Platform Engineering 2.0

KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2026

Speaker: Shweta Vohra, Lead Architect at Booking.com
Date: March 26, 2026 — London

Everyone Has a Platform Apparently

"The map is not your territory."

  • Platform architectures on paper don't reflect reality
  • From platform sprawl to capability-driven design
  • Platform teams turned into teams that just pitch everything to everyone

The Shift: Intent-Based Platforms

  • Developer makes an intent
  • Translated via API
  • Platform orchestrates and executes
  • Focus on core business domain, not technology

Platform V-ARISE Model

From Decoding Platform Engineering Patterns:

  • A framework for understanding platform maturity and evolution
  • A simple yet powerful lens for evaluating platform investment
  • Discipline starts with the core business domain

Key Concepts

Concept Implication
Just Enough Kubernetes Don't over-invest in K8s tooling
Gateway API Standard for ingress/egress
Disposable Clusters Treat clusters as cattle, not pets
Intent-Based Design Developers declare what, platform handles how

Key Takeaways

  1. Capability-driven design over platform sprawl
  2. Start with the core business domain, not the technology stack
  3. Developers declare intent — platforms handle execution
  4. Just enough Kubernetes — avoid over-engineering
  5. Treat clusters as disposable — cattle, not pets

Recommended Reading

  • Decoding Platform Engineering Patterns — Shweta Vohra
  • Dear Software and AI Architect — Shweta Vohra

Questions?

KubeCon EU 2026 — London