A tech platform is a reusable system that implements a core piece of functionality. Developers gain agility when using platforms, as they don’t need to implement the whole system from scratch and can focus on new, differentiating innovations.
It is impossible to build the large-scale, complex systems of our times without relying on platforms and their multiplier effect to build a scalable solution once and reuse it many times in all the company’s services. Modern technology organizations need to be highly collaborative, with connected teams and a creative environment where ideas can be generated, developed, and propagated.
A book about the ethos needed to build powerful platforms and companies.
Platforms are the seeds of innovation and require creativity and collaboration to blossom into the systems that positively impact our lives and society. Marcus Fontoura argues that a better world is possible through technology and that a platform mindset is the foundation for change.
The concepts presented in A Platform Mindset are available in a summarized form on this website (click on each section to read more). But the book is a much deeper dive into these themes. Fontoura shares personal stories and lessons to illustrate his vision of how technology must be intentionally planned and executed to drive long-lasting business. Buy the book and check out the full content.
I
Culture: Nurturing innovation and creativity in a tech company
In this section, the author highlights the importance of attracting and motivating top talent and inspiring people while allowing mistakes to be seen as opportunities for learning rather than failures. Fontoura encourages experimentation that can lead to discovery and growth. Additionally, he provides practical advice on building, developing, organizing, and managing an effective and confident technology team.
II
Technology: The value of reusable platforms and standardized engineering tools
Building reusable platforms enhances productivity and teamwork. This part of the book emphasizes the significance of maintaining consistent processes, even during incidents, and investing in the commonality of systems and engineering tools. Fontoura also underscores the role of code review in educating and strengthening the team and the company’s culture.
III
Leadership: Attributes of a leader and an agent of social change
The third part of the book talks about leaders who can create a respectful and inclusive environment where diverse teams feel empowered to contribute. It also explores the social impact of technology teams, both within organizations and in broader society, particularly through education. Here, the author shares his leadership philosophy for implementing these principles with no magical solutions.
Marcus Fontoura
Marcus Fontoura is a technical fellow and CTO for Azure Core at Microsoft. He works on efforts related to large-scale distributed systems, data centers, and engineering productivity. Fontoura has had several roles as an architect and research scientist in big tech companies, such as Yahoo! and Google, and was most recently the CTO at Stone, a leading Brazilian fintech.
All author proceeds will be donated to organizations supported by Microsoft Philanthropies.
Amazon Reviews
In the press
A Magazine from Microsoft - It's not a new technology, it's a new way of working - Marcus Fontoura interviews Satya Nadella on the platform mindset - Issue 1, Spring 2025.
Chief Executive MagazineInnovation by Design: Lessons From Google and Microsoft
Authority MagazineOperational Scalability: Microsoft’s Marcus Fontoura On How Set Up Systems, Procedures, And People To Prepare A Business To Scale
Addicted2SuccessHow to Hire Top Talent and Create a Culture They’ll Never Want to Leave
GeekWire PodcastPlatforms, AI, and the future of software teams: Are we seeing a new era of human creativity?
CEOWorld MagazineTechnology shouldn’t be an afterthought – Make it the backbone of business
CEOWorld MagazineGreat books on AI for business leaders
Mastering Tech Growth podcastInterview with Mike Sirius – Built to break or built to scale? Why 10x growth demands a platform mindset
StartupNationTo scale your business, start systems integration at the startup phase
CIO MagazineTechnology shouldn’t be an afterthought – Make it the backbone of business
The TJB American Business MagazineIncidents will happen – Prepare your technology team to address them
ChiefExecutiveInnovation by design: Lessons from Google and Microsoft
Grit DailyTech Innovator Marcus Fontoura extols the value of a “Platform Mindset” for accelerating collaboration and innovation
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