchange. From the democratization of credit scores to the ethical considerations of AI use, Josh provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between technology, privacy, and innovation.Join as we discuss:The transformative impact of technology on credit scoring and financial services.The importance of balancing technological advancements with privacy-focused ad tech.The critical role of app architecture in navigating data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Apr 9, 2024 • 38min
Solving for Scale: Real-time retail experiences with CTO at Endear
Major retailers from AllBirds to Alo Yoga to Glossier boost sales and increase customer loyalty with Endear’s CRM solution. To learn about the technology behind the scenes enabling omni-channel strategies at these large consumer brands, David Joy sat down with the CTO at Endear, JP Grace. Join as we discuss:The intricacies of building and maintaining a robust infrastructure and data platform — from refining operating procedures to leveraging managed services.Challenges and opportunities faced by CTOs — from the shift in mindset to prioritizing spending and building relationships with cloud platform companies.The transformative potential of AI in B2C marketing and beyond.

Apr 2, 2024 • 47min
Data, Acquisitions, and AI: Insights from FiscalNote's CTO
Vlad Eidelman, Chief Technology Officer at FiscalNote a Government Relationship Management (GRM) service, sits down with David Joy to examine the technical complexities involved with acquisitions. Vlad explains the challenges with integrating products running on different infrastructures, and talks through his proven strategies for a successful integration.Join as we discuss:The intricacies of tech acquisitions including the essential steps in pre-acquisition diligence, technology integration, and organizational alignment.Considerations for creating reliable AI solutions.How big data has shifted over the last decade.

Mar 19, 2024 • 42min
Unwrapping Moonpig: Architectural Insights into Personalization and Scalability
Whether you need to send greeting cards or flowers, Moonpig makes personalized gifting for any occasion easy. But behind the simplicity of Moonpig’s platform are complex technologies that enable the deep customization that customers love. To talk about the architecture behind Moonpig, Principal Engineer Alexis Lowe sat down with our host David Joy.Join as we discuss:How serverless technologies are helping Moonpig manage costs and handle spikes in usageThe failover solutions that are implemented to ensure Moonpig can provide an always-on experience even during high-traffic events such as holidaysHow Alexis experiments with new AWS services and why he loves Lambda

Mar 5, 2024 • 35min
Simplifying solutions architecture with Brian Johnson of Booz Allen Hamilton
Consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton plays a pivotal role in keeping federal agencies including the United States Department of Defense and the VA on the cutting edge. In this episode, host David Joy is joined by Booz Allen Hamilton’s Sr. Solutions Architect, Brian Johnson, for a discussion on the exciting, intricate world of data analysis as well as expert insights on solutions architecture.Join as we discuss:Brian’s extensive global career that spans test engineering, software architecture, metrology, and his time in the military.Demystifying the approach to problem-solving and technology selection.Scalability, risk assessment, and the suitability of architecture frameworks.

Feb 27, 2024 • 46min
Solving for data intelligence at scale with CTO at Collibra
Madalina Tanasie's career has been led by her belief that technology should be purposeful. Embracing choices that reflected this conviction, her professional path ultimately led to the C-suite.David sits down with Madalina to discuss the always-evolving technology landscape and the recent advancements in AI, especially in the context of her work at Collibra. Join us to discuss: The need for engineering leaders who can translate technical issues into business pains.The “buy vs. build” mentality — and the benefit of leveraging managed services.AI governance and the importance of regulatory compliance and informed business decisions.

Feb 20, 2024 • 55min
How to make your applications smarter with Engineering Leader, Rod Senra
Years before Rod Senra became VP of Engineering, he started out in academia in Brazil. He recalls the early days of Python and teaching computer engineering to his students. Today, he leads as VP of Engineering at Loadsmart, a logistics technology company helping shippers, suppliers and carriers to move goods more efficiently.Join us to discuss:How to understand different database offerings and how to choose the right one.What it takes to manage an engineering team like Napoleon led his frontlines — strategic, yet tactical.How he uses AI/ML at Loadsmart, and other interesting AI/ML projects Rod has been a part of including the Gatorade Sweat Patch and mobile ordering app for Philz Coffee.

Jan 23, 2024 • 36min
Scaling for 2 Billion Events Per Day with Principal Software Engineer at Red Ventures
With a growing library of media properties including CNET, Lonely Planet, and Bankrate, Red Ventures’ data platform has scaled from handling 16 million events per day to nearly 2 billion. To dive into the evolution of their architecture and understand how data effortlessly travels through their systems, our host David Joy sat down with Principal Software Engineer Majid Fatemian.Join as we discuss:Why Red Ventures migrated from SQL Server to Amazon RedshiftHow the data landscape has changed over the last two decadesThe challenges every leader should expect when running a data platformMajid’s time at Ubisoft and his involvement in one of David’s favorite games, Far Cry 2


