Hello friends! Today is all about Calin Don who will be talking about “Automating WordPress Operations with Kubernetes“. Let’s get know him a little bit better.

• When and how did you start working with WordPress?

It was early 2006 when I’ve built the very first WordPress website. I was a student back then, volunteering for BEST in Timisoara and one of my first challenges was to build presentation websites for various events the NGO was organizing. I remember feeling uncomfortable with the idea of building static websites, which was not an ideal approach to such a fast moving organization. That was the moment when I took the risk and built the website using WordPress 2.0. It convinced me because of it’s easy to use interface, which has significantly sped up the development process even to a newcomer like me. A year later, I was doing it like a pro, as I was already making a living out of my WordPress skills—I co-founded a software development agency called Dream Production, where we were building mainly WordPress websites for a wide array of industries and businesses.

• Why did you choose this topic for your presentation?
  

I decided to approach the idea of Automating WordPress Operations with Kubernetes mainly because I’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort to studying and implementing various integrations between the two technologies, which got me the idea that Kubernetes is a technology which can help WordPress renew itself in ways that ultimately depend on those who use it, and at WordCamp Bucharest I’m going to explain to you why.

We’ve met, lately, also in Romania some high-end WordPress services providers, both agencies and publishers, which not only responded positively but also use our services. They are among those which have inspired us to reshape our WordPress hosting infrastructure, which lately has become Kubernetes-centric. Our tools are addressed mainly to enterprises with more complex processes and higher expectations from their clients, but lately, we’ve also geared towards tech enthusiasts which are perfectionists and want to better manage an operational complexity.

Another important reason is that this combo really simplifies day to day operations. We expect agencies to be present at WC Bucharest and to be curious about learning more about this topic, as it benefits them directly.

• What will we learn from your presentation?

My aim is to share with the audience what we’ve experienced during the past year since we’ve been having fun with Kubernetes for WordPress. Those who will join my presentation can enjoy practical insights on what Kubernetes stands for, how it works and, most importantly, the meeting point between Kubernetes and WordPress. You can also see what we’ve written and open-sourced to glue the two together. Of course, the operations you can automate and how this influences your development activity is among my priorities.  

• What do you like to do when you’re not WordPress-ing?

I don’t get to do this a lot, but, whenever I get the chance, I really enjoy taking some time with my family and friends for outdoor activities, such as skiing and crafting a juicy barbeque. Going to the spa is another way to let new ideas soak in!  

• Few words for the WordPress Bucharest community

I can’t wait to drink a beer with you, guys.

Want to get to meet Calin and all the other speakers? Get your ticket now and join us for WordCamp Bucharest.