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.
Act on the Highest Priority Cyber Incidents with Speed and Success, with Cisco XDR
Cisco XDR enhances cybersecurity operations by implementing the OODA loop decision-making framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Security Operations Centers (SOCs). The system streamlines the process of identifying, prioritizing, and responding to cyber threats by aggregating data from various security tools and using analytics to automate responses. By focusing on high-priority incidents and adapting swiftly to new challenges, Cisco XDR fundamentally transforms incident management in SOCs. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT following Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live.
Detecting Microbursts in High-Frequency Financial Trading Networks with cPacket
cPacket addresses the challenge of microbursts and buffer overflows in electronic trading, which can cause packet loss and delays, with a distributed architecture using programmable ASICs and FPGAs on each port for efficient packet processing. Their solutions, including cVu, cStor, and cClear, provide high-resolution packet capture and detailed analytics, enabling traders to make informed decisions and maintain smooth operations in high-frequency trading environments. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT following cPacket’s presentation at Networking Field Day 35.
Rapid Investigation and Response with Selector’s in-Platform LLM
At Networking Field Day 35, Nitin Kumar, Co-founder and CTO of Selector AI, discussed how accessing and understanding diverse infrastructure data presents challenges, especially across public and private cloud platforms. Selector Platform aims to overcome these challenges by offering a conversational interface for natural language queries and Smart Alerting for comprehensive alerts about errors and failures in a user-friendly manner. The platform’s Data Hypervisor helps unify different data formats into a single storage layer for easier access and analysis. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT.
Take Daily Measurements of User Experience across the Network with New DXA Innovations from Cisco ThousandEyes
When a user wants to use an app, the request goes through many paths and networks before reaching its destination, which makes it essential for network providers to have clear visibility of all these connections. ThousandEyes introduced new solutions at Cisco Live US 2024 to give a top-notch online experience by understanding network issues, monitoring cloud services, and analyzing traffic patterns for better performance. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT following Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live.
Mainframes Take the Main Stage at SHARE Kansas City 2024
At the SHARE Kansas City 2024 conference on August 6th, Tech Field Day will highlight mainframe technologies with a robust lineup of sessions and discussions. Beginning with a focus on on-demand development by PopUp Mainframe and a roundtable led by Steven Dickens on cutting-edge innovations, the event will also feature new advancements in DevOps and AIOps from BMC and observability solutions from Broadcom’s Watchtower platform. Alongside live participation, attendees will have access to session recordings on the Tech Field Day YouTube channel and other digital platforms, with an exclusive podcast available pre-conference to enrich participant understanding of the central themes.
Qlik – Opening a Broader Access to AI-Driven Data Analytics
Sulagna Saha takes a look at the Tech Field Day delegate roundtable from Qlik Connect in this Gestalt IT article. She highlights Qlik’s intensified focus on providing AI-driven data analytics responsibly, emphasizing the commitment to high-quality, democratized data to mitigate bias and ensure reliability across user levels. Qlik is demonstrating its dedication to addressing global challenges, such as pandemics and climate change, by collaborating with NGOs and enhancing its analytics offerings beyond traditional dashboards. This strategic expansion signals Qlik’s evolution into a comprehensive analytics provider that supports both low-code environments and promotes the ethical use of AI data.
The Mainframe is Still Going Strong
Despite the hype about modern applications, the mainframe remains central to enterprise IT and is rapidly adopting new technologies. This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast features Steven Dickens, Geoffrey Decker, and Jon Hildebrand talking to Stephen Foskett about the modern mainframe prior to the SHARE conference. The modern datacenter is rapidly adopting technologies like containerization, orchestration, and artificial intelligence, and these are coming to the mainframe world as well. And the continued importance of mainframe applications, especially in finance and transportation, makes the mainframe more important than ever. There is a tremendous career opportunity in mainframes as well, with recent grads commanding high salaries and working with exciting modern technologies. Modern mainframes run Linux natively, support OpenShift and containers, and support all of the latest languages and programming models in addition to PL1, Cobol, DB2, and of course zOS. We’re looking forward to bringing the latest in the mainframe space from SHARE to our audience.
