In early 2022, Lyft already had a comprehensive Machine Learning Platform called LyftLearn composed of model serving, training, CI/CD, feature serving, and model monitoring systems.
On the real-time front, LyftLearn supported real-time inference and input feature validation. However, streaming data was not supported as a first-class citizen across many of the platform’s systems — such as training, complex monitoring, and others.
While several teams were using streaming data in their Machine Learning (ML) workflows, doing so was a laborious process, sometimes requiring weeks or months of engineering effort. On the flip side, there was a substantial appetite to build real-time ML systems from developers at Lyft.