Understanding Platform Decay in Platform Engineering

What is Platform Decay?

Platform decay refers to the gradual deterioration of a platform’s efficiency and effectiveness over time. It is an essential concept in platform engineering, often overlooked until it becomes a significant problem.

A platform that once perfectly meets organisational needs can slowly become less suitable, failing to keep up with evolving requirements and technological advancements. This decay isn't just about software rot or outdated technologies; it involves a broader scope, including poor adoption rates, low return on investment (ROI), and burdensome maintenance demands.

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Why Does Platform Decay Matter?

Acknowledging and managing platform decay is critical for maintaining the health of an organisation's software delivery and IT infrastructure capabilities. As Abby Bangser highlighted in the recent Syntasso webinar focusing on platform decay, all platforms undergo decay—it's inevitable. The key difference lies in how organisations anticipate and handle this decay. Without proper management, decay can lead to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and lost opportunities for innovation.

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How to Manage Platform Decay

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1. Adoption and User Experience: Platforms must be designed with the end-user in mind. Lack of adoption indicates that users find the platform challenging to use or irrelevant to their needs. Continuously engaging with users, understanding their experiences, and incorporating feedback is crucial. Surveys and feedback mechanisms can help gather insights and guide improvements.

2. Focusing on ROI: A platform should deliver clear business value. This involves creating a platform with useful features and ensuring that it aligns with organisational goals and delivers tangible benefits. Avoid duplicative efforts and competing platforms within the same organisation to conserve resources and maximize impact.

3. Handling Migrations and Updates: Platforms must evolve without causing disruptions. This means managing migrations smartly—keeping them small, regular, and least disruptive. Building platforms that can be updated and scaled without significant overhauls is essential, thereby avoiding the dreaded “never-ending migration” scenario.

4. Building a Thinnest Viable Platform: The concept of a "thinnest viable platform" involves creating a platform that meets current needs without overbuilding, making it easier to maintain and upgrade over time. This approach helps manage decay by reducing the complexity and cost associated with unnecessary features.