Application Developer
Application Developer
King Louie, API as a Service, IT4IT
Works in Utrecht and from home
Lives in Ede
At VodafoneZiggo since 2018
"I love acquiring new skills and putting them straight into practice," says IT expert Surbhi Singh. "Which is exactly what my current project requires." Surbhi is helping to replace VodafoneZiggo's legacy IT application with microservices architecture and migrate the latter to the cloud. "We’re making our IT systems more resilient, as well as easier to scale and maintain."
"VodafoneZiggo is a well-oiled machine, with all its IT applications working together in harmony to provide the best possible experience for both customers and employees. For years, TIBCO Business Works was the software solution that kept the gears turning smoothly. But like any machine, it's important to regularly assess and update the parts to keep it running at its best. That's where I come in – I'm helping to bring about a change that will keep VodafoneZiggo running at peak efficiency."
"TIBCO Business Works is an easy-to-use drag-and-drop solution. However, we wanted access to more solutions than just one, at a lower cost and with more control of the software's development. So, in 2021, we decided to switch to high-quality open source software. Unlike TIBCO, it does require coding skills, but it also gives us more freedom in achieving one of VodafoneZiggo's main IT objectives: a cloud- and API-based microservices architecture."
"For a long time, VodafoneZiggo has had big applications that hold many functionalities in one place. In our new microservices architecture, these applications are being replaced by smaller ones – preferably an application for each functionality. The architecture is more modular and resilient, as well as easier to scale and maintain. My squad, one of three that focus on API as a service, is migrating the TIBCO legacy to this new IT infrastructure. At the same time, we're creating safe and secure microservices and setting up a monitoring mechanism, using software like Java, Layer 7 API Gateway, Prometheus and the Kubernetes platform OpenShift."
"Initially, there was some uncertainty within the company about how to effectively implement the desired architecture and migration. I'm proud of how fast we obtained that knowledge. Instrumental for this was VodafoneZiggo's Unlimited Learning, a learning portal with thousands of free courses and training sessions, which I use frequently. Currently, I’m doing a course to gain more insight into OpenShift."
"I love developing my expertise and putting it straight into practice. Like I do now, with my involvement in laying the foundation of our microservices architecture. In fact, our squad and I are becoming go-to experts within the company. Others turn to us with their questions about microservices. It’s so cool to have that role!"
"My most important professional qualities? An eagerness to learn, I think, my tendency to get things done and a positive mindset. But they're not unique: I see them all around me at VodafoneZiggo, my squad included. That's not to say my nine fellow-squaddies and I are all the same. We differ greatly in terms of personality, background and demeanor. And I think that's good: differences often lead to the most creative solutions."
“The more diversity the better, as long as it's embedded in an environment of mutual respect, cooperation and equality. That's exactly the environment I experience here. I'm very glad to work at a company where discrimination is not in play. For instance, we have strong policies, communities and confidants in place to make sure women get equal opportunities and fair treatment."
"I'm also happy VodafoneZiggo is attracting more female employees. The IT sector is lagging when it comes to employing women. It suits our company to be at the forefront of catching up. Not just because, business-wise, it's smart to tap into the huge female talent pool. Also because creating equal job opportunities befits VodafoneZiggo's commitment to social development."
"This commitment shows in various CSR projects, too. From supporting COVID-19 research and setting up networks in flooded areas to giving IT education to children and elderly people. I am not personally involved in such projects. But by dedicating myself fully to the company, it does feel like I'm contributing. I'm pleased to be part of an organisation that helps to build a better world."
