Sulagna Saha explores how VMware, a Broadcom company, is enhancing edge computing capabilities for manufacturing facilities. The piece discusses the development of a software-defined edge framework designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency on the production floor. It highlights VMware’s strategic approach to integrating advanced technologies to meet the specific needs of modern manufacturing processes. Read more in this Gestalt IT article inspired by the VMware presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
Exploring the Importance of Data Infrastructure at AI Data Infrastructure Field Day 1
At next week’s AI Data Infrastructure Field Day, our panel of delegates will explore the critical role of robust data architectures in powering AI applications. Tune in Wednesday and Thursday as we learn about the latest data infrastructure solutions from Solidigm, Google Cloud, Pure Storage, HPE, MinIO, and Infinidat. The sessions will be live-streamed on LinkedIn and Techstrong TV and posted to YouTube afterward.
AI and Cloud Demand a New Approach to Cyber Resilience featuring Commvault
As companies are exposed to more and more attackers, they’re realizing that cyber resilience is increasingly important. On this episode of the Tech Field Day Podcast, presented by Commvault, Senior Director of Product and Ecosystem Strategy Michael Stempf joins Justin Warren, Karen Lopez, and Stephen Foskett to discuss the growing challenges companies face in today’s cybersecurity landscape. As more organizations transition to a cloud-first operation, they’re recognizing the heightened exposure of their data protection strategies to global compliance mandates like DORA and SCI. Adding to this complexity is the emerging threat of AI, raising important questions about how businesses can adapt and maintain resilience in the face of these evolving risks.
Rethinking the Data Center with Nokia
Tom Hollingsworth introduces our special Tech Field Day event with Nokia. Nokia’s advanced networking solutions are redefining connectivity and efficiency in data center environments, enabling better scalability, manageability, and sustainability. Watch Networking Field Day Exclusive with Nokia live on September 24!
Hardware Still Matters at the Edge
Hardware innovation at the edge is driven by diverse and challenging environments found outside traditional data centers. This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast features Jack Poller, Stephen Foskett, and Alastair Cooke considering the special requirements of hardware in edge computing prior to Edge Field Day this week. Edge locations, including energy, military, retail, and more, demand robust, tamper-resistant hardware that can endure harsh conditions like extreme temperatures and vibrations. This shift is fostering new hardware designs, drawing inspiration from industries like mobile technology, to support real-time data processing and AI applications. As edge computing grows, the interplay between durable hardware and adaptive software, including containerized platforms, will be crucial for maximizing efficiency and unlocking new capabilities in these dynamic environments.
Taking Technology to the Edge at Edge Field Day 3
Stephen Foskett announces Edge Field Day 3, set for September 18-19, focusing on the critical advancements in edge computing across sectors, with insights from VMware by Broadcom, Avassa, and Tsecond on networking, data migration, and AI. ZEDEDA and OnLogic will provide expertise on edge orchestration and computing solutions, enhancing practical applications in challenging environments. This event will be broadcast live, promoting interactive participation and dialogue on technological advancements in edge computing.
AI Solves All Our Problems
Although AI can be quite useful, it seems that the promise of generative AI has lead to irrational exuberance on the topic. This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast, recorded ahead of AI Field Day, features Justin Warren, Alastair Cooke, Frederic van Haren, and Stephen Foskett considering the promises made about AI. Generative AI was so impressive that it escaped from the lab, being pushed into production before it was ready for use. We are still living with the repercussions of this decision on a daily basis, with AI assistants appearing everywhere. Many customers are already frustrated by these systems, leading to a rapid push-back against the universal use of LLM chatbots. One problem the widespread mis-use of AI has solved already is the search for a driver of computer hardware and software sales, though this already seems to be wearing off. But once we take stock of the huge variety of tools being created, it is likely that we will have many useful new technologies to apply.
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!
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.
Ethernet is not Ready to Replace InfiniBand Yet
AI networking is making huge strides toward standardization but Ethernet isn’t ready to displace the leading incumbent InfiniBand yet. In this episode of the Tech Field Day Podcast, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Scott Robohn and Ray Lucchesi to discuss the state of Ethernet today and how it is continuing to improve. The guests discuss topics such as the dominance of InfiniBand, why basic Ethernet isn’t suited to latency-sensitive workloads, and how the future will improve the technology.
AI is Not a Fad
The current hype about building massive generative AI models with massive hardware investment is just one aspect of AI. This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast features Frederic Van Haren, Karen Lopez, Marian Newsome, and host Stephen Foskett taking a different perspective on the larger world of AI. Our last episode suggested that AI as it is currently being hyped is a fad, but the bigger world of AI is absolutely real. Large language models are maturing rapidly and even generative AI is getting better by the month, but we are rapidly seeing the reality of the use cases for this technology. All neural networks use patterns in historical data to infer results, so any AI engine could hallucinate. But traditional AI is much less susceptible to errors than the much-hyped generative AI models that are capturing the headlines today. AI is a tool that augments our knowledge and decision making, but it doesn’t replace human intelligence. There is a whole world of AI applications that are productive, responsible, and practical, and these are most certainly not a fad.
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!
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.
AI as We Know It is Just a Fad
Although AI is certain to transform society, not to mention computing, what we know if it is unlikely to last much longer. This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast brings together Glenn Dekhayser, Alastair Cooke, Allyson Klein, and Stephen Foskett to discuss the real and changing world of AI. Looking at AI infrastructure today, we see massive clusters of GPUs being deployed in the cloud and on-premises to train ever-larger language models, but how much business value do these clusters have long-term? It seems that the true transformation promised by LLM and GenAI will be realized once models are applied across industries with RAG or tuning rather than developing new models. Ultimately AI is a feature of a larger business process or application rather than being a product in itself. We can certainly see that AI-based applications will be transformative, but the vast investment required to build out AI infrastructure to date might never be recouped. Ultimately there is a future for AI, but not the way we have been doing it to date.
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.
Building Quantum-Resistant Encryption Systems, with Cisco
Sulagna Saha recently wrote about Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live US 2024, highlighting Cisco’s pivotal role in shaping quantum-resistant technologies to fortify encryption against emerging quantum threats. Cisco’s development of quantum switches, a Quantum Network Design Kit Simulator, and a Quantum Random Number Generator underlines its commitment to pioneering quantum network infrastructure. This initiative not only secures existing encryption methods from quantum computing risks but also advances the fields of cryptography and distributed computing.
Broadcom WatchTower – Observability Data Tailored for Every Role
Broadcom has introduced the WatchTower Platform during Tech Field Day Extra at SHARE 2024, a sophisticated observability tool designed specifically for mainframe environments, utilizing machine learning to provide tailored data visibility based on user roles. This customization facilitates quicker and more accurate problem-solving, featuring capabilities like alert clustering, infrastructure topology mapping, and insightful machine learning-driven analytics. Available for both on-premises and public cloud environments, WatchTower exemplifies Broadcom’s commitment under CEO Hock Tan to enhance its presence in the vital mainframe market.
AI Has A Place In Networking Operations
Generative AI tools and features are becoming an indispensable part of the way operations teams do their jobs. Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Keith Parsons, Kerry Kulp, and Ron Westfall for this episode discussing the rise of AI tools and how they are implemented. The guests talk about how AI tools should be used by teams to increase their capabilities. They also discuss where AI still has a lot of room to grow and how to avoid traps that could cause issues for stakeholders and champions.
The Interchanging Roles of Hardware and Software in Fueling Innovation
In this Gestalt IT article, Sulagna Saha reacts to a delegate discussion at Networking Field Day 35 focused on the interdependent dynamics between hardware and software in propelling technological innovation. She notes how cloud technologies and subscription models are boosting software sales, while hardware remains vital in fields like AI and machine learning. Saha emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the two, where software amplifies hardware’s capabilities and demand, underscoring hardware’s enduring foundational role in technology’s evolution.
Intel IPU – Unlocking the Power of Functional Isolation
Intel’s innovative Infrastructure Processing Unit (IPU) addresses the challenges in traditional CPU designs in cloud platforms, enhancing efficiency in resource management. This technology supports functional isolation and boosts security by enabling the segregation of processing tasks between CPUs and enhanced Network Interface Cards (NICs), freeing up CPU resources for more application-focused tasks. This article by Sulagna Saha at Gestalt IT details the adoption of IPUs based on Intel’s presentation at Networking Field Day 35.
