Join Stephen Coetzee, a DevOps engineer at CloudSmiths, as he prepares to share his cloud native computing journey, insights on the OpenTofu project, and anticipations for the upcoming KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in Paris.
Stephen Coetzee, a DevOps engineer at CloudSmiths, is gearing up for an appearance at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in Paris in March 2024, spotlighting his role at the forefront of cloud-native computing. Stephen's path into this dynamic field was paved with a solid background in system administration and a deep engagement with open-source software, eventually leading him towards DevOps and infrastructure as code. His enthusiasm for his work is palpable, especially when he talks about the joy of launching comprehensive infrastructure stacks with a simple command, describing it as watching it "bloom" magnificently.
Stephen's contributions have notably advanced the infrastructure as code offering for one of CloudSmiths' biggest UK clients. His focus extends beyond mere data management to include critical services like firewalling and storage, highlighting the comprehensive scope of his work.
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon is a conference that serves as a central hub for cloud-native professionals, developers, and technologists. His participation in the event is an incredible opportunity to share insights, strategies and trends with other "movers and shakers" in the tech world.
His deep-seated involvement and firsthand experience with OpenTofu made Stephen the natural choice for the panel. His selection to represent at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon is a personal achievement and a reflection of his passion, dedication, and impact on the OpenTofu project and the cloud native computing community.
A significant part of Stephen's discussion will revolve around the community's response to Terraform's licensing changes, leading to the creation of OpenTofu. As part of the steering committee alongside the Env0 team, Stephen is at the forefront of championing this open-source alternative, showcasing the community's ability to adapt and innovate in industry challenges.
Stephen emphasises the importance of hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge to those aiming to get into cloud-native technologies. He advocates for practical involvement with the tools of the trade to understand and master them. Looking ahead, Stephen sees a growing commitment to projects like OpenTofu, promoting solutions that offer flexibility and cost-efficiency to clients steering clear of vendor lock-in.
As he looks forward to the conference in Paris, Stephen's anticipation isn't limited to the professional insights and networking opportunities. He's equally excited about exploring France's culinary delights and cultural landmarks, marrying his professional endeavours with personal exploration and enrichment. This blend of professional ambition and personal curiosity underscores the journey of cloud-native computing professionals like Stephen, navigating the evolving tech landscape with both expertise and enthusiasm.
