⁠The Kubernetes Market is About to Explode (New Data)

Hey, what's up? I just came back from Hey, what's up? I just came back from CubeCon, the biggest Kubernetes CubeCon, the biggest Kubernetes CubeCon, the biggest Kubernetes conference in the world and arguably the conference in the world and arguably the conference in the world and arguably the best place to get a sense of where the best place to get a sense of where the best place to get a sense of where the market is at. So, in this video, I'm market is at. So, in this video, I'm market is at. So, in this video, I'm going to share all of my reflections and going to share all of my reflections and going to share all of my reflections and impressions that I got there, so you impressions that I got there, so you impressions that I got there, so you know exactly what to focus on if you know exactly what to focus on if you know exactly what to focus on if you want to land a six-f figureure DevOps want to land a six-f figureure DevOps want to land a six-f figureure DevOps job in 2026. So, let's jump in. So, if job in 2026. So, let's jump in. So, if job in 2026. So, let's jump in. So, if you don't know what CubeCon is, it's the you don't know what CubeCon is, it's the you don't know what CubeCon is, it's the biggest Kubernetes conference in the biggest Kubernetes conference in the biggest Kubernetes conference in the world, hosted by the CNCF. It's their world, hosted by the CNCF. It's their world, hosted by the CNCF. It's their flagship conference. It's hosted twice a flagship conference. It's hosted twice a flagship conference. It's hosted twice a year, once in Europe and once in North year, once in Europe and once in North year, once in Europe and once in North America usually. Over the past few America usually. Over the past few America usually. Over the past few years, it has been growing with about 8% years, it has been growing with about 8% years, it has been growing with about 8% per year. And this year in Amsterdam, per year. And this year in Amsterdam, per year. And this year in Amsterdam, there were 13,000 350 attendees. Now, there were 13,000 350 attendees. Now, there were 13,000 350 attendees. Now, all these attendees are either working all these attendees are either working all these attendees are either working with Kubernetes already, working for with Kubernetes already, working for with Kubernetes already, working for companies that are working with companies that are working with companies that are working with Kubernetes or like suppliers in the Kubernetes or like suppliers in the Kubernetes or like suppliers in the space. So it's like all of the greatest space. So it's like all of the greatest space. So it's like all of the greatest minds and people working in the minds and people working in the minds and people working in the ecosystem gathered together and it was ecosystem gathered together and it was ecosystem gathered together and it was amazing. Now the most surprising thing amazing. Now the most surprising thing amazing. Now the most surprising thing to me about CubeCon was the scale of it.

to me about CubeCon was the scale of it. to me about CubeCon was the scale of it. So I've been working with Kubernetes for So I've been working with Kubernetes for So I've been working with Kubernetes for many years now and I now make my living many years now and I now make my living many years now and I now make my living coaching people into these careers. So coaching people into these careers. So coaching people into these careers. So I'm like very close to the market. I I'm like very close to the market. I I'm like very close to the market. I always know exactly what's going on and always know exactly what's going on and always know exactly what's going on and what the trends are. But I had never what the trends are. But I had never what the trends are. But I had never been in a conference like this that's been in a conference like this that's been in a conference like this that's focused fully centered around focused fully centered around focused fully centered around Kubernetes. So the biggest impression I Kubernetes. So the biggest impression I Kubernetes. So the biggest impression I got like walking into these halls with got like walking into these halls with got like walking into these halls with all of these stands and all of these all of these stands and all of these all of these stands and all of these people, it was like the first time I got people, it was like the first time I got people, it was like the first time I got a physical confrontation with the actual a physical confrontation with the actual a physical confrontation with the actual scale of things and how huge this actual scale of things and how huge this actual scale of things and how huge this actual ecosystem is. It's very different if ecosystem is. It's very different if ecosystem is. It's very different if you're just always just working hands-on you're just always just working hands-on you're just always just working hands-on with it and reading the reports about it with it and reading the reports about it with it and reading the reports about it compared to like meeting people in such compared to like meeting people in such compared to like meeting people in such a huge hall like a filled stadium with a huge hall like a filled stadium with a huge hall like a filled stadium with people all working with it. So, it's people all working with it. So, it's people all working with it. So, it's kind of similar to how you memorize kind of similar to how you memorize kind of similar to how you memorize better if you do handwriting compared to better if you do handwriting compared to better if you do handwriting compared to typing on the keyboard because with the typing on the keyboard because with the typing on the keyboard because with the handwriting there are more physical handwriting there are more physical handwriting there are more physical sensations happening and and also visual sensations happening and and also visual sensations happening and and also visual things where you see the letters and you things where you see the letters and you things where you see the letters and you feel it in your hand that kind of thing.

feel it in your hand that kind of thing. feel it in your hand that kind of thing. Well, I I think a similar thing happened Well, I I think a similar thing happened Well, I I think a similar thing happened to me when I first actually saw the all to me when I first actually saw the all to me when I first actually saw the all of the people and all of these stands of the people and all of these stands of the people and all of these stands and and yeah, just experiencing the and and yeah, just experiencing the and and yeah, just experiencing the scale of it because every big name was scale of it because every big name was scale of it because every big name was there. There was Redhead, Microsoft, there. There was Redhead, Microsoft, there. There was Redhead, Microsoft, AWS, Google, Nvidia, Chain Guard, AWS, Google, Nvidia, Chain Guard, AWS, Google, Nvidia, Chain Guard, Huawei, Palo Alto, like the list goes Huawei, Palo Alto, like the list goes Huawei, Palo Alto, like the list goes on. Like any big name in the industry on. Like any big name in the industry on. Like any big name in the industry that you have heard of had a stand that you have heard of had a stand that you have heard of had a stand there. They were all represented there. there. They were all represented there. there. They were all represented there. And I was walking around with a CTO And I was walking around with a CTO And I was walking around with a CTO friend of mine and he just casually friend of mine and he just casually friend of mine and he just casually pointed out to like one of the smallest pointed out to like one of the smallest pointed out to like one of the smallest stands because he knows because he was stands because he knows because he was stands because he knows because he was hiring one of those. He said, "Yeah, you hiring one of those. He said, "Yeah, you hiring one of those. He said, "Yeah, you see that? That's like $200,000 in cost see that? That's like $200,000 in cost see that? That's like $200,000 in cost to to hire it." So those were the to to hire it." So those were the to to hire it." So those were the smallest stands. So there were also smallest stands. So there were also smallest stands. So there were also these huge stands by Microsoft, for these huge stands by Microsoft, for these huge stands by Microsoft, for example. I'm estimating those may cost example. I'm estimating those may cost example. I'm estimating those may cost like $500,000 or maybe a million dollars like $500,000 or maybe a million dollars like $500,000 or maybe a million dollars to to to hire. So these companies, they to to to hire. So these companies, they to to to hire. So these companies, they invest a lot of money into their invest a lot of money into their invest a lot of money into their presence there and they're doing that presence there and they're doing that presence there and they're doing that for a reason, right? They don't just for a reason, right? They don't just for a reason, right? They don't just waste this money. They're doing it waste this money. They're doing it waste this money. They're doing it because they want to have a presence at because they want to have a presence at because they want to have a presence at this event and get more leads for their this event and get more leads for their this event and get more leads for their business. And the talks, it was just business. And the talks, it was just business. And the talks, it was just amazing. Like there were talks by amazing. Like there were talks by amazing. Like there were talks by Nvidia, Uber, Airbnb, Nvidia, Uber, Airbnb, Nvidia, Uber, Airbnb, the French railways, the German the French railways, the German the French railways, the German military, Saxo Bank, the ESA, the military, Saxo Bank, the ESA, the military, Saxo Bank, the ESA, the European Space Program. It was so European Space Program. It was so European Space Program. It was so amazing to see how many different

amazing to see how many different amazing to see how many different companies and and government entities companies and and government entities companies and and government entities were using Kubernetes and presenting were using Kubernetes and presenting were using Kubernetes and presenting their use cases for it. So it became their use cases for it. So it became their use cases for it. So it became very clear to me that like I've been very clear to me that like I've been very clear to me that like I've been always been saying this but like always been saying this but like always been saying this but like actually seeing that physically and actually seeing that physically and actually seeing that physically and listening to these talks like Kubernetes listening to these talks like Kubernetes listening to these talks like Kubernetes is not just startups experimenting with is not just startups experimenting with is not just startups experimenting with it anymore right like these are huge it anymore right like these are huge it anymore right like these are huge largecale enterprises largecale enterprises largecale enterprises use running this in production as their use running this in production as their use running this in production as their core infrastructure like it's no joke core infrastructure like it's no joke core infrastructure like it's no joke anymore and and it it's just so clear anymore and and it it's just so clear anymore and and it it's just so clear that Kubernetes is the way so when I was that Kubernetes is the way so when I was that Kubernetes is the way so when I was in the beginning of my DevOps career and in the beginning of my DevOps career and in the beginning of my DevOps career and I was working like almost a Linux CIS I was working like almost a Linux CIS I was working like almost a Linux CIS administrator. When I then took that administrator. When I then took that administrator. When I then took that that that cho made that choice to learn that that cho made that choice to learn that that cho made that choice to learn Kubernetes in my evenings like I was Kubernetes in my evenings like I was Kubernetes in my evenings like I was spending all of my evenings all of my spending all of my evenings all of my spending all of my evenings all of my weekends studying 12 hours a day in the weekends studying 12 hours a day in the weekends studying 12 hours a day in the weekend studying 3 4 hours a day while weekend studying 3 4 hours a day while weekend studying 3 4 hours a day while working full-time all on Kubernetes working full-time all on Kubernetes working full-time all on Kubernetes because I knew this was going to be it.

because I knew this was going to be it. because I knew this was going to be it. And when I then started my own business, And when I then started my own business, And when I then started my own business, CubeCraft, I actually literally put it CubeCraft, I actually literally put it CubeCraft, I actually literally put it in the name, right? CubeCraft, like I in the name, right? CubeCraft, like I in the name, right? CubeCraft, like I teach the craft of the Kubernetes teach the craft of the Kubernetes teach the craft of the Kubernetes engineer. So that was a pretty bold move engineer. So that was a pretty bold move engineer. So that was a pretty bold move to make to actually tie my business to to make to actually tie my business to to make to actually tie my business to the name in in the name CubeCraft. I the name in in the name CubeCraft. I the name in in the name CubeCraft. I have zero regrets, especially after have zero regrets, especially after have zero regrets, especially after attending this conference and seeing attending this conference and seeing attending this conference and seeing where the ecosystem is going and seeing where the ecosystem is going and seeing where the ecosystem is going and seeing how it is being used today. I am so sure how it is being used today. I am so sure how it is being used today. I am so sure that this was the right way. So if you that this was the right way. So if you that this was the right way. So if you want to also make this step by pivoting want to also make this step by pivoting want to also make this step by pivoting your career towards Kubernetes, whether your career towards Kubernetes, whether your career towards Kubernetes, whether you are a complete beginner or maybe you are a complete beginner or maybe you are a complete beginner or maybe you're working as a software engineer or you're working as a software engineer or you're working as a software engineer or maybe you're working as a system maybe you're working as a system maybe you're working as a system administrator and you don't have administrator and you don't have administrator and you don't have experience with Kubernetes, I teach this experience with Kubernetes, I teach this experience with Kubernetes, I teach this for a living. CubeCraft is the place to for a living. CubeCraft is the place to for a living. CubeCraft is the place to be if you want to make this pivot into a be if you want to make this pivot into a be if you want to make this pivot into a career that pays 140,000 minimum on career that pays 140,000 minimum on career that pays 140,000 minimum on average. Check out the link below if you average. Check out the link below if you average. Check out the link below if you want more information about this. Now want more information about this. Now want more information about this. Now last year there were also CubeCons being last year there were also CubeCons being last year there were also CubeCons being hosted and when I talked to friends who hosted and when I talked to friends who hosted and when I talked to friends who attended they they were like joking that attended they they were like joking that attended they they were like joking that it was I should be called AI con because it was I should be called AI con because it was I should be called AI con because like everything was about AI and this like everything was about AI and this like everything was about AI and this year it was also very much about AI. I year it was also very much about AI. I year it was also very much about AI. I would say 80% of the talks had some sort would say 80% of the talks had some sort would say 80% of the talks had some sort of AI element to them and also all of of AI element to them and also all of of AI element to them and also all of these booths they like many of them had these booths they like many of them had these booths they like many of them had like the keyword agentic or AI powered.

like the keyword agentic or AI powered. like the keyword agentic or AI powered. It's it's like it's almost everywhere. It's it's like it's almost everywhere. It's it's like it's almost everywhere. So it's almost synonymous with with So it's almost synonymous with with So it's almost synonymous with with Kubernetes now. But and the funny thing Kubernetes now. But and the funny thing Kubernetes now. But and the funny thing was like some of these talks the speaker was like some of these talks the speaker was like some of these talks the speaker would open with this talk is not about would open with this talk is not about would open with this talk is not about AI and people would start clapping. So AI and people would start clapping. So AI and people would start clapping. So that gives you an indication of how much that gives you an indication of how much that gives you an indication of how much AI talk was going on. But that also AI talk was going on. But that also AI talk was going on. But that also gives you an indication right like it gives you an indication right like it gives you an indication right like it means that Kubernetes is synonymous with means that Kubernetes is synonymous with means that Kubernetes is synonymous with AI. I've been talking about this in so AI. I've been talking about this in so AI. I've been talking about this in so many videos recently and I'll link one many videos recently and I'll link one many videos recently and I'll link one here in the screen if you want to see it here in the screen if you want to see it here in the screen if you want to see it and it's becoming very very clear that and it's becoming very very clear that and it's becoming very very clear that when we talk about AI we're not just when we talk about AI we're not just when we talk about AI we're not just referring on products running on referring on products running on referring on products running on Kubernetes no Kubernetes is the Kubernetes no Kubernetes is the Kubernetes no Kubernetes is the infrastructure that is running all of infrastructure that is running all of infrastructure that is running all of these applications I've said it before these applications I've said it before these applications I've said it before chatgpt anthropic claude gro all of chatgpt anthropic claude gro all of chatgpt anthropic claude gro all of these LLMs they are running on these LLMs they are running on these LLMs they are running on Kubernetes you may not know it but this Kubernetes you may not know it but this Kubernetes you may not know it but this is where they are being trained and run is where they are being trained and run is where they are being trained and run on. And like I explained in this video on. And like I explained in this video on. And like I explained in this video that you will see linked up here, the that you will see linked up here, the that you will see linked up here, the CNCF came out and said that Kubernetes CNCF came out and said that Kubernetes CNCF came out and said that Kubernetes is the de facto AI operating system from is the de facto AI operating system from is the de facto AI operating system from 2026. Like it is the operating system.

2026. Like it is the operating system. 2026. Like it is the operating system. So it is no no coincidence that all of So it is no no coincidence that all of So it is no no coincidence that all of these talks are centered around AI. So these talks are centered around AI. So these talks are centered around AI. So if you want to have an AI related job if you want to have an AI related job if you want to have an AI related job and if you're smart you will know that and if you're smart you will know that and if you're smart you will know that AI is only going to grow over the next AI is only going to grow over the next AI is only going to grow over the next few years you would be well advised to few years you would be well advised to few years you would be well advised to focus your career around Kubernetes. focus your career around Kubernetes. focus your career around Kubernetes. This is what I have done. This is what This is what I have done. This is what This is what I have done. This is what my students are doing landing six figure my students are doing landing six figure my students are doing landing six figure jobs every single week and you may jobs every single week and you may jobs every single week and you may consider doing the same if you don't consider doing the same if you don't consider doing the same if you don't want to be left out. So while we were at want to be left out. So while we were at want to be left out. So while we were at CubeCom the CNCF released a new report. CubeCom the CNCF released a new report. CubeCom the CNCF released a new report. It was called the state of cloudnative It was called the state of cloudnative It was called the state of cloudnative development. And in this report they development. And in this report they development. And in this report they shared that there are about 20 million shared that there are about 20 million shared that there are about 20 million cloudnative developers right now which cloudnative developers right now which cloudnative developers right now which has grown by 28% in the last 6 months has grown by 28% in the last 6 months has grown by 28% in the last 6 months and from the report it shows that 7.3 and from the report it shows that 7.3 and from the report it shows that 7.3 million of these cloudnative developers million of these cloudnative developers million of these cloudnative developers are working with AI specifically. They are working with AI specifically. They are working with AI specifically. They also shared that the inference market, also shared that the inference market, also shared that the inference market, so serving AI models simply said, is so serving AI models simply said, is so serving AI models simply said, is prospected to grow to $255 prospected to grow to $255 prospected to grow to $255 billion by 2030. If you then combine billion by 2030. If you then combine billion by 2030. If you then combine that with the statistic that 66% that with the statistic that 66% that with the statistic that 66% of organizations that are running AI of organizations that are running AI of organizations that are running AI workloads are running them on workloads are running them on workloads are running them on Kubernetes. And this is a statistic Kubernetes. And this is a statistic Kubernetes. And this is a statistic that's published by Redhead officially.

that's published by Redhead officially. that's published by Redhead officially. 66% of companies are using Kubernetes 66% of companies are using Kubernetes 66% of companies are using Kubernetes for AI inference workloads, then over for AI inference workloads, then over for AI inference workloads, then over half of those $255 billion are going to half of those $255 billion are going to half of those $255 billion are going to be running on Kubernetes. Simply said, be running on Kubernetes. Simply said, be running on Kubernetes. Simply said, running generative AI is synonymous with running generative AI is synonymous with running generative AI is synonymous with Kubernetes. Okay. Yeah, I don't know how Kubernetes. Okay. Yeah, I don't know how Kubernetes. Okay. Yeah, I don't know how many times I have to say this, but many times I have to say this, but many times I have to say this, but people still attack me on X and YouTube people still attack me on X and YouTube people still attack me on X and YouTube for saying that that you should learn for saying that that you should learn for saying that that you should learn Kubernetes because they will say almost Kubernetes because they will say almost Kubernetes because they will say almost no company needs it. Well, if you want no company needs it. Well, if you want no company needs it. Well, if you want to have a slice of those $250 billion to have a slice of those $250 billion to have a slice of those $250 billion like me, if you want to have a slice of like me, if you want to have a slice of like me, if you want to have a slice of that cake, that cake, that cake, go and learn Kubernetes. And if you want go and learn Kubernetes. And if you want go and learn Kubernetes. And if you want to learn that the best way, the fastest to learn that the best way, the fastest to learn that the best way, the fastest way, you should come to me and join way, you should come to me and join way, you should come to me and join CubeCraft. The link will be down below CubeCraft. The link will be down below CubeCraft. The link will be down below in the description. Now, there were a in the description. Now, there were a in the description. Now, there were a few key projects and names that I want few key projects and names that I want few key projects and names that I want to highlight. There are VLM, to highlight. There are VLM, to highlight. There are VLM, LLMD, and Kserve. Those are key words to LLMD, and Kserve. Those are key words to LLMD, and Kserve. Those are key words to focus on which I am going to be focus on which I am going to be focus on which I am going to be personally focusing on in my own journey personally focusing on in my own journey personally focusing on in my own journey and in my teaching journey to my and in my teaching journey to my and in my teaching journey to my students. So my general impression students. So my general impression students. So my general impression around AI from CubeCon is that there's a around AI from CubeCon is that there's a around AI from CubeCon is that there's a very clear shift happening from here's very clear shift happening from here's very clear shift happening from here's what's coming to here's what we're doing what's coming to here's what we're doing what's coming to here's what we're doing and it's completely clear that the huge and it's completely clear that the huge and it's completely clear that the huge massive companies are using Kubernetes massive companies are using Kubernetes massive companies are using Kubernetes for AI workloads. There was a big focus for AI workloads. There was a big focus for AI workloads. There was a big focus on running a AI agents on Kubernetes.

on running a AI agents on Kubernetes. on running a AI agents on Kubernetes. Multiple platforms showcasing what they Multiple platforms showcasing what they Multiple platforms showcasing what they were doing and having like AI agent were doing and having like AI agent were doing and having like AI agent registries, registries, registries, uh, agent gateways and very interesting uh, agent gateways and very interesting uh, agent gateways and very interesting stuff happening for running these AI stuff happening for running these AI stuff happening for running these AI agents at scale. And what was also agents at scale. And what was also agents at scale. And what was also interesting was there were a few interesting was there were a few interesting was there were a few platforms like -0 platforms like -0 platforms like -0 and a few a couple of other ones that and a few a couple of other ones that and a few a couple of other ones that were showcasing like the AI S sur or uh were showcasing like the AI S sur or uh were showcasing like the AI S sur or uh agentic observability. agentic observability. agentic observability. And I looked at these demos and yeah, And I looked at these demos and yeah, And I looked at these demos and yeah, what it basically came down to was that what it basically came down to was that what it basically came down to was that they were observability platforms and they were observability platforms and they were observability platforms and you had you had the open telemetry and you had you had the open telemetry and you had you had the open telemetry and you had the insights and they kind of you had the insights and they kind of you had the insights and they kind of marketed it as if it would take over the marketed it as if it would take over the marketed it as if it would take over the AI SR work and I've talked about this in AI SR work and I've talked about this in AI SR work and I've talked about this in videos earlier which you can find here. videos earlier which you can find here. videos earlier which you can find here. In that video, I claimed that like In that video, I claimed that like In that video, I claimed that like automatic S sur a like AI sur is still automatic S sur a like AI sur is still automatic S sur a like AI sur is still very far away and these companies they very far away and these companies they very far away and these companies they were like marketing it as oh yeah a AI were like marketing it as oh yeah a AI were like marketing it as oh yeah a AI observability is here but what it came observability is here but what it came observability is here but what it came down to was okay you have your platform down to was okay you have your platform down to was okay you have your platform you have your metrics you can look at it you have your metrics you can look at it you have your metrics you can look at it but but but you could like take those metrics and you could like take those metrics and you could like take those metrics and push them to a chat but there was no push them to a chat but there was no push them to a chat but there was no like AI agent that's like actively like AI agent that's like actively like AI agent that's like actively exploring this stuff and fixing things exploring this stuff and fixing things exploring this stuff and fixing things in the background. So when I saw these in the background. So when I saw these in the background. So when I saw these stands, I was like, "Oh my god, I just stands, I was like, "Oh my god, I just stands, I was like, "Oh my god, I just made this video and um like I was made this video and um like I was made this video and um like I was claiming that AI SRE is far away." So I

claiming that AI SRE is far away." So I claiming that AI SRE is far away." So I was like thinking, "Oh my god, I made was like thinking, "Oh my god, I made was like thinking, "Oh my god, I made made a mistake there and I looked at it made a mistake there and I looked at it made a mistake there and I looked at it and then it's like so far away from what and then it's like so far away from what and then it's like so far away from what they were what they were like marketing they were what they were like marketing they were what they were like marketing it for." So yeah, rest assured it for." So yeah, rest assured it for." So yeah, rest assured S SRRES, DevOps engineers in especially S SRRES, DevOps engineers in especially S SRRES, DevOps engineers in especially with Kubernetes management and with Kubernetes management and with Kubernetes management and observability, we're not going to be observability, we're not going to be observability, we're not going to be replaced anytime soon. That was my sense replaced anytime soon. That was my sense replaced anytime soon. That was my sense that I got from watching these demos in that I got from watching these demos in that I got from watching these demos in these companies. So moving away from AI these companies. So moving away from AI these companies. So moving away from AI and looking at Kubernetes in general, I and looking at Kubernetes in general, I and looking at Kubernetes in general, I very much get this sense that Kubernetes very much get this sense that Kubernetes very much get this sense that Kubernetes is growing. It's not stalling or slowing is growing. It's not stalling or slowing is growing. It's not stalling or slowing down by any means. And a very very clear down by any means. And a very very clear down by any means. And a very very clear impression that I got from many of these impression that I got from many of these impression that I got from many of these talks is that Kubernetes is slowly talks is that Kubernetes is slowly talks is that Kubernetes is slowly becoming invisible infrastructure, becoming invisible infrastructure, becoming invisible infrastructure, right? Like platform engineering is on right? Like platform engineering is on right? Like platform engineering is on the rise and there is a trend happening the rise and there is a trend happening the rise and there is a trend happening where the developers may not even where the developers may not even where the developers may not even realize that they're running their realize that they're running their realize that they're running their applications on Kubernetes anymore. It applications on Kubernetes anymore. It applications on Kubernetes anymore. It is very it's slowly being abstracted is very it's slowly being abstracted is very it's slowly being abstracted away and that is a very clear sign that away and that is a very clear sign that away and that is a very clear sign that that is becoming very mature, right?

that is becoming very mature, right? that is becoming very mature, right? Like if if they're not even interacting Like if if they're not even interacting Like if if they're not even interacting with it anymore and it's being so welld with it anymore and it's being so welld with it anymore and it's being so welld designed that it's a very it's a designed that it's a very it's a designed that it's a very it's a self-service platform then you know that self-service platform then you know that self-service platform then you know that you're reaching a very clear level of you're reaching a very clear level of you're reaching a very clear level of maturity in your infrastructure. 28% of maturity in your infrastructure. 28% of maturity in your infrastructure. 28% of the organizations have dedicated the organizations have dedicated the organizations have dedicated platform teams and organizations like platform teams and organizations like platform teams and organizations like Uber and Airbnb are running this at a Uber and Airbnb are running this at a Uber and Airbnb are running this at a massive scale. Another really cool massive scale. Another really cool massive scale. Another really cool example was wave. they they do GPU example was wave. they they do GPU example was wave. they they do GPU scheduling for vehicles that are driving scheduling for vehicles that are driving scheduling for vehicles that are driving autonomously and it's just examples of autonomously and it's just examples of autonomously and it's just examples of these massive companies doing huge these massive companies doing huge these massive companies doing huge things through platform engineering on things through platform engineering on things through platform engineering on Kubernetes where where the developers Kubernetes where where the developers Kubernetes where where the developers are basically selfserving right and they are basically selfserving right and they are basically selfserving right and they also share that there are now over also share that there are now over also share that there are now over 330,000 330,000 330,000 certified Kubernetes professionals in certified Kubernetes professionals in certified Kubernetes professionals in the world and this also is a very clear the world and this also is a very clear the world and this also is a very clear indicator right so there's usually indicator right so there's usually indicator right so there's usually around 120,000 jobs available, but there around 120,000 jobs available, but there around 120,000 jobs available, but there are already like hundreds of thousands are already like hundreds of thousands are already like hundreds of thousands of certified Kubernetes professionals.

of certified Kubernetes professionals. of certified Kubernetes professionals. But the fact that there are still so But the fact that there are still so But the fact that there are still so many jobs open to me is a clear many jobs open to me is a clear many jobs open to me is a clear indicator that it's just going to grow indicator that it's just going to grow indicator that it's just going to grow and grow. And in general, the sense was and grow. And in general, the sense was and grow. And in general, the sense was that um the talks were not about like that um the talks were not about like that um the talks were not about like should we use Kubernetes or or is this should we use Kubernetes or or is this should we use Kubernetes or or is this the right way? It was more about like the right way? It was more about like the right way? It was more about like how to use it well and and how we are how to use it well and and how we are how to use it well and and how we are using it in these massive use cases. So using it in these massive use cases. So using it in these massive use cases. So it was very inspiring to see. So in it was very inspiring to see. So in it was very inspiring to see. So in general like I've made videos where I general like I've made videos where I general like I've made videos where I share the market data and the data is share the market data and the data is share the market data and the data is there but from this conference and my there but from this conference and my there but from this conference and my general sense of of listening to these general sense of of listening to these general sense of of listening to these talks it is very clear to me that it's talks it is very clear to me that it's talks it is very clear to me that it's only going to grow and it's going to be only going to grow and it's going to be only going to grow and it's going to be a well- paid skill for decades to come. a well- paid skill for decades to come. a well- paid skill for decades to come. Now if you find this video interesting Now if you find this video interesting Now if you find this video interesting so far please support the channel by so far please support the channel by so far please support the channel by subscribing. It's a complete free way to subscribing. It's a complete free way to subscribing. It's a complete free way to help me support to make these videos help me support to make these videos help me support to make these videos every single week because it's my every single week because it's my every single week because it's my mission to share DevOps career related mission to share DevOps career related mission to share DevOps career related knowledge with you every single week so knowledge with you every single week so knowledge with you every single week so you can make the best decisions for your you can make the best decisions for your you can make the best decisions for your career. Please subscribe right now by career. Please subscribe right now by career. Please subscribe right now by clicking the button down below. It's clicking the button down below. It's clicking the button down below. It's completely for free and it really really completely for free and it really really completely for free and it really really helps me out. Now, the great part of an helps me out. Now, the great part of an helps me out. Now, the great part of an in-person event is that obviously you in-person event is that obviously you in-person event is that obviously you can meet people from the industry and can meet people from the industry and can meet people from the industry and I've met so many interesting people. I I've met so many interesting people. I I've met so many interesting people. I saw moonshot mama and beth got a picture saw moonshot mama and beth got a picture saw moonshot mama and beth got a picture with him chatted with him about business with him chatted with him about business with him chatted with him about business was really cool. I saw Nana from tech was really cool. I saw Nana from tech was really cool. I saw Nana from tech world walking around. Another really world walking around. Another really world walking around. Another really cool thing was that I met Gearhart Lazu cool thing was that I met Gearhart Lazu cool thing was that I met Gearhart Lazu in real life for the first time. I did a in real life for the first time. I did a in real life for the first time. I did a podcast with him on his channel which podcast with him on his channel which podcast with him on his channel which you can find here. And you may know you can find here. And you may know you can find here. And you may know Gearhart because he has been running the Gearhart because he has been running the Gearhart because he has been running the Shipit podcast since 2021. So he's like

Shipit podcast since 2021. So he's like Shipit podcast since 2021. So he's like a big name in the industry. And we had a a big name in the industry. And we had a a big name in the industry. And we had a great time. We walked out and we had great time. We walked out and we had great time. We walked out and we had sushi together a bit away from the sushi together a bit away from the sushi together a bit away from the conference to calm down a little bit and conference to calm down a little bit and conference to calm down a little bit and we had a great conversation and it was we had a great conversation and it was we had a great conversation and it was just so nice to meet a giant in the just so nice to meet a giant in the just so nice to meet a giant in the industry like this and have some time industry like this and have some time industry like this and have some time with him. Absolutely great time. So, if with him. Absolutely great time. So, if with him. Absolutely great time. So, if you're watching this, Gearart, thank you you're watching this, Gearart, thank you you're watching this, Gearart, thank you so much for the great time we had so much for the great time we had so much for the great time we had together. I really appreciate you taking together. I really appreciate you taking together. I really appreciate you taking the time with me and uh having some the time with me and uh having some the time with me and uh having some sushi together. It was awesome. I also sushi together. It was awesome. I also sushi together. It was awesome. I also spent a whole day with one of my senior spent a whole day with one of my senior spent a whole day with one of my senior mentors called Rio. And it was such a mentors called Rio. And it was such a mentors called Rio. And it was such a great time just hanging out together, great time just hanging out together, great time just hanging out together, going to talks together. And what was going to talks together. And what was going to talks together. And what was pretty cool that we were walking in the pretty cool that we were walking in the pretty cool that we were walking in the hallway one day and he just casually hallway one day and he just casually hallway one day and he just casually pointed out, "Hey, you see that guy pointed out, "Hey, you see that guy pointed out, "Hey, you see that guy there? He's one of the creators of there? He's one of the creators of there? He's one of the creators of Docker." It's like, what? It's so cool Docker." It's like, what? It's so cool Docker." It's like, what? It's so cool that you see these kind of people just that you see these kind of people just that you see these kind of people just walking around. I also met the creator walking around. I also met the creator walking around. I also met the creator of the CMPG database operator, right? of the CMPG database operator, right? of the CMPG database operator, right? It's just so many cool stuff happening It's just so many cool stuff happening It's just so many cool stuff happening on these on these conferences. So, yeah, on these on these conferences. So, yeah, on these on these conferences. So, yeah, absolutely love it. And the craziest absolutely love it. And the craziest absolutely love it. And the craziest part about everything was that literally part about everything was that literally part about everything was that literally every 5 minutes someone would come up to every 5 minutes someone would come up to every 5 minutes someone would come up to me and say, "Hey, you're Misha right me and say, "Hey, you're Misha right me and say, "Hey, you're Misha right from YouTube. Yeah, I know your videos."

from YouTube. Yeah, I know your videos." from YouTube. Yeah, I know your videos." Like, it was in an insane experience. Like, it was in an insane experience. Like, it was in an insane experience. Like, I'm really introverted. I'm a bit Like, I'm really introverted. I'm a bit Like, I'm really introverted. I'm a bit of a recluse. I I I usually just work of a recluse. I I I usually just work of a recluse. I I I usually just work seven days a week, 12 hours a day and seven days a week, 12 hours a day and seven days a week, 12 hours a day and I'm not really I don't really get out I'm not really I don't really get out I'm not really I don't really get out that much. And then when I got to that much. And then when I got to that much. And then when I got to CubeCon and I got all these people CubeCon and I got all these people CubeCon and I got all these people coming to me asking me for pictures, for coming to me asking me for pictures, for coming to me asking me for pictures, for selfies, it was a very unusual selfies, it was a very unusual selfies, it was a very unusual experience. I think I don't realize how experience. I think I don't realize how experience. I think I don't realize how big of a reach I am having in the in the big of a reach I am having in the in the big of a reach I am having in the in the ecosystem, which was a really eyeopening ecosystem, which was a really eyeopening ecosystem, which was a really eyeopening experience for me. It was really cool. experience for me. It was really cool. experience for me. It was really cool. So, if you were there, please comment So, if you were there, please comment So, if you were there, please comment below if you saw me and if we took a below if you saw me and if we took a below if you saw me and if we took a picture together. It was really funny. picture together. It was really funny. picture together. It was really funny. One guy, he came up to me. I posted a One guy, he came up to me. I posted a One guy, he came up to me. I posted a picture in a YouTube post and I met him picture in a YouTube post and I met him picture in a YouTube post and I met him the next day and he said like, "Oh, all the next day and he said like, "Oh, all the next day and he said like, "Oh, all of my American friends and all of these of my American friends and all of these of my American friends and all of these friends, they were saying, "You met friends, they were saying, "You met friends, they were saying, "You met Misha? This is Misha." It was really, Misha? This is Misha." It was really, Misha? This is Misha." It was really, it's a very uh unworldly experience for it's a very uh unworldly experience for it's a very uh unworldly experience for me, but almost feeling like some sort of me, but almost feeling like some sort of me, but almost feeling like some sort of celebrity or something, which was uh celebrity or something, which was uh celebrity or something, which was uh very awkward and something I will need very awkward and something I will need very awkward and something I will need to get used to when going to CubeCon to get used to when going to CubeCon to get used to when going to CubeCon apparently. But yeah, it was really cool apparently. But yeah, it was really cool apparently. But yeah, it was really cool just to walk around and every 5 minutes just to walk around and every 5 minutes just to walk around and every 5 minutes someone coming up to me telling me how I someone coming up to me telling me how I someone coming up to me telling me how I changed their lives. There was one guy, changed their lives. There was one guy, changed their lives. There was one guy, he saw my videos. He's from Cameroon and he saw my videos. He's from Cameroon and he saw my videos. He's from Cameroon and he moved to France, got a Kubernetes he moved to France, got a Kubernetes he moved to France, got a Kubernetes job, all thanks to my videos and my job, all thanks to my videos and my job, all thanks to my videos and my help. So yeah, that was just great to to help. So yeah, that was just great to to help. So yeah, that was just great to to experience. So the personal interactions experience. So the personal interactions experience. So the personal interactions and this whole side of attending these and this whole side of attending these and this whole side of attending these conferences, it was absolutely great. So conferences, it was absolutely great. So conferences, it was absolutely great. So bring it all together, I'll share the

bring it all together, I'll share the bring it all together, I'll share the three biggest trends that I have seen three biggest trends that I have seen three biggest trends that I have seen from the conference and also share what from the conference and also share what from the conference and also share what exactly you should be focusing on if you exactly you should be focusing on if you exactly you should be focusing on if you want to increase your salary with 50K or want to increase your salary with 50K or want to increase your salary with 50K or more in the coming year. Now trend more in the coming year. Now trend more in the coming year. Now trend number one I already talked about it but number one I already talked about it but number one I already talked about it but it's AI infrastructure. It's not AI as a it's AI infrastructure. It's not AI as a it's AI infrastructure. It's not AI as a product but it's more around the AI product but it's more around the AI product but it's more around the AI infrastructure problem right now. So infrastructure problem right now. So infrastructure problem right now. So it's not a question of whether AI is it's not a question of whether AI is it's not a question of whether AI is running on Kubernetes. It's now like how running on Kubernetes. It's now like how running on Kubernetes. It's now like how are we going to solve this in the best are we going to solve this in the best are we going to solve this in the best way. Some of the issues here are then way. Some of the issues here are then way. Some of the issues here are then GPU scheduling inference and GPU scheduling inference and GPU scheduling inference and multi-tenency. And there's a lot multi-tenency. And there's a lot multi-tenency. And there's a lot happening around AI agents, agent happening around AI agents, agent happening around AI agents, agent registries, AI gateways for Kubernetes. registries, AI gateways for Kubernetes. registries, AI gateways for Kubernetes. Now the key names to focus on here are Now the key names to focus on here are Now the key names to focus on here are keys, VLM and LLMD. So what was really keys, VLM and LLMD. So what was really keys, VLM and LLMD. So what was really cool was that at CubeCon what happened cool was that at CubeCon what happened cool was that at CubeCon what happened was that Nvidia donated their dynamic was that Nvidia donated their dynamic was that Nvidia donated their dynamic resource allocation driver for GPUs to resource allocation driver for GPUs to resource allocation driver for GPUs to the Kubernetes community. They took the Kubernetes community. They took the Kubernetes community. They took their proprietary software and donated their proprietary software and donated their proprietary software and donated it to the community so that the rest of it to the community so that the rest of it to the community so that the rest of the ecosystem can benefit from this.

the ecosystem can benefit from this. the ecosystem can benefit from this. Right? So you can see the shift of these Right? So you can see the shift of these Right? So you can see the shift of these big companies with lots of money big companies with lots of money big companies with lots of money developing on the platform and then developing on the platform and then developing on the platform and then donating it so that other companies can donating it so that other companies can donating it so that other companies can benefit from it. And this is a very benefit from it. And this is a very benefit from it. And this is a very clear sign that we're heading in the clear sign that we're heading in the clear sign that we're heading in the right direction here. It signals that right direction here. It signals that right direction here. It signals that it's not vendor controlled anymore and it's not vendor controlled anymore and it's not vendor controlled anymore and that GPUs and AIs are now a firstass that GPUs and AIs are now a firstass that GPUs and AIs are now a firstass citizen in Kubernetes and it's clear citizen in Kubernetes and it's clear citizen in Kubernetes and it's clear proof that the ecosystem is not slowing proof that the ecosystem is not slowing proof that the ecosystem is not slowing down. Now the second trend is platform down. Now the second trend is platform down. Now the second trend is platform engineering. I already talked a little engineering. I already talked a little engineering. I already talked a little bit about it but it was very clear that bit about it but it was very clear that bit about it but it was very clear that this is where the best practices and the this is where the best practices and the this is where the best practices and the industry is heading. So the sessions industry is heading. So the sessions industry is heading. So the sessions were not about what is platform were not about what is platform were not about what is platform engineering anymore. It's like how do we engineering anymore. It's like how do we engineering anymore. It's like how do we measure that our platform is performing measure that our platform is performing measure that our platform is performing optimally and how do we get our optimally and how do we get our optimally and how do we get our developers to use it in the best way. So developers to use it in the best way. So developers to use it in the best way. So it's very much in a refinement stage it's very much in a refinement stage it's very much in a refinement stage rather than an establishment fa stage at rather than an establishment fa stage at rather than an establishment fa stage at this point. And with over a quarter of this point. And with over a quarter of this point. And with over a quarter of all organizations having a dedicated all organizations having a dedicated all organizations having a dedicated platform team, the debate is over. Now, platform team, the debate is over. Now, platform team, the debate is over. Now, one key point here is that backstage is one key point here is that backstage is one key point here is that backstage is very quickly becoming the de facto very quickly becoming the de facto very quickly becoming the de facto standard here. So, backstage is one tool standard here. So, backstage is one tool standard here. So, backstage is one tool to focus on for sure. Now, it's all to focus on for sure. Now, it's all to focus on for sure. Now, it's all about measuring success and accelerating about measuring success and accelerating about measuring success and accelerating developer adoption. And the third really developer adoption. And the third really developer adoption. And the third really interesting trend was sovereignty. So interesting trend was sovereignty. So interesting trend was sovereignty. So the second day of the the keynotes were the second day of the the keynotes were the second day of the the keynotes were completely centered around this topic completely centered around this topic completely centered around this topic and it's very much a European topic but and it's very much a European topic but and it's very much a European topic but Redhead gave a talk where they shared Redhead gave a talk where they shared Redhead gave a talk where they shared that 79% of the organizations have that 79% of the organizations have that 79% of the organizations have sovereign AI as their top priority.

sovereign AI as their top priority. sovereign AI as their top priority. Okay. So being able to run AI workloads Okay. So being able to run AI workloads Okay. So being able to run AI workloads on their own infrastructure using on their own infrastructure using on their own infrastructure using open-source technology. So sovereignty open-source technology. So sovereignty open-source technology. So sovereignty in this context means interoperability. in this context means interoperability. in this context means interoperability. So being able to run something and h So being able to run something and h So being able to run something and h being able to run that on multiple being able to run that on multiple being able to run that on multiple platforms or locations and having no platforms or locations and having no platforms or locations and having no vendor lock in. And this again is why vendor lock in. And this again is why vendor lock in. And this again is why Kubernetes is the obvious choice, right? Kubernetes is the obvious choice, right? Kubernetes is the obvious choice, right? Because Kubernetes runs in all of the Because Kubernetes runs in all of the Because Kubernetes runs in all of the clouds and by extension you're running clouds and by extension you're running clouds and by extension you're running your workloads in containers, right? So your workloads in containers, right? So your workloads in containers, right? So containerization is the mechanism that containerization is the mechanism that containerization is the mechanism that allows interoperability and moving away allows interoperability and moving away allows interoperability and moving away from vendor lockin. So if your from vendor lockin. So if your from vendor lockin. So if your applications are containerized, you can applications are containerized, you can applications are containerized, you can basically run them anywhere as long as basically run them anywhere as long as basically run them anywhere as long as there is a container runtime and there is a container runtime and there is a container runtime and Kubernetes is the standard for that. So Kubernetes is the standard for that. So Kubernetes is the standard for that. So these organizations they're focusing on these organizations they're focusing on these organizations they're focusing on building their platforms on Kubernetes building their platforms on Kubernetes building their platforms on Kubernetes so that they can if they are in in Azure so that they can if they are in in Azure so that they can if they are in in Azure they could move away to onrem or they they could move away to onrem or they they could move away to onrem or they could have an hybrid cloud strategy could have an hybrid cloud strategy could have an hybrid cloud strategy where Kubernetes is the common language where Kubernetes is the common language where Kubernetes is the common language between all of them. Now one good between all of them. Now one good between all of them. Now one good example of one of the talks were were example of one of the talks were were example of one of the talks were were the French railways. I learned that they the French railways. I learned that they the French railways. I learned that they are the second largest railway network are the second largest railway network are the second largest railway network in the world. I had no idea and they in the world. I had no idea and they in the world. I had no idea and they have a very interesting split where they have a very interesting split where they have a very interesting split where they run 30% of their workloads on premise run 30% of their workloads on premise run 30% of their workloads on premise and 70% in public cloud all in and 70% in public cloud all in and 70% in public cloud all in Kubernetes. Another example was the Kubernetes. Another example was the Kubernetes. Another example was the Bundesear. So the German defense, German

Bundesear. So the German defense, German Bundesear. So the German defense, German military, they were centering their military, they were centering their military, they were centering their whole stack around open-source and whole stack around open-source and whole stack around open-source and cloudnative technologies. Very cool to cloudnative technologies. Very cool to cloudnative technologies. Very cool to learn. Also the European Space Agency, learn. Also the European Space Agency, learn. Also the European Space Agency, ESA, they are also building a full ESA, they are also building a full ESA, they are also building a full open-source stack centered around Seph, open-source stack centered around Seph, open-source stack centered around Seph, Kafka, Postgress, Cubeflow, Spark, all Kafka, Postgress, Cubeflow, Spark, all Kafka, Postgress, Cubeflow, Spark, all running on Kubernetes. It was really running on Kubernetes. It was really running on Kubernetes. It was really cool to see. So deriving from all of cool to see. So deriving from all of cool to see. So deriving from all of this, what should you learn? So number this, what should you learn? So number this, what should you learn? So number one, obviously Kubernetes, it's one, obviously Kubernetes, it's one, obviously Kubernetes, it's non-negotiable. The second one is non-negotiable. The second one is non-negotiable. The second one is platform engineering and backstage. platform engineering and backstage. platform engineering and backstage. Third one being AI infrastructure. Now, Third one being AI infrastructure. Now, Third one being AI infrastructure. Now, you don't have to become an MLOps you don't have to become an MLOps you don't have to become an MLOps engineer, but I think it will be a great engineer, but I think it will be a great engineer, but I think it will be a great investment in your career. And this is investment in your career. And this is investment in your career. And this is what I'm personally going to be focusing what I'm personally going to be focusing what I'm personally going to be focusing my my my learning journey around is to my my my learning journey around is to my my my learning journey around is to hosting AI workloads on Kubernetes like hosting AI workloads on Kubernetes like hosting AI workloads on Kubernetes like AI inference on Kubernetes. That's going AI inference on Kubernetes. That's going AI inference on Kubernetes. That's going to be the thing. So I'm now entering a to be the thing. So I'm now entering a to be the thing. So I'm now entering a phase where I'm going to be deeply phase where I'm going to be deeply phase where I'm going to be deeply studying KSERF, VLM, LLMD, and of course studying KSERF, VLM, LLMD, and of course studying KSERF, VLM, LLMD, and of course building courses around this for my building courses around this for my building courses around this for my CubeCraft community, teaching the people CubeCraft community, teaching the people CubeCraft community, teaching the people how to do this. And finally, there's how to do this. And finally, there's how to do this. And finally, there's observability. So open telemetry has observability. So open telemetry has observability. So open telemetry has definitely won the game here. I've definitely won the game here. I've definitely won the game here. I've watched so many different stands with watched so many different stands with watched so many different stands with these like AI agentic um monitoring these like AI agentic um monitoring these like AI agentic um monitoring platforms, but they had one thing in platforms, but they had one thing in platforms, but they had one thing in common, and all of them were centered common, and all of them were centered common, and all of them were centered around open telemetry. So this is also around open telemetry. So this is also around open telemetry. So this is also what I'm going to be diving deeper into what I'm going to be diving deeper into what I'm going to be diving deeper into myself, but open telemetry is the key myself, but open telemetry is the key myself, but open telemetry is the key word and that's the one to learn. So

word and that's the one to learn. So word and that's the one to learn. So CubeCon was definitely a great CubeCon was definitely a great CubeCon was definitely a great experience and I'm going every year from experience and I'm going every year from experience and I'm going every year from now on. I highly recommend it and it's now on. I highly recommend it and it's now on. I highly recommend it and it's completely clear that cloud native is completely clear that cloud native is completely clear that cloud native is not slowing down and Kubernetes is the not slowing down and Kubernetes is the not slowing down and Kubernetes is the thing to focus on if you want to have a thing to focus on if you want to have a thing to focus on if you want to have a well-paid tech career for the next well-paid tech career for the next well-paid tech career for the next decade or so. Now, if you want to have decade or so. Now, if you want to have decade or so. Now, if you want to have the shortest path to a six-figure the shortest path to a six-figure the shortest path to a six-figure Kubernetes engineer, check out the links Kubernetes engineer, check out the links Kubernetes engineer, check out the links below in the description. I teach this below in the description. I teach this below in the description. I teach this stuff for a living. I created a full stuff for a living. I created a full stuff for a living. I created a full system that you can follow to land a system that you can follow to land a system that you can follow to land a six-figure DevOps job within two to six six-figure DevOps job within two to six six-figure DevOps job within two to six months, depending on where your starting months, depending on where your starting months, depending on where your starting point is. So check it out. Join point is. So check it out. Join point is. So check it out. Join CubeCraft if you want to have that juicy CubeCraft if you want to have that juicy CubeCraft if you want to have that juicy six-figure job. And I'll see you guys in six-figure job. And I'll see you guys in six-figure job. And I'll see you guys in the next