Hortonworks identified the need for more formal training as their team grew from 25 to over 1000, with a focus on effectively passing on the Apache culture. They developed a one-hour training curriculum that covers various aspects of the Apache way and aimed to integrate this training into their onboarding process. Initial beta tests have been successful, and they plan to expand training to customer-facing groups while sharing resources with others.

1. Training Our Team in
the Apache Way
Alan Gates
Co-Founder
Hortonworks
@alanfgates

2. © Hortonworks Inc. 2011 – 2016. All Rights Reserved
Hortonworks Contributes to a Few Apache Projects

3. © Hortonworks Inc. 2011 – 2016. All Rights Reserved
Houston, we have a problem
 In 5 years went from a company of 25 to > 1000
– engineering grew from 22 to ~300
 Original engineers and corporate leaders understood the Apache way
 Depended on osmosis to train new team members
 What works in a company of 25 does not work in a company of 1000+
 Apache has ways to train new community members and new communities
– e.g. the Incubator
 We realized that we were not getting knowledge out quickly enough to new team
members
– Particularly those not directly contributing to Apache (managers, marketing, ...)
– Even some of our engineering teams were growing so quickly they were struggling to pass on the
Apache culture effectively

4. © Hortonworks Inc. 2011 – 2016. All Rights Reserved
I have a cunning plan
 It was time to become more formal in our training
 Developed curriculum for a one hour training session on Apache
 Working on an FAQ so everyone will know where to go when they have questions
 Working extensively with marketing, PR, and conferences teams to review their material
 Initial focus on teams in engineering
– developers, doc writers, QE, UI/UX designers, product and project managers
– will role out to customer facing groups (sales, marketing, support) as well

5. © Hortonworks Inc. 2011 – 2016. All Rights Reserved
Let me explain. No there is too much, let me sum up.
 Apache and the Apache Way
 Apache License
 Why we choose to work with Apache
 How to handle being both a Hortonworker and a part of Apache
 Best practices and things to avoid
 Trademarks
Training includes:

6. © Hortonworks Inc. 2011 – 2016. All Rights Reserved
It’s worked so far, but we’re not out yet
 Beta tested on engineering managers
 Have started running all of engineering through it
 Working on making it a standard part of our new hire training
 Have received positive feedback from initial attendees
 Happy to share my experiences and materials with others

7. Thank You