Introducing SONIC: A reference architecture for AI developer experiences in platform engineering

This talk introduces the SONIC framework (surface integration, observability, network, integrations, and compute) as a blueprint for AI-ready infrastructure. Attendees will learn about the importance of context repositories to help AI understand codebases and how standards like Model Context Protocol (MCP) relate to platforms. The session covers why platform engineers must plan for the “time between disengagements” paradigm, where autonomous agents work alongside human developers, and why “the agentic standard” is essential when evaluating AI developer tools. Participants will leave with a practical reference architecture to prepare platforms for AI, including strategies for tactical bottom-up adoption and strategic top-down implementation. Learn more: https://platformcon.com/sessions/introducing-sonic-a-reference-architecture-for-ai-developer-experiences-in-platform-engineering