Our Podcast

Blue Blazes

Just like obstacles blocking a hiking trail, barriers in the path to a successful software project can be frustrating. When you encounter one, it helps to take a trail marked with blue blazes to go around the problem, get back on course, and keep moving forward. In this series, we talk with industry experts who share their best tips for avoiding obstacles on the path to successful software projects.

Most Recent Episode

S02E10: Blazor – featuring Steve Sanderson & Javier Calvarro Nelson

In this episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Steve Sanderson and Javier Calvarro Nelson about Blazor, a web UI framework for .NET. They explore the various capabilities of Blazor, including its support for WebAssembly, server-side rendering, and mobile applications via .NET MAUI. Steve and Javier discuss the different modes Blazor can operate in, such as server, WebAssembly, and auto mode, and how these modes enhance flexibility and performance. They also delve into the challenges and solutions related to SEO, security, and state management in Blazor applications. Tune in to learn how Blazor can help you build versatile and efficient web applications using .NET.

Other Recent Episodes

September 16, 2024
In this episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Luis Quintanilla about ML.NET, an open-source, cross-platform machine learning framework within the .NET ecosystem. They delve into the capabilities of ML.NET, including building data transformation pipelines and training custom models. Luis explains how ML.NET simplifies the machine learning process for .NET developers, making it accessible without needing extensive data science expertise. Tune in to learn how ML.NET can help you incorporate machine learning into your .NET applications efficiently and effectively.
August 12, 2024
In this episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Neal about architectural fitness functions and how they can serve as unit tests for your software architecture. They explore how incorporating fitness functions into your development process ensures that your system’s architectural characteristics remain consistent and reliable over time. They also look at why automating these checks allows you to catch deviations early and maintain a high standard of quality in your projects.
July 15, 2024
In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Jimmy Bogard about vertical slice architecture (VSA), and how using it in your software projects can help make them more predictably successful. We delve into how VSA organizes your code by feature, allowing you to more easily and reliably make the most common type of changes to your application.
June 17, 2024
In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Mark Richards about how architecture decision records can improve your software development process. You might know Mark from his books. This episode includes lots of ground, including the best place to store your ADRs where they are accessible and versionable, how you can use ADRs to document key decisions and their rationale, tips for preventing recurring debates about past architectural decisions, and the best way to improve collaboration and understanding between developers and stakeholders.
May 13, 2024
In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Mike Hartington from Ionic about the ins and outs of hybrid mobile app development. Mike, an expert in mobile development, gives listeners a great overview of why you would want to explore building your applications as hybrid apps instead of native apps. A few of the topics covered include: How using a familiar set of web technologies to build your mobile apps drives efficiencies On-the-fly updates to apps Use cases like games where hybrid web apps aren’t a good option
April 15, 2024
In this podcast episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Olivia Liddell from AWS about the intricacies of serverless computing. Olivia, a seasoned solutions architect, demystifies serverless technology, emphasizing its practicality and the mindset shift required for effective use.
March 11, 2024
In this podcast episode, Cecilia discusses the nuances of low-code and no-code solutions with Blue Blazes host, J. Tower. She explains that low-code is just another abstraction layer that allows developers to build applications visually within a development environment. Cecelia distinguishes low-code from no-code solutions, highlighting the flexibility and scalability that low-code platforms offer. She also addresses common misconceptions about low-code, emphasizing its applicability even to experienced developers who appreciate its ability to abstract complexity. Finally, she touches on the role of AI in enhancing low-code solutions, envisioning a future where AI accelerates software development processes even more. Throughout the conversation, the guest and host both provide insights into the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of low-code development.
February 12, 2024
Giving the right users appropriate access to technology resources is Data Security 101. For security purposes, you may want to utilize a framework of policies and technologies known as identity and access management (IAM). Join us on today’s journey and see how using a third-party provider for IAM can help make your software projects more predictably successful. In this episode, we’re covering: · The first steps for implementing IAM · Stability of third-party IAM implementations · Zero trust architecture (ZTA) · Innovations that are making MFA easier for users. Corey Weathers graciously stops by Blue Blazes and shares insights about IAM, Okta, and more. During his chat with host J. Tower, Corey gives thoughts on when not to use an IAM solution, different UI platforms that can allow developers to take advantage of SSO services, and what you may need to give up when using a third-party IAM in exchange for its benefits.
January 16, 2024
Do you want efficient, predictably successful software projects? Would you like to enhance your team’s skills? Online courses and training allow you to accomplish both. But with so many options out there, how do you know: Which courses and programs are worth utilizing? How to get the most out of online learning experiences? What are common roadblocks in online learning (and how can you overcome them)? How to tailor these learning experiences for specific company, team, and project needs? Educator extraordinaire Tim Corey helps us kick off Season 2 of Blue Blazes by walking you through the intricacies of effective online learning. The 6-time Microsoft MVP, renowned YouTuber, and published author generously shares his knowledge and wisdom to help you and your team get the absolute most out of your online learning experiences.
December 11, 2023
Struggling with selecting the right language or framework for your software projects? Unsure if C# and .NET are the right fit? Learn how these technologies can help solve common coding challenges around maintainability, cross-platform support, productivity, and more. Discover specific advantages of C# over JavaScript for certain applications. Get best practice recommendations for ensuring security and optimal performance. Understand how .NET Core enables scalable, cross-platform development. Ten-time Microsoft MVP and veteran coder Matthew Groves accompanies us on this episode of Blue Blazes to provide insider guidance for leveraging C# and .NET capabilities in software development. Check it out to equip yourself with actionable insights that can help make your project a success.
November 13, 2023
It can be tricky to know when to use third-party component libraries and which ones to use. While these libraries can be crucial in making modern software projects more successful, it’s important to know: · When to use third-party components versus building custom ones · How third-party components help you be performant, consistent, and cross-platform · What advantages paid libraries offer over free component libraries Your host, J. Tower, and today’s guest, Sam Basu, answer these questions and guide you through a range of topics related to third-party component libraries. Join them on this journey and learn how to get the most out of these valuable libraries.
October 16, 2023
Cassandra Faris—community manager for Kasten by Veeam, president of the Stir Scholarship, and international speaker—joins J. in the newest episode of Blue Blazes. Together, the two discuss how to fail successfully, covering topics that include: What it means to fail successfully Why perfectionism can prevent improvement How failure and vulnerability relate to agile methodology In addition, our guides on this journey share resources, explore the pitfalls of a “fail fast” mentality, and offer thoughts on how software teams should think about the concept of blame when failure happens. Check it out to gain some great insights and helpful tips:

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Long before you come across blue blazes, you chart a course. To help you plan your own journey, we’re happy to provide you with resources here on the Trailhead website.

Of course, if you ever would like guidance from seasoned vets in the software industry, our team can be a resource for you as well. Please feel free to reach out if you want expert assistance and let’s see where we can go together.

Our Gear Is Packed and We're Excited to Explore With You

Ready to come with us? 

Together, we can map your company’s software journey and start down the right trails. If you’re set to take the first step, simply fill out our contact form. We’ll be in touch quickly – and you’ll have a partner who is ready to help your company take the next step on its software journey. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Main Contact

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Together, we can map your company’s tech journey and start down the trails. If you’re set to take the first step, simply fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch – and you’ll have a partner who cares about you and your company. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Montage Portal

Montage Furniture Services provides furniture protection plans and claims processing services to a wide selection of furniture retailers and consumers.

Project Background

Montage was looking to build a new web portal for both Retailers and Consumers, which would integrate with Dynamics CRM and other legacy systems. The portal needed to be multi tenant and support branding and configuration for different Retailers. Trailhead architected the new Montage Platform, including the Portal and all of it’s back end integrations, did the UI/UX and then delivered the new system, along with enhancements to DevOps and processes.

Logistics

We’ve logged countless miles exploring the tech world. In doing so, we gained the experience that enables us to deliver your unique software and systems architecture needs. Our team of seasoned tech vets can provide you with:

Custom App and Software Development

We collaborate with you throughout the entire process because your customized tech should fit your needs, not just those of other clients.

Cloud and Mobile Applications

The modern world demands versatile technology, and this is exactly what your mobile and cloud-based apps will give you.

User Experience and Interface (UX/UI) Design

We want your end users to have optimal experiences with tech that is highly intuitive and responsive.

DevOps

This combination of Agile software development and IT operations provides you with high-quality software at reduced cost, time, and risk.

Trailhead stepped into a challenging project – building our new web architecture and redeveloping our portals at the same time the business was migrating from a legacy system to our new CRM solution. They were able to not only significantly improve our web development architecture but our development and deployment processes as well as the functionality and performance of our portals. The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Trailhead has proven themselves to be a valuable partner.

– BOB DOERKSEN, Vice President of Technology Services
at Montage Furniture Services

Technologies Used

When you hit the trails, it is essential to bring appropriate gear. The same holds true for your digital technology needs. That’s why Trailhead builds custom solutions on trusted platforms like .NET, Angular, React, and Xamarin.

Expertise

We partner with businesses who need intuitive custom software, responsive mobile applications, and advanced cloud technologies. And our extensive experience in the tech field allows us to help you map out the right path for all your digital technology needs.

  • Project Management
  • Architecture
  • Web App Development
  • Cloud Development
  • DevOps
  • Process Improvements
  • Legacy System Integration
  • UI Design
  • Manual QA
  • Back end/API/Database development

We partner with businesses who need intuitive custom software, responsive mobile applications, and advanced cloud technologies. And our extensive experience in the tech field allows us to help you map out the right path for all your digital technology needs.

Our Gear Is Packed and We're Excited to Explore with You

Ready to come with us? 

Together, we can map your company’s tech journey and start down the trails. If you’re set to take the first step, simply fill out the contact form. We’ll be in touch – and you’ll have a partner who cares about you and your company. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

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