Link Dump #218

There's still a couple of weeks of reading this year in front of us. Let's use it well :)

1. #BookOfTheMonth
   Inspired
   
   
2. Software Architecture
   1. Buy vs. Build: The Software Decision That’s Less About Magic and More About Logic
      Stop treating 'buy vs. build' as an only IT problem! This post argues that the decision must be a strategic organizational one. Learn to apply the core heuristic: If a function differentiates you, build it in-house; otherwise, buy it, and why business leaders must set this direction first.
   2. Service Mesh vs API Gateway
      The choice between an API Gateway and Service Mesh depends on your architecture's maturity and needs. Discover the trade-offs between their centralized vs. distributed deployment.
   3. We Outsourced All Our IT Problems to an IT Vendor and Now We’re Just Left With Problems #PickOfTheWeek
      Choosing the right engagement model is a strategic imperative. Do you need Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile? This article breaks down the three primary models for outsourcing: Product (best for stable, predictable outcomes), Utility (best for standardized, metered resources), and Co-creation (best for complex, evolving digital transformation). Match your methodology to your model!
   4. Reactive Programming Paradigms: Mastering Backpressure and Stream Processing
      Reactive programming is a complete paradigm shift, not just a technical trend. Dive into the four characteristics of the Reactive Manifesto: Responsive, Resilient, Elastic, and Message-Driven.
3. Agile
   1. AI Doesn’t Eliminate Agile Teams — It Increases the Need for Great Ones #PickOfTheWeek
      AI accelerates development, leading many teams to unintentionally collaborate less. This article argues that AI doesn't eliminate agile teams - it makes great ones essential. Learn why the risk is not the technology itself, but the resulting misalignment that is magnified by speed.
4. Leadership
   1. Problem-Solving that Works #PickOfTheWeek
      The problem with problem-solving is distorted thinking. This article argues that true solutions lie in behaviors, not ideas. Learn to distill issues by asking: 'What are people doing that causes this issue?' and 'What behaviors are likely to produce desired outcomes?'