what if customers are product owners
I should be the product owner. The product is an integration of different products. Eeach product is developed by a squad that has its own product owner. However, the product owners are also the matter expert and the final users (or at least the most important representative of the few final users). It is a big company and the application is for internal user, basically reporting. This setup gives me headheache. I cannot decide priorities. i cannot write the backlog. My participation in the project is not clear at all. I am like the representative of my line manager who is responsible for the overall outcome and budget. who am i and how my role fit in an agile setup?
I am like the representative of my line manager who is responsible for the overall outcome and budget.
It sounds like that manager may be the Product Owner, in so far as they could well be accountable for value, and are likely to carry the can if value is not delivered. You on the other hand would not.
Does that manager actually recognize himself or herself as fulfilling a PO's accountability?
Well, yes, he would be responsible for all the work done by the POs contributing to the whole platform. Some of those POs are not even in contact with me but with him directly because they are also line managers...so it looks to me that i am helping him to be in touch with some people because it woudl be overwhelming to align with 7 POs...so...I am like? Assistant/proxy PO?
You can call it that if you wish. The Scrum Guide makes it clear that the PO can delegate their work to others, although they will remain accountable.
This will hold true even if you are not in a position to effectively manage the Product Backlog on their behalf. It may, therefore, be wise to discuss with them the risks they are taking.