Explore a 15-minute conference talk that delves into the evolution of platform engineering and platform as a product, offering valuable insights from two decades of experience. Learn from Colin Humphreys' mistakes and successes as he shares five crucial lessons to improve platform engineering practices. Discover why platform engineering became necessary, how the concept of platform as a product emerged to enhance effectiveness, and gain practical knowledge to avoid common pitfalls. Examine real-world scenarios where platform engineering went wrong and uncover simple patterns to enhance both your work and your customers' experiences. Gain a deeper understanding of the field's history and future direction through this open discussion on platform engineering's challenges and opportunities.