Tech Field Day Coverage
Our delegate panel includes independent writers and thought leaders, and we collect their coverage of the event, Tech Field Day presentations, and sponsoring companies here.
Keysight at AI Field Day
At AI Field Day, Keysight highlighted its AI infrastructure testing solutions which leverage the capabilities from its Ixia acquisition. The company’s innovative test platform helps in optimizing network performance by emulating AI workloads, addressing common issues like data starvation and network congestion which contribute to 20% of AI job failures. This platform, which has evolved to include AresOnce hardware for traffic generation, also offers in-depth customizable settings and analytics through Jupyter Notebooks, enabling precise network tuning and enhanced performance. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by AI Field Day delegate Alastair Cooke of The Futurum Group.
Read More:
Integrail at AI Field Day 5
At AI Field Day 5, Integrail presented its innovative no-code platform, Integrail Studio, which simplifies the creation of specialized AI agents capable of collaborating to tackle complex challenges. The platform incorporates a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, allowing the integration of large language models with business data, enhanced by Retrieval Augmented Generation for increased precision. Furthermore, Integrail facilitates advanced agent capabilities, including customizable workflows, output chaining, and the secure management of proprietary data, supported by benchmarking tools to maintain efficient large language model performance. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by AI Field Day delegate Alastair Cooke of The Futurum Group.
Read More:
Broadcom’s AI Networking Solutions at Networking Field Day 32
In this August 2023 LinkedIn Pulse article, Ed Horley shared his experiences from Networking Field Day 32, where Broadcom showcased its AI Networking Solutions. The presentations provided valuable insights into how AI workloads are influencing networking infrastructure, highlighting significant differences from traditional data center workloads.
Read More:
Broadcom's AI Networking Solutions at Networking Field Day 32
10-Minute Marvels: The Tech Revolution Redefining Mainframe Agility
In this LinkedIn Pulse article, Marian Newsome discusses the resurgence of mainframes in the enterprise technology landscape, particularly through PopUp Mainframe’s recent demonstration at Tech Field Day Extra, where CEO Gary Thornhill showcased the rapid deployment of mainframes within minutes. This innovation challenges traditional views on mainframes as complex and outdated, as the integration of AI into mainframe DevOps enhances agility while maintaining the systems’ legendary stability, crucial for critical functions like handling 90% of global credit card transactions. PopUp Mainframe’s solutions promote a blend of agile methodologies with ethical AI practices, enabling quick z/OS environment deployments that comply with security standards.
Read More:
10-Minute Marvels: The Tech Revolution Redefining Mainframe Agility
The Shifting Focus of AI at AI Field Day 5
AI Field Day 5 is coming on September 11-13, reflecting the shift in enterprise AI from large-scale models to practical applications, including vector databases and agentic AI. The event will gather industry leaders like Cisco, VMware, Keysight, and Arista to explore real-world applications, AI-ready infrastructures, and private AI solutions. Attendees will also hear from companies like Integrail, Elastic, and Enfabrica to learn about next-generation AI capabilities. Tune in live on LinkedIn or Techstrong TV!
Read More:
The Shifting Focus of AI at AI Field Day 5
App Modernization Adoption Surges Prompting Integration of AI
The surging adoption of application modernization, driven by the necessity to update over 80% of enterprise applications that lag behind technological standards, is catalyzing a projected market growth to $24.8 billion. Despite challenges like skill shortages and budget issues, integrating AI and automation has become key in improving operational efficiency and maintaining a modern application ecosystem, particularly in critical sectors like banking. This strategy not only enhances agility but also fortifies applications against potential vulnerabilities, ensuring sustained innovation. Read more in this article by Gestalt IT’s Sulagana Saha on the Techstrong DevOps site, inspired by a presentation by Paul Nashawaty at AppDev Field Day!
Read More:
App Modernization Adoption Surges Prompting Integration of AI
Taming Architectural Complexities of DCN Fabric Technologies with Cisco Nexus One Fabric Experience
Cisco’s Nexus One Fabric technology, as presented at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live, aims to simplify the complexities of Data Center Network (DCN) fabrics by offering a unified, automated solution. The Cisco Nexus One Fabric Experience centralizes management, allowing users to efficiently oversee diverse networking environments while reducing operational overhead. Through this approach, Cisco addresses the challenges of modern, multi-layered data center architectures, enhancing visibility, control, and scalability for network operators. The solution is designed to streamline operations and support the evolving needs of today’s data centers. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT.
Read More:
Taming Architectural Complexities of DCN Fabric Technologies with Cisco Nexus One Fabric Experience
Don’t Get Caught in the DevOps Loop
In her first article on DevOps_com, Sulagna Saha of Gestalt IT discusses the critical need for flexibility in DevOps implementations, cautioning against the restrictive nature of the conventional DevOps loop. Highlighting insights shared by Mitch Ashley at a talk during AppDev Field Day, the piece advocates for a sprint-based methodology that enhances efficiency by enabling teams to manage smaller, independent tasks. This approach emphasizes collaborative, adaptable strategies that optimize both individual and team contributions, steering away from rigid, uniform processes.
Read More:
Don’t Get Caught in the DevOps Loop
From Legacy to Leading-Edge: Embracing Mainframe Modernization with BMC
BMC showcased its approach to mainframe modernization at the SHARE conference, highlighting the challenges of updating legacy systems that often operate on outdated COBOL programs. Their solution, the AMI DevX platform, features tools like Code Insights that assist in refactoring COBOL into contemporary, manageable components. The platform also integrates generative AI to simplify the analysis of these complex systems for new developers, thereby accelerating the modernization process and ensuring the continued robustness of critical enterprise infrastructure. Read more in this article by Gina Rosenthal, who attended the BMC presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE Kansas City 2024.
Read More:
From Legacy to Leading-Edge: Embracing Mainframe Modernization with BMC
Feeling like a Puppet
Jeff McLaughlin shares his experiences transitioning from Cisco to Juniper Networks, highlighting the challenges he faced while learning about network programmability and Puppet. He describes how he grappled with presenting Puppet’s integration with Nexus devices at Networking Field Day 11 shortly after changing companies, despite his initial unfamiliarity with the technology. McLaughlin reflects on the irony of mastering Puppet for a single presentation, overcoming his public speaking fears, and never using the tool again, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tech careers and the value of adaptability.
Read More:
The AI-Powered Mainframe: Broadcom’s WatchTower Redefines Observability
Broadcom has introduced WatchTower, an AI-driven observability tool designed to transform mainframe management by enhancing monitoring and increasing operational efficiencies. Using artificial intelligence, WatchTower delivers essential insights, helping IT teams improve performance, address issues proactively, and enhance system reliability. This advancement signifies a pivotal shift in mainframe operations, aiming to streamline processes and reduce the workload on IT staff, enabling businesses to maximize the potential of their mainframe systems. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Marian Newsome following the Broadcom presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE Kansas City 2024!
Read More:
The AI-Powered Mainframe: Broadcom's WatchTower Redefines Observability
The Future is Bright: Mainframes & Innovation!
In the latest episode of Tech Aunties, hosts Gina Rosenthal and Marian Newsome explore the evolving role of mainframes, underscored by their experiences at the Share Conference in Kansas City. They discuss the integration of AI and machine learning with mainframe technologies and address the generational transfer of knowledge within the industry. The episode wraps up with a call to action for those affected by layoffs to consider opportunities in mainframes, highlighting the sector’s significance and ongoing innovation.
Read More:
The Future is Bright: Mainframes & Innovation!
What’s Causing a Skills Shortage in Mainframe?
Sulagna Saha of Gestalt IT discusses a growing skills gap in the mainframe IT sector that risks impacting businesses depending on this technology. Factors contributing to the shortage include the sector’s outdated image, insufficient training programs, and the allure of newer technologies for tech talents. She emphasizes the need for increased training investments and educational reforms to attract and prepare new candidates for crucial mainframe roles, underscoring the importance of modernizing perceptions of mainframe technology. Read more and watch the delegate discussion from SHARE Kansas City 2024!
Read More:
What’s Causing a Skills Shortage in Mainframe?
An AI-Infused Experience for New Mainframe Talents, with BMC AMI
BMC is addressing the challenge of updating mainframe environments by integrating modern AI technologies through its Automated Mainframe Intelligence (AMI) platform, aiming to close the gap between seasoned and emerging mainframe professionals. The AMI platform enhances user engagement with features like single sign-on, real-time responses, and adaptive learning mechanisms, leveraging AI to streamline interactions and automate tasks. This initiative not only modernizes mainframe operations but also plays a critical role in facilitating the digital transformation of legacy systems, empowering a new generation of mainframe experts. Read more in this article for Gestalt IT by Sulagna Saha, inspired by the BMC presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE Kansas City 2024.
Read More:
An AI-Infused Experience for New Mainframe Talents, with BMC AMI
Cisco Talks Wi-Fi 7 MLO Security at MFD11
At Mobility Field Day 11, Cisco’s Nick Swiatecki presented the intricacies of security in Wi-Fi 7, with a focus on Multi-Link Operation (MLO) security enhancements. He stressed the importance of uniform Authentication and Key Management across all bands to ensure seamless client transitions, and also introduced additional, advanced AKMs tailored for Wi-Fi 7 environments. These insights underscore the increasing complexity in network management needed to adapt to new standards like Wi-Fi 7, pointing towards a future where engineers must continually adapt to maintain effective security frameworks. Read more in this article by Mark Houtz.
Read More:
Cisco Talks Wi-Fi 7 MLO Security at MFD11
The Tech Aunties go to SHARE
Gina Rosenthal and Marian Newsome attended the Tech Field Day presentations at SHARE in Kansas City. They discussed topics like DevOps, generative AI, system management, and mainframe modernization. They are particularly interested in the modernization of mainframes and the potential for integrating AIOps and containers with mainframes. They discuss the historical significance of mainframes and the possibility of moving data between mainframes and the cloud. They also mention plans to attend sessions on IBM’s Watson X and AI on mainframes, and the importance of educating younger generations about these technologies. Listen to The Tech Aunties podcast for more!
Read More:
Tech Field Day Session Recap: #3 Broadcom
Derek Britton recaps Broadcom’s Tech Field Day session at the SHARE conference in Kansas City, focusing on their observability solution, WatchTower. This tool is designed to simplify the identification and resolution of critical incidents in mainframe environments by leveraging machine learning and automation. WatchTower aims to consolidate various tasks and tools into a single platform, tailored to the needs of different user roles, and integrates with other enterprise IT tools like ServiceNow and DataDog. The session highlighted Broadcom’s attention to user personas and their efforts to unify observability across hybrid infrastructures. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article!
Read More:
Tech Field Day Session Recap: #3 Broadcom
5G Factor: Arrcus, T-Mobile, Ericsson Boost 5G Readiness
In this episode of the 5G Factor by The Futurum Group, Ron Westfall and Tom Hollingsworth discuss recent partnerships between Arrcus, T-Mobile, and Ericsson. They highlight pivotal advancements in 5G readiness, signaling a direction towards increased capacity and customized network solutions. Arrcus’s recent $30 million funding boost, notably supported by NVIDIA, is set to enhance its ACE platform focusing on optimizing 5G networks through a microservices architecture. Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s launch of the Partner Plus program and Ericsson’s push for differentiated 5G services outline industry efforts to improve network efficiency, security, and monetization in the growing 5G landscape. This recording followed Arrcus’ presentation at Networking Field Day 35 last month.
Read More:
5G Factor: Arrcus, T-Mobile, Ericsson Boost 5G Readiness
Mainframe Modernization with PopUp Mainframe
PopUp Mainframe is revolutionizing the mainframe sector by providing modernization solutions that enhance flexibility and reduce operational costs. Their offerings include rapid, on-demand development and testing environments that integrate seamlessly with cloud infrastructures, matching the capabilities of physical mainframes. By leveraging IBM’s z/OS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, PopUp Mainframe addresses legacy challenges and boosts data management efficiency, vital for sectors like banking and telecommunications. Read more in this Gestalt IT article by Sulagna Saha following their presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE in Kansas City.
Read More:
Mainframe Modernization with PopUp Mainframe
TechFieldDay Session Recap #2: PopUp Mainframe
At the Tech Field Day event at the SHARE conference, PopUp Mainframe showcased its innovative solution for on-demand mainframe environments, allowing organizations to create and deploy mainframes quickly and flexibly, both on-premises and in the cloud. By addressing bottlenecks in mainframe development and testing, PopUp enables agile project delivery, reduces hardware costs, and integrates seamlessly with standard DevOps toolchains. CEO Gary Thornhill highlighted the ability to set up fully functional mainframe environments in just minutes, making it a game-changer for organizations needing to accelerate their mainframe delivery cycles. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Derek Britton.
Read More: