# OpenTag: Simplified Kafka for Gaming Platform

> "Once we discovered Conduktor, our lives became a whole lot easier. Once someone adopts the platform, it becomes their go-to tool and Kafka becomes available to everyone, not just those with Kafka experience." - Rea Maor, CTO & Co-founder

## Executive Summary

In 2020, OpenTag managed Kafka with Kafka CLI and found the experience challenging. After partnering with Conduktor, OpenTag transformed their complex, multi-tool and multi-module Kafka experience into a powerful, streamlined workflow.

OpenTag's data strategy is built on Apache Kafka. Kafka is the backbone that drives the firm's platform, consisting of multiple microservices in different modules across several major domains. Kafka transforms OpenTag's business into a real-time operation, providing scale, flexibility, and incredible access to data.

## Challenge

Kafka is powerful but presents challenges due to its complexity. Before Conduktor, OpenTag found Kafka complicated to work with—it was only understood by a select few.

This created several problems:

- **Uneven playing field** — Only specialists could work with Kafka effectively
- **Increased DevOps workload** — Senior management spent too much time on Kafka operations
- **Untapped potential** — Kafka's power remained inaccessible due to high entry barriers

## Solution

Conduktor brings immense value to the entire department including DevOps, Ops, and senior management. It is now the go-to tool that gives all users the knowledge and access they need to use Kafka—bringing the entire team to the same level of understanding.

Key benefits include:

- **Reduced workload** — Less time wasted for DevOps and senior management managing Apache Kafka
- **Full Kafka utilization** — The firm can now fully access and utilize Kafka's power
- **Faster time-to-market** — Using Kafka's flexibility and scalability to roll into multiple markets quickly
- **Universal compatibility** — Connects to every [Kafka cluster](https://docs.conduktor.io/guide/conduktor-in-production/admin/configure-clusters) and any version (Apache, MSK, Confluent)
- **Fast onboarding** — Easy sandboxing and accelerated learning curve for new team members

## Results

- **Reduced DevOps workload** — Team members across all departments can now self-serve
- **Faster time-to-market** — Rapid expansion into new gaming markets
- **Democratized Kafka access** — Kafka is now available to everyone, not just specialists

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How does Conduktor simplify Kafka for non-specialists?**

Conduktor provides an intuitive interface that gives all users the knowledge and access they need to use Kafka, eliminating the steep learning curve and enabling faster onboarding.

**What Kafka providers does Conduktor support?**

Conduktor connects to every Kafka cluster and any version including Apache Kafka, Amazon MSK, and Confluent Cloud with universal compatibility.

**How does Conduktor reduce DevOps overhead?**

By providing self-service access to Kafka for all team members, DevOps and senior management spend less time on Kafka operations and more on strategic initiatives.

## Related Customer Stories

- [Retail: 99% Faster Kafka Onboarding](https://www.conduktor.io/customer-stories/one-hour-kafka-onboarding-retail-streaming-operations) — **Retail** — 1 hour onboarding. "An intern went from no Kafka knowledge to a working connector in a week."
- [Virgin Australia Saves 300 Hours/Month](https://www.conduktor.io/customer-stories/virgin-australia-increases-operational-efficiency-and-kafka-adoption-with-conduktor) — **Aviation** — Self-service. "It's been a game changer for efficiency and adoption."
- [FlixBus: Data Mesh for 50+ Teams](https://www.conduktor.io/customer-stories/flix) — **Transportation** — Team autonomy. "Conduktor easily integrated with our CI/CD pipelines."