April 2019 Summaries

Ably has introduced idempotency across all its client library SDKs, ensuring that realtime messages will only be published once even if there are client or connectivity failures causing reattempts. This feature is implemented by associating a unique identifier with each message and preventing duplication upon further attempts to publish with the same ID. Idempotency helps in maintaining data integrity and reducing inconveniences caused by accidental duplication of messages, especially for critical realtime operations like payment systems or in-play bets. To implement idempotency, developers can provide a unique message ID when publishing or enable idempotent publishing for automatic retries by the SDK.

Technical debt is not always negative; it can provide quick fixes and boost innovation when used intelligently. Technical debt refers to the decision to realize something now and pay later, with resources allowing. It manifests itself in five aspects: maintenance work, codebase features that resist change, operability choices that resist change, code choices that suck the will to live, and dependencies that resist upgrading. Technical debt can be divided into prudent and reckless debt, with the latter being reactive and lacking future-facing awareness. Intelligently used technical debt helps with engineering agility by allowing temporary use of second-rate design patterns or quick fixes for obstacles. However, it is crucial to identify signs that prudent technical debt is shifting into the reckless category. Three red alerts for existing tech debt include scaling operations, diversifying tech, and becoming more loosely coupled in system architecture. To manage technical debt effectively, organizations should recognize when it's about to cause problems, balance done with perfect solutions, and remember that all code is debt.

Ably, a realtime data delivery platform, has hired Gary Barnes as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Previously the Global Head of Sales at Thoughtworks, Gary will lead Ably's expanding sales and marketing division. With over 11 years of experience in sales leadership positions, he played a significant role in growing Thoughtworks' annual revenues to over $500 million. As CCO, Gary aims to help Ably grow its footprint and make live digital experiences the norm across various sectors. He will introduce the Ably API Streamer, the industry's first realtime API management and distribution tool, which has applications in numerous industries.