🗓 28 October 2024
I’m moving on from Docker, heading off to start work on something new. More on that soon, but first, a few thoughts and thank yous…
I joined Docker shortly after they acquired Atomist, to help build a product around the platform, and an idea to make software supply chain security easier for developers working on containerised apps.
I’ve been very lucky to have worked with such a talented group of designers, engineers, and security experts who helped make that vision happen, and created Docker Scout from scratch. So much has been built: a SaaS platform, a CLI, web GUI, and integrations with Docker Desktop, Docker Hub, and other tools in the software ecosystem. And there’s more great stuff on the roadmap. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Docker Scout in GitHub Copilot and VSCode. The ingenuity and persistence that Docker’s engineers demonstrate building for the Docker developer community is something else.
Not only did we need to bring a new product to life, but it had to be commercially viable in a crowded market. I’ve learned so much about positioning and GTM from a great bunch of people in sales, marketing, and solutions engineering. Establishing Docker Scout as a core part of the Docker’s commercial offering and achieving PLG and SLG – in parallel! – was a big ask, but we made it happen.
Finally, it’s been a privilege to spend the past two years helping developers improve container security. Thank you to all the hundreds of developers who shared their time and thoughts with me, contributed feedback and helped shape and improve Docker Scout.
So, with millions of developers now using Docker Scout and that original mission accomplished, it’s time for me to move on.
Special thanks to some people who had a big impact on my own development: Christian Dupuis for schooling me in next-level dedication to customers problems, and for teaching me complex things with patience; James Carnegie and James Clark for broadening my thinking, and in turn the product vision; Yeevon Ooi for humouring my out-there ideas about designing developer tools; Savannah Ostrowski for showing the sort of communication and collaboration skills that makes really great things happen, quickly; Rachel Taylor for her strategic insight into a complex space and helping out; Jason Dunne for pushing me to think bigger about PLG and GTM; Matt Gibbs for showing me what PM excellence means across functions; and Mathew Wilson and Justin Cormack for giving me this opportunity back in 2022.
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© Jonathan Roberts 2024
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