In a recent talk at ProductCon NY ’23, Justin Kim, VP of Product at Vimeo, shared his insights on the importance of platform and infrastructure in software development. He emphasized how product managers can drive competitive advantage by focusing on scalable and extensible platforms. Here’s a breakdown of his key points.
Key Takeaways
- Resource Scarcity: You never have enough resources in software development.
- Role of Product Managers: They are crucial for driving efficiency in platform teams.
- Understanding Customers: Even platform teams have customers, and understanding their needs is vital.
- Building Trust: Establishing trust with engineering teams is essential for success.
The Immutable Laws of Software Development
Justin kicked off his talk by likening software development to the laws of physics. He stated that one fundamental truth is that you never have enough resources. This resonates with many in the industry, as most product managers and engineers often feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on them by customers, sales, and executives.
The Importance of Infrastructure
He pointed out that in today’s fast-paced tech environment, having a performant and scalable infrastructure is key. This allows teams to not only launch features quickly but also to scale efficiently when something works. The ability to experiment and pivot is crucial, and this is where a solid infrastructure comes into play.
Understanding Platform and Infrastructure
Justin defined platform and infrastructure broadly, breaking them down into three categories:
- Platforms for Development: These are foundational services that other teams build upon. For example, at Audible, different teams worked on various services that powered the audiobook player, allowing feature teams to focus on their specific tasks without reinventing the wheel.
- End-to-End Customer Experiences: This includes components like payment systems, which Justin’s team at Vimeo manages. They ensure that the checkout process is smooth and efficient, working closely with other teams to enhance customer experiences.
- Business Offerings: Some platforms can evolve into standalone businesses, like AWS, which started as the infrastructure for Amazon’s e-commerce site.
The Role of Product Managers in Platform Teams
Justin argued that many platform teams lack dedicated product managers, which is a mistake. Product managers bring a unique skill set that complements engineers and engineering managers. They can handle tasks like:
- Establishing business cases
- Mediating conflicts
- Aligning projects with company objectives
Product Management: Feature Teams vs. Platform Teams
While the core responsibilities of product managers remain the same across teams, the approach can differ:
- Feature Teams: Focus on understanding customer needs, developing a vision, and delivering solutions.
- Platform Teams: Also start with customer needs but must distill these into a product strategy that drives value for the business.
Building Trust with Engineering Teams
Justin shared his experience of joining a platform team and the importance of building trust. He emphasized that product managers should not just take orders but should develop a compelling vision. He recounted how he renamed a tech debt project to “microsecond fulfillment,” which resonated with the engineering team and helped prioritize important work.
Implementing Effective Processes
He also discussed the need for a project intake process to manage requests from feature teams. By redirecting incomplete requests back to the requesters, his team could focus on critical priorities and reduce burnout. This approach led to improved productivity and a more efficient workflow.
The Rewards of Platform Management
Working on platform teams can be challenging but also rewarding. Justin highlighted that while customer-facing products are exciting, platform teams tackle complex engineering problems that can lead to significant innovations. He noted that product managers in these roles often have a unique skill set that is highly valued in the industry, sometimes leading to higher salaries.
Conclusion
In summary, Justin Kim’s talk at ProductCon NY ’23 highlighted the growing importance of infrastructure and platform engineering in tech. He stressed that product managers play a vital role in making these teams effective. The classic principles of product management apply across the board, and it’s crucial for product managers to develop a strong vision rather than just responding to requests.
By focusing on these areas, product managers can help their teams thrive in a competitive landscape, ultimately leading to better products and happier customers.