research2 australia

Category: platform engineering

  • Stewardship, Steering and Control

    Stewardship, Steering and Control

    The end of the function?

    A mathematical function will, by definition, deliver the same result from the same inputs at all times.

    Schematic depiction of a function described metaphorically as a “machine” or “black box” that for each input yields a corresponding output (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_(mathematics))

    “AI” proposes that the function is no longer the sole foundation of the digital computing machine and its purpose. There is now an alternative probablistic paradigm. What is to be done?

    Cybernetics can help. with “AI”, the boundary of the system must be defined and fortified to encapsulate processing as an independent activity. A quarantine must be established.

    Why?

    Within the boundary, can an “AI” function be discerned over which control can prevail? No, because it is not possible to predict the outcome of an “AI” engine process from a given set of inputs and it is not possible to know all the potential outcomes that might result from a given set of inputs into this “AI” engine.

    We must follow the Greek not the Latin.

  • Steering through the Information Age: Why the Role of the CIO is Evolving

    Steering through the Information Age: Why the Role of the CIO is Evolving

    Digital transformation has become a catch-all term for modernization, but for technology leaders (now including the CEO), the reality is far more complex. It isn’t just about adopting AI or migrating to the cloud; it is about steering, in this case, a complex, highly-regulated and visible institution through continual and disruptive change. How to handle governance while simultaneously fostering innovation? How do you move beyond the hype of AI to find productive utility?

    In this exclusive masterclass series, we are stripping back the buzzwords. We are bringing together frontline executive expertise from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and the rigorous, systems-focused research from the ANU School of Cybernetics to provide a masterclass in executive leadership for our Information Age.

    Our masterclass is a workshop on the mechanics of transformation. Attendees will gain:

    • Frontline CBA Insights: Understand how the Commonwealth Bank delivered its Integrated Development Platform (IDP) and the governance lessons learned from one of Australia’s most complex digital environments.
    • The Cybernetic Framework: Move beyond simple project management. Learn to view transformation as a cybernetic system—where feedback loops, accountability, and controls are the true drivers of sustainable success.
    • AI Tooling Reality Check: Cut through the noise. Identify the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of current AI implementations and learn how to identify productive utility in your own deployments.
    • Strategic Design: Discover why the CIO must evolve into a lead architect of business strategy, ensuring technology is not just a service provider, but a core component of organizational resilience.
    • Practical Governance: Master the art of maintaining strict discipline and accountability in highly regulated environments while still enabling your teams to innovate rapidly.
    • Exclusive Networking: Engage with peers, experts from the ANU School of Cybernetics, and industry veterans to share experiences and build your roadmap for the future.

    Event Details:

    • Canberra Masterclass: Thursday, 17th September 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | The Innovation Space, Birch Building, ANU Campus.
    • Sydney Masterclass: Thursday, 22nd October 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Australian Institute of Directors, 1 Martin Place, Sydney.

    Why Attend?

    Whether you are a CIO, a technology executive, or an aspiring leader, this masterclass provides the precise toolkit required to lead with clarity. By examining the cybernetic nature of transformation, you will leave with a roadmap for managing complex, integrated systems—and the confidence to steer your organization effectively through the unexpected challenges of the future.

    Register for our Digital masterclasses in Canberra and Sydney here

  • Systems changing Systems

    Systems changing Systems

    Cybernetic effects from the introduction of an Integrated Development Platform (“IDP”) at the CBA offer further promise of productivity improvements.

    In this fourth conversation, Des and Gareth consider the technology categories and specific applications required to deploy “platform engineering” in DevOps at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (a highly visible, regulated institution).

    Bullet points?

    1. Commodification of Regulation in an “Opinionated” platform.
    2. CPS 230 – What is your vendor exposure? An articulation of good practice for buyers of I.T. services.
    3. Cloud – benefits, costs, P/L and Balance Sheet. Beware the concentration.
    4. The emergance of an iterative development process from new deployment efficiencies.
    5. What does this mean for the front-end inputs? Systems can change Systems in a cybernetic feedback effect.

    Media

    Vision delayed a tad in the recording below . . .

    Des Seeley and Gareth Davies discuss the technology of the Integrated Development Platform “IDP” at the CBA (Video and Audio)

  • “Meshing the Gears” – the “How” of Digital Transformation

    “Meshing the Gears” – the “How” of Digital Transformation

    In our third iTWire research (27th February 2026) conversation with Desmond Seeley, Delivery Executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia #CBA, the nitty-gritty of Digital Transformation in the DevOps function of a complex institution is considered.

    In our previous conversations, the “Why” and “What” of Digital Transformation in DevOps was discussed. At the #CBA, “Platform Engineering” has been identified as the required solution, based in part on the Google Model a significant extrapolation of the “portable” operating system.

    In this conversation, Des describes in detail the juggling exercise required to align a number of separate initiatives and priorities, perhaps half a dozen along a common path….and keep them there.

    Many of the ideas will be familiar though possibly under-appreciated in the zeitgeist and can be generally applied – iterative development, modular component delivery, identification of an early-adopter (“guinea-pig” or “champion” ?), marketing and selling the approach, essential where there is an element of “deferred gratification” where funds are allocated to the development of an “productive asset”, an engine that will deliver improved future results.

    How do you mesh the gears?

    Note for listeners and viewers – momentary glitch between 8.00 and 9.00 minutes in after which normal service is resumed !

    Video: Meshing the Gears (Video) – The How of Digital Transformation

    Audio: Meshing the Gears (Audio) – The How of Digital Transformation

    Further Reading

    The classic work on innovation and the adoption cycle:

    “Diffusion of Innovations” 5th edition, Everett M. Rogers ISBN: 9780743222099

  • “What?” – About Platform Engineering in DevOps

    “What?” – About Platform Engineering in DevOps

    On “Digital Transformation” in DevSecOps at the CBA; using modular-construction platforms for the support of digital product delivery.

    The “What?”

    In this conversation, second in a series of three (Why?, What?, How?) with Des Seeley, Delivery Executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the features and characteristics, benefits and costs of the “Platform Engineering” approach are considered.

    The Google Model

    Thirty years since Section 230 initiated the “platform” concept for “digital media” and paradoxically as vendor work platforms are under market pressure, the contemporary manifestation of the “portable operating system” offers a strong argument for adoption where industry-sector or organisation specific digital products are in continuous demand.

    Google provides a clear and coherent “base camp” for the exploration.

    Audio: “What? About Platform Engineering in DevOps”

    Video: “What? About Platform Engineering in DevOps“

  • Digital Transformation in DevOps

    Digital Transformation in DevOps

    “Platform Engineering”? Yes mate, not that “Platform Engineering”, this “Platform Engineering”

    Intrigued by the following statement in Desmond Seeley’s “New year, new tech reality” LinkedIn article:

    Three conversations with Sydney-based technology leaders last week all started the same way: “We’ve got AI tools, but they’re not moving the needle.”

    Gareth Davies of research2.au invited Des, C-Suite/Executive Leader, currently an Engineering Delivery Executive at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia #CBA for a discussion on the 2026 challenges faced by his team and enterprise function in a large, extremely complex, highly-regulated and very visible institution.

    In this, the first of three conversations, the “Why?” question is applied. Terms are defined in the general and the specific, the current state of play in #DevSecOps as the function is known at the #CBA is understood and the proposed solution introduced.

    In the next two conversations, the “What” and “How” will be considered.

    See you next time(s).

    Click on the forward arrow below to listen.

    Des on LinkedIn

    With introductory paragraphs by Des Seeley on LinkedIn

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