The talk will touch upon our two-decade journey with sequencing technologies in microbiomics, focusing on our ability to approach true microbial dynamics. Christian will offer insights into Novozymes' microbiomics research, showcasing the effectiveness of ultra-simple 16s workflows in supporting shotgun-based microbiomics. Simultaneously, a key message is acknowledging the necessity for innovative sequencing strategies and technologies to understand and untangle the molecular semiotics within microbiomics as well as DNA sequencing in general. A central message is the importance of collaborative endeavors, open scientific practices, and innovative methodologies to redefine the core concept of "next generation" within DNA sequencing's domain.