GC - #12 Backstage with Backstage

Show notes

00:00 — Introduction

Join hosts Oliver and Tommy as they welcome special guest Marian to discuss Backstage, the open source developer portal framework that's taking the tech world by storm.

01:20 — Swarmalicious News

Get up to speed with the latest buzz in the world of tech and beyond.

05:06 — What is Backstage?

Marian introduces Backstage, the powerful framework for developer portals created by Spotify and donated to the CNCF. Discover how this tool is designed to bring developers onto the same page and boost their productivity.

09:40 — Solving Problems with Backstage

Explore how Backstage tackles common challenges faced by developers and platform teams, such as reducing learning curves, improving information accessibility, and providing a unified interface for creating and managing resources. Marian shares Giant Swarm's journey towards offering Backstage as the sole web interface for a streamlined developer experience.

29:23 — Is Backstage a Silver Bullet?

The hosts discuss the realities of implementing Backstage, including the effort required to set up and maintain the framework. Marian highlights the need for dedicated teams to develop and manage Backstage plugins, especially in large organizations.

33:25 — The Real Selling Points of Backstage

Dive into the key benefits of Backstage for platform teams and organizations. While teams can leverage the open-source nature of Backstage to unify information access, organizations must navigate the long-term process of proper implementation and the accompanying cultural shifts.

39:24 — The Secret to Backstage's Success

Marian reveals the factors contributing to Backstage's popularity, including its lack of open-source competition and the wealth of building blocks it provides for getting started quickly. The hosts also discuss ongoing efforts to create a centralized community plugin repository.