Data Architect Lasse Rautopuro at Cloud1 is dedicated to developing comprehensive solutions in architecture and cloud transformation. His extensive experience in data warehousing, related processes, and analytics has proven valuable in his new role. At Cloud1, he is now focused on designing how data warehousing implementations and their associated processes are executed using cloud tools, specifically Microsoft Azure.
The Cloud needs Boundaries
Lasse's journey to Cloud1 was driven by his discussions with the company's founders and a deeper understanding of their vision. The pivotal factor that piqued Lasse's interest in the company was Cloud1's innovative Data Hub concept.
In his previous roles, Lasse had contemplated the need for well-developed concepts in the diverse world of cloud solutions. Through meticulous conceptualization, reliable production-ready solutions that could be replicated were made possible. This approach allowed for the selection of a managed framework from a multitude of solution options, one that had been thoroughly thought out and practically tested.
Cloud1 shared this perspective, recognizing the necessity of constraining the myriad of implementation choices in the ever-expanding cloud landscape. This becomes especially crucial when building comprehensive enterprise-level solutions. Rather than weighing numerous individual components, it is essential to examine the bigger picture and select options that best serve the overall objective.
To ensure the pipeline operates reliably and seamlessly from data source to execution, it's imperative not only to focus on the end result but also to employ shared tools for easy management. Additionally, at the process level, conceptualization and development are required to make the end result functional. This approach ensures that each service has a distinct role within the overall structure, and different services operate harmoniously together.
Looking Towards DataOps
Lately, Lasse has been particularly interested in how DataOps is leveraged in cloud-based data platforms. DataOps is a set of practices rooted in the agile and DevOps realms, aimed at addressing processes throughout the entire data lifecycle. This approach focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of data-related processes in the cloud environment, ensuring that data is managed and utilized optimally.
How to sensibly manage service portfolios that encompass multiple different environments?
DevOps is becoming an established set of practices in application development, but its integration into data-related implementations isn't a common practice for many service providers. One typical reason is the heterogeneity of data platforms; they may contain components implemented with various products and services, each behaving differently from a development perspective.
At Cloud1, practices are continuously evolving, and solutions for typical data platform automation tasks have already been found through either project work or internal conceptualization. As part of implementations and architectural solutions, we also consider how critical business aspects, such as fast change implementation and absolute reliability for production use, can be optimally achieved in cloud-based data platforms. Therefore, holistic thinking goes beyond just architecture.
One Step at a Time into the Cloud
While organizations are rapidly experimenting with building new implementations on Azure or other cloud platforms, there are still customers in the mix who are just beginning their cloud transformation journey.
Lasse emphasizes that the adoption of cloud services often makes sense through small and precisely defined experiments. Azure's pricing is usage-based, so there are typically no upfront costs to worry about.
The best way to start is by taking a clear and tightly scoped business use case as a foundation. This allows you to initially address the adoption challenges on a smaller scale and validate the benefits and advantages of the cloud within your own organization. Afterward, expanding the scope to a larger context becomes much easier. Even in smaller experiments, it's essential to consider the potential changes that may come with production use so that accommodating them later doesn't become a hindrance.
Center of Expertise as an Inspiring Work Environment
Lasse has been enjoying his new role immensely. Cloud1 has proven to be the promising work environment it claimed to be. Particularly, Lasse appreciates that Cloud1 has gathered strong expert professionals who share the same vision. Collaborating with them has been fruitful for discussing the best solution options and gaining fresh perspectives on his own ideas.
Expectations regarding the job were high, and they have not only been met but exceeded in many aspects.Cloud1's culture embraces the idea that one doesn't have to solve things alone; everyone is willing to work together to achieve the best possible outcome. This, too, feels refreshing.
If you're interested in contributing to challenging and exciting projects leveraging the latest Azure technology, please explore our open positions and get in touch.
