Erik Osterman
CEO & Founder of Cloud Posse
Founder & CEO of Cloud Posse. DevOps thought leader.
35 Articles
The Role of Open Source Module Libraries in a Post-AI World
Open source Terraform module libraries are infrastructure's equivalent of npm and PyPI—battle-tested foundations that become even more critical when AI enters the picture.
Own Your Infrastructure
AI leveled the playing field. You don't need vendor platforms anymore. Here's what real infrastructure ownership looks like and why it's your strategic advantage.
Why Terraform Is More Relevant Than Ever in the AI Era
Generative AI doesn't replace infrastructure as code—it supercharges it. Here's why IaC is the perfect foundation for agentic development.
You Need More AWS Accounts Than You Think
Your lead engineer thinks 10 AWS accounts is overkill. Here's why starting clean is weeks of work, while untangling later is 6-12 months of migration pain.
Service-Oriented Terraform: Why the Patterns That Work for Software Work for Infrastructure
Infrastructure as Code follows the same architectural principles software engineering established decades ago. Here's why service-oriented patterns aren't workarounds—they're the right way to build.
Building Enterprise-Grade Terraform: A Practical Guide
Ready to build enterprise-grade Terraform? This guide covers the architectural patterns, governance frameworks, and practical implementation steps that successful teams use to balance compliance with team autonomy.
Nobody Runs Native Terraform (and That's Okay)
Let's be honest — nobody runs native Terraform. We all use wrappers, orchestrators, and frameworks. Here's why that's not just okay, it's necessary.
SOC 2 Made Simple: Why Implementation Beats Audit Prep Every Time
Learn why SOC 2 compliance is an implementation problem, not a paperwork problem—and how the right AWS foundation turns controls into code and evidence into automation.
Terraliths vs Componentized Terraform: Where's the Real Line?
When should you stick with a Terralith? When should you componentize Terraform? Here's how to know where the line is—and how Cloud Posse approaches it.
Why GitHub Enterprise Is Worth It (Even for Small Teams)
If you're using GitHub to ship production software and working with multiple teams or contractors, GitHub Enterprise isn't optional—it's the only way to govern your software supply chain safely.
The Modern Stack on AWS
A modern AWS stack using Terraform, GitHub Actions, and open source modules.
Why Enterprise Terraform is Different
Enterprise Terraform isn't just about choosing the right tools. It's about understanding why the gap between DevOps freedom and compliance oversight creates architectural challenges that can't be patched up. Here's what makes it hard.
Why You Shouldn't Reinvent Your AWS Architecture
Why a battle-tested, opinionated reference architecture is a better starting point than building a custom AWS architecture from zero — and how successful teams avoid common traps.
Why Publicly Traded Companies and Fintechs Choose Cloud Posse for AWS Platform Engineering
What makes Cloud Posse a uniquely credible, trustworthy partner for building AWS cloud platforms — and why engineering leaders at publicly traded companies, fintechs, and startups trust our model.
Why Moving Fast Matters More Than Getting Everything Perfect
Why it's more valuable to launch cloud platforms fast and evolve — instead of getting stuck trying to perfect the architecture first. Hard lessons learned from helping teams ship real platforms.
Terraform Apply: Before or After Merge?
Should Terraform apply run before or after merging code? Here's how successful teams optimize Terraform workflows for safer, more reliable infrastructure delivery.
Why Infrastructure Needs Frameworks — Now
Why developer experience in infrastructure is stuck — and why bringing frameworks to IaC is the key to moving faster, safer, and smarter in the cloud.
Why Building Greenfield AWS Infrastructure From Scratch is Slower, Harder, and Riskier Than You Expect
Learn why building AWS infrastructure from scratch is more complex, slower, and riskier than teams expect — and how successful teams avoid common pitfalls to accelerate delivery.
Why Companies Fail at Terraform
What is a DevOps Accelerator? (And Why Smart Teams Use One)
A DevOps Accelerator is a proven, repeatable process with prebuilt materials and expert guidance — helping engineering teams deliver cloud platforms faster and safer than DIY approaches.
How to Pick Your Primary AWS Region?
Should You Run Stateful Systems via Container Orchestration?
Jenkins Pros & Cons (2020)
West LA DevOps Presents: Geodesic - Cloud Automation Shell (Video & Slides)
Geodesic is a toolbox for automating everything in your DevOps workflow.