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What truly defines "cloud native"? Join Tim, Alex, Chris, and special guest Will Collins as they challenge conventional wisdom and dissect the evolving concept of cloud-native infrastructure. This episode kicks off by exploring the Cloud Native Computing Foundation's (CNCF) definition, examining whether it serves as a prescriptive guide or merely a loose framework. We touch on the array of technologies and practices it encompasses—such as containers, service meshes, microservices, and serverless architectures—and discuss the hallmark characteristics like loose coupling that are essential in cloud-native systems. Gain insights into how these principles are being applied beyond cloud networking.

Dive into the complexities of what it means to be "cloud native" by exploring the nuances of using cloud provider constructs versus third-party tools. We debate the pros and cons of these approaches, examining the trade-offs between optimal performance, simplicity, and the need for compliance and scalability. The conversation also highlights the flexibility and ambiguity in the CNCF definition, which has led to varied interpretations and marketing claims, making it clear that while cloud-native solutions offer operational simplicity, enterprises often juggle these with third-party integrations to meet their diverse and complex needs.

Lastly, we tackle the pressing issue of misleading marketing tactics in the tech industry. From SASE to SD-WAN, we expose how vendors often inflate minimal features to fit trendy labels, creating a confusing environment for decision-makers. We discuss the critical role of trust in long sales cycles and ponder whether stricter standards or certifications, akin to those from IEEE, could help mitigate these issues. The episode wraps up with a look at the challenges of integrating legacy systems with cloud-native services and the ambiguity surrounding buzzwords, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions to benefit customers rather than just cloud providers. Don't miss this episode if you're seeking a deeper understanding of cloud-native technologies and the current landscape.

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