Security Audits Cause More Harm Than Good

Security audits are painful and often required for compliance but they aren’t adversarial unless you have a bad auditor or bad policy compliance. In this episode, Tom Hollingsworth sits down with Teren Bryson, Skye Fugate, and Ben Story to discuss the nuances of audits.


AI is Smarter Than Your Average Network Engineer

Recent advances in AI for IT have shown the huge potential for changing the way that we do work. However, AI can’t replace everyone in the workforce. In this episode, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Rita Younger, Josh Warcop, and Rob Coote as they look at how the hype surrounding AI must inevitably be reconciled with the reality of real people doing work.


Cyber Resiliency is Just Data Protection

Cyber Resiliency is a term that encompasses much more than simply protecting data. This episode features Tom Hollingsworth joined by Krista Macomber and Max Mortillaro discussing the additional features in a cyber resiliency solution and the need to understand how data needs to be safeguarded from destruction or exploitation.


Taking Security Seriously at Security Field Day 11

Mark your calendars for Wednesday and Thursday, April 10 and 11, and join Tech Field Day for Security Field Day, featuring industry leaders Aryaka, Index Engines, Zerto, and Palo Alto Networks. The event kicks off with Aryaka’s presentation on their SASE-as-a-Service, followed by Zerto discussing ransomware prevention, and Palo Alto Networks on Data Security Posture Management. On Thursday we have Index Engines unveiling their newest CyberSense capabilities. Tune in for the live event on LinkedIn and check out the Tech Field Day YouTube channel for on-demand replays.


Using AI to Enhance Forward Networks NQE

In this article, Tom Hollingsworth highlights Forward Networks’ new AI Assist feature for their Network Query Engine (NQE), emphasizing a user-friendly approach to complex network queries. This feature allows professionals to input plain language requests which are then translated into precise NQE syntax by AI, ensuring transparency and fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying system. Forward Networks’ approach to integrating AI not only streamlines the process of extracting network insights but also acts as a learning tool, bridging the gap between user intent and technical query execution. Read more in this Networking Field Day article sponsored by Forward Networks.


Reintroducing the Tech Field Day Podcast

The Tech Field Day Podcast returns! The name may change but the content and format are still the same. Read on to learn more about the history of the podcast and focus going forward with our new episodes.


New Networking Ideas at Networking Field Day 34

Networking Field Day 34 is February 28! It promises to showcase Forward Networks’ AI-driven network operations tools, Aviz Networks’ SONiC-based enterprise solutions, and NaaS insights from Nile. With a blend of newcomer energy and returning expertise, the event offers live presentations, interactive delegate discussions on pressing industry topics, and opportunities for the audience to engage with innovative network technologies. Tune into the live stream on the event page or the Tech Field Day LinkedIn page, engage with the conversation using the event hashtag, and catch up on sessions afterward on the Tech Field Day YouTube channel.


Excitement Abounds at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live EMEA 2024

Tech Field Day is ready to bring more insightful content at Cisco Live EMEA 2024 in Amsterdam, making an early impact with a schedule full of authoritative presentations from Cisco, IP Fabric, and NetBox Labs. The event kicks off with Cisco Enterprise Networking, including Meraki, followed by the Mass Scale Infrastructure team with intriguing new developments. Tune in for the live streams, join engaging security and networking discussions, and for those not in Europe, replays will be available on the Tech Field Day YouTube channel, ensuring no one misses out on this must-attend tech gathering.


Asking the Right Question About the Wireless Future

Tom Hollingsworth comments on Nick Swiatecki’s hesitations about the transition to Wi-Fi 7 during Cisco’s Mobility Field Day presentation. Tom highlights why the technology may not be ready for widespread adoption. His presentation underscored the gap between infrastructure readiness and client device compatibility with new wireless standards, likening premature deployments to utilizing cables incompatible with client Ethernet connections. His insights reinforce that while hardware progresses, significant performance gains are achieved through iterative improvements and harmonization of technology, rather than rushing to adopt the latest version number.


Wrapping Up a Year of Wireless With Mobility Field Day 10

Mobility Field Day 10, set to take place on November 15-16, 2023, promises a varied lineup of presentations from Cisco, Wyebot, Nile, and Ventev, offering cutting-edge solutions in wireless and mobility technology. This two-day event will feature a mixture of hardware reveals, technology updates, and discussions about the future of wireless tech. Viewers can tune into the live presentations streamed on the Tech Field Day website and join the conversation on the Tech Field Day LinkedIn page.


Setting a Foundation for Security With Security Field Day 10

Tom Hollingsworth announces Security Field Day 10, a virtual event on November 8, which will showcase presentations from Forward Networks and Druva. Forward Networks will introduce their innovative platform that efficiently diagnoses and remediates issues, while Druva will discuss their latest technological advances in data protection. The event will be live-streamed on LinkedIn and posted to YouTube!


Does Automation Require Reengineering?

Tom Hollingsworth explores the nuanced relationship between automation and pre-existing systems. He argues that while automation can expedite processes and reduce errors, it doesn’t necessarily improve or fundamentally change a system with inherent issues. He suggests that instead of investing valuable time in automating a flawed system, resources could be more effectively spent on reengineering the processes in a way that truly solves underlying issues and generates more value.


Navigating Data Security at the Edge

Security is one of the most debated areas in edge computing. In this delegate roundtable recorded at the recent Edge Field Day event, the panel uncovers the risks and security limitations of edge sites. Watch the roundtable or read the article at Gestalt IT that talks about navigating these risks.


Finishing Strong With Networking Field Day 33

Tech Field Day is back with the final Networking Field Day event of 2023, live on October 25 and 26, and featuring presentations from Graphiant, Cisco, RG Nets, Nokia, Fortinet, and Intel. Tom Hollingsworth and company anticipate exciting updates on growth, debut products, and new technology advancements in areas like SD-WAN, SASE, optical networking, digital experience monitoring, and sustainable networking solutions. The event will stream live on LinkedIn and the Networking Field Day 33 event page, encouraging audience engagement and inquiries.


Life on the Edge – a Roundtable Discussion

Some of the biggest discussions happening in IT are around edge computing. Based on a roundtable discussion from the recent Networking Field Day event, this article throws light on what IT insiders think of this new computing paradigm, and the course it will take in the ever-shifting IT landscape. Read the article at Gestalt IT, or watch the Delegate Roundtable Discussion on the website.


Modernizing the Extranet With Alkira

Extranets, also known as B2B networks, are essential for organizations to connect and provide additional services to each other. While this market has been dominated by a few providers, the lack of competition often leads to delays in provisioning connections. Fortunately, Alkira has introduced Extranet-as-a-Service, leveraging zero trust network architecture and cloud networking advancements to offer a more secure, scalable, and cost-effective alternative. With a familiar dashboard and consumption-based pricing, Alkira’s solution simplifies extranet management and enables secure data exchange, even in complex acquisition scenarios. Read more in this LinkedIn article by Tom Hollingsworth!


Ways to Amplify Unvalued Security Teams in Organizations

The security staff is often the most unappreciated members of a workforce. It is a problem that seems to be at the root of its failings. With the exponential growth of networks and the increasing number of breaches, it is clear that security is a pressing issue. However, there is a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the imperfections and limitations of security measures. It is essential for organizations to elevate awareness, forge a cohesive internal culture, and invest in the right tools and training to support their security teams. Additionally, responsible packaging and marketing from vendors can help buyers make informed decisions. Ultimately, removing obstacles and valuing security specialists is essential for ensuring cyber resilience. Watch the delegates from the recent Security Field Day event explore this at a roundtable discussion.


Meet Field Day Delegate – Roy Chua, Founder and Principal at AvidThink

Tom Hollingsworth interviews Roy Chua, Founder and Principal at AvidThink, in this Tech Field Day delegate spotlight. Roy shares his journey from network software engineer to product management and eventually transitioning into the analyst space with his research and analysis service, AvidThink. He discusses the challenges of staying up-to-date in the rapidly evolving technology landscape and highlights the value of focusing on targeted and cutting-edge areas. Welcome to the Tech Field Day community, Roy!


Summer Field Day Fun at Networking Field Day 32

The summer edition of Networking Field Day is set to be an exciting event with presentations from top companies to an excellent panel of delegates. Join us on Wednesday, July 26th to hear from Broadcom about their latest advancements in Ethernet for AI and ML networking. We’ll also have a delegate roundtable discussion on pressing networking issues and the opportunity for you to add your voice to the conversation. Then we’ve got Nile talking network as a service. Thursday morning has Anuta presenting their flagship ATOM platform. Don’t miss out on the live streaming and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for updates!


Cross Training for Career Completeness

The importance of cross-training with different technology disciplines is emphasized in a thought-provoking blog post by Tom Hollingsworth. Drawing inspiration from martial artist Bruce Lee, the author highlights the value of incorporating new skills and knowledge into one’s expertise to stay relevant in the ever-evolving tech industry. Using the example of wireless engineers understanding the bigger security picture, the article encourages professionals to embrace cross-training and see the bigger picture to have a successful and prolonged career.