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My name is Maksim Zhirnov. I’m a Growth Marketing Expert & MarTech Engineer. I help tech companies scale through data-driven marketing strategies, powered by my engineering background. I love building marketing systems that drive growth and sharing insights on the intersection of technology and customer acquisition.
Kanban in Software: A Practical Guide Beyond Scrum Theater

Kanban in Software: A Practical Guide Beyond Scrum Theater

Introduction In the world of software development, methodologies come and go, each promising to be the silver bullet for efficient project management. Among these, Kanban has carved out a niche for itself as a methodology that emphasizes flexibility, visualization, and continuous improvement. Unlike its more structured cousin, Scrum, Kanban allows teams to adapt and evolve organically, avoiding what many refer to as “Scrum theater”—the ritualistic adherence to Scrum practices without the underlying spirit of agility....

June 19, 2026 · 5 min · 871 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Kubernetes for Side Projects: Overkill or the Best Learning Investment?

Kubernetes for Side Projects: Overkill or the Best Learning Investment?

Introduction Kubernetes—love it or loathe it, this orchestral maestro of containers has become the talk of the town in the DevOps world. But is it the right choice for your side projects? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Kubernetes ecosystem, explore its benefits and challenges, and decide whether it’s worth the investment for side projects. So buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let’s embark on this Kubernetes journey!...

June 15, 2026 · 3 min · 573 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Recognizing the Right Time to Split Functionality into a Separate Service

Recognizing the Right Time to Split Functionality into a Separate Service

Introduction Deciding when to split functionality into a separate service is a critical decision in software architecture. It can significantly impact the scalability, maintainability, and overall success of your application. In this article, we’ll explore the key indicators that suggest it’s time to consider splitting your functionality into a separate service, and we’ll provide practical guidance on how to do it effectively. Why Split Functionality? Splitting functionality into separate services offers several benefits:...

June 12, 2026 · 5 min · 879 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Tech Debt as a Competitive Advantage in Fast-Moving Markets

Tech Debt as a Competitive Advantage in Fast-Moving Markets

Introduction In the whirlwind of fast-moving markets, where agility and speed often trump perfection, the concept of technical debt (or tech debt) has evolved from a necessary evil into a potential strategic advantage. This article delves into how and why tech debt can be leveraged to gain a competitive edge, providing practical insights and examples for developers and decision-makers. What is Tech Debt? Tech debt refers to the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy (and potentially less optimal) solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer....

June 8, 2026 · 3 min · 622 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Designing Meaningful Health Checks That Reflect Real System Status

Designing Meaningful Health Checks That Reflect Real System Status

Introduction Health checks are the heartbeat of any reliable system. They provide essential insights into the operational status of services, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues. However, not all health checks are created equal. A poorly designed health check can give a false sense of security or, worse, lead to unnecessary downtime. In this article, we’ll explore how to design meaningful health checks that truly reflect the real status of your system....

June 5, 2026 · 4 min · 696 words · Maxim Zhirnov