Ricardo Castro

Principal Engineer, SRE at FanDuel/Blip.pt. Working daily to build high-performance, reliable and scalable systems.

A strong believer in culture and teamwork. Open source passionate, taekwondo amateur, and metal lover.

DevOps Porto meetup co-organizer and DevOpsDays Portugal co-organizer.

Continuous Delivery Foundation Ambassador.

From Blueprint to Business: Understanding Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2 Operations

In the world of technology, a successful software launch is just the beginning. Software requires ongoing attention to function optimally. This is where the concept of Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2 operations comes into play. These terms represent distinct stages in the lifecycle of a software product or system deployment, each playing a critical role in its overall success. Day 0: Laying the Foundation Day 0 is the strategic planning phase – imagine an architect crafting the blueprint for a new building....

April 18, 2024

The Leadership and Management Dynamic Duo

The terms “leadership” and “management” are frequently used interchangeably, creating a blurred understanding of their unique functions. While they do share some common ground, the truth is that leadership and management are distinct, each with its own set of skills, priorities, and impact on an organization. Understanding these differences is important for fostering a truly dynamic and successful workplace. Management: The Foundation of Order At its core, management is about establishing order and predictability within a system....

April 17, 2024

Overcoming the Crippling Anti-Pattern of Bureaucratic Processes

Speed and agility are paramount for organizations. Yet, many of them find themselves trapped in a web of bureaucratic processes that stifle innovation, hinder growth, and leave them woefully behind the competition. This pervasive anti-pattern represents a critical failure for senior leaders: allowing outdated, inefficient processes to dictate the pace of progress. The Bureaucratic Maze Often, overly complex processes aren’t born out of intentional malice. Several factors contribute to their formation:...

April 16, 2024

The "DevOps" Team That Wasn't

The term “DevOps” has become a buzzword, representing agility, collaboration, and the streamlined delivery of high-quality software. However, a common pitfall that many organizations encounter is the creation of a team, group, or division labeled “DevOps” that, ironically, becomes the antithesis of these principles. If you witness a “DevOps” entity that exhibits a silo mentality, reluctance to collaborate, and a focus on processes and tools over problem-solving, it’s time for a serious paradigm shift....

April 15, 2024

Beyond Tools and Rules

Adaptability is essential. Companies must embrace new strategies and methodologies like Agile, DevOps, SRE, and more to streamline processes, foster innovation, and stay competitive. Yet, despite best intentions, many organizations fail to effectively implement these initiatives. Let’s explore prevalent anti-patterns that can sabotage change efforts and offer guidance to overcome them. The Seductive Trap of Early-Stage Governance Change is intrinsically linked to experimentation. Companies seeking to improve their current state should be granted flexibility to explore new approaches....

April 12, 2024