At CloudSuite, I thought: I'm going to be very happy here

Alexander Kramer - DevOps Engineer

Actually, I didn't want to work in Houten, but closer to Amersfoort, where I live. However, the technical support role I was doing at that time didn't offer enough challenge anymore, and CloudSuite sounded interesting and technical. I talked to Okko and Eric (former CTO), and my initial thought was: I fit in here, these are people I'm going to be happy with. And if these directors are so warm and relaxed, how must the atmosphere on the rest of the work floor be? I went for it, and now, about 2.5 years later, I absolutely have no regrets.

First point of contact

I have a background in neuropsychology and movement sciences and am truly a theorist and researcher. DevOps fits perfectly with those characteristics. DevOps is not so much a job title but a way of working—the glue between development and operations. The DevOps team ensures that everything runs smoothly technically by automating and providing insight into everything that happens.

An example:

The CloudSuite product releases an update every month. We have automated this process so well that we don't have to do anything for the monthly installation.

Point of contact

Additionally, the DevOps team is the first (internal) point of contact when something goes wrong technically.

Facilitating role

As a DevOps Engineer, I have a facilitating role and don't create software myself, but I'm mainly involved in understanding what my colleagues in the development team are doing, what they need, and how they spend their time. Then, I look at how I can make their work easier or more automated.

Helping Front-end

Another example: when a Front-end Developer was developing a webshop, they could see how it looked locally but not in the 'real world.' So, we created an acceptance environment, making the webshop available on the internet through a generated link. The client can then navigate through it, which is ideal.

Efficiency boost

In short, with small interventions, I ensure that a colleague saves a bit of time and a lot of energy each time.

Complete freedom

As a DevOps professional, it's important to have a helpful character. You must continuously focus on what you can do for other teams. Additionally, a strong interest in technology and automation is crucial. Knowing a bit about everything as a generalist is more useful than being a specialist. If you meet these basic requirements, there are plenty of exciting challenges waiting for you here. Personally, I appreciate that you get complete freedom at CloudSuite. I investigate which processes are still running smoothly and need change. Then, we plan it, and I just go ahead and do it.

One team, one task

The good feeling I had right from the start 2.5 years ago has never changed. The atmosphere is pleasant, and there's no one I'd rather not work with. At CloudSuite, we are a cohesive unit because we all work on one specific product. Successes are celebrated, and people are appreciated

CS trips

I also want to highlight the outings together. Well, 'outings' doesn't quite cover it... I was used to leisurely afternoons with colleagues in a covered wagon, but at CloudSuite, we went to Valencia for a long weekend altogether. Three days of going out and exploring the city. 'The combination of great technology, sufficient challenges, and camaraderie make CloudSuite the perfect development place for me.'