Tom Hollingsworth recently highlighted the significance of Nokia’s Event-Driven Automation in achieving sustainable network operations. By leveraging automation, businesses can ensure optimal network performance with enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs. This innovative approach by Nokia allows for real-time responses to events, which improves both the agility and resilience of network infrastructures. This Gestalt IT article was inspired by our recent Networking Field Day Exclusive event with Nokia.
OnLogic Powers Smart Agriculture with Its Karbon Series
Sulagna Saha recently covered OnLogic’s latest foray into the world of Smart Agriculture, focusing on the application of their robust Karbon Series computers. These rugged devices are strategically designed to endure the harsh environments typically found in agricultural settings, ensuring reliability and efficiency. The emphasis of her report highlights how the Karbon Series stands to enhance farming operations through advanced computing solutions, promoting increased productivity and sustainability in agriculture. This Gestalt IT article was inspired by the OnLogic presentation at Edge Field Day 3.
The Brave New World of Security Field Day 12
In this Gestalt IT video, Tom Hollingsworth highlights the engaging discussions and innovative technologies to be showcased at Security Field Day 12. The event brings together thought leaders and experts from companies like Dell, SonicWall, Citrix, and Digicert to explore the latest trends in cybersecurity, focusing on the importance of proactive security measures and advanced threat detection strategies. Tune in for Security Field Day on October 16 and 17 and watch for more coverage here!
Network Automation Is More Than Just Tooling
The modern enterprise network automation strategy is failing. This is due in part to a collection of tools masquerading as an automation solution. In this episode, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Scott Robohn, Bruno Wollmann, and special guest Mike Bushong of Nokia to discuss the current state of automation in the data center. They discuss how tools are often improperly incorporated as well as why organizations shouldn’t rely on just a single person or team to affect change. They also explore ideas around Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA), a new operations platform dedicated to solving these issues.
The Promise of Automation with Michael Bushong of Nokia
At our recent Networking Field Day Exclusive event with Nokia, Michael Bushong from Nokia described the transformative potential of automation in network operations. He discussed how automation could not only streamline processes but also significantly enhance the robustness and agility of network infrastructures. The session underscored how automation stands to redefine the future of networking, promising more efficient and dynamic systems. Read more in this Gestalt IT article and video featuring Tom Hollingsworth.
VMware by Broadcom Builds Software-Defined Edge for Manufacturing Facilities
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.
Taking Technology to the Edge at Edge Field Day 3
Join us for Edge Field Day on September 18th and 19th, streaming live on LinkedIn and TechStrong.TV! Hear from leading companies like VMware, Avassa, TSecond, ZEDEDA, and OnLogic, and catch special presentations from our delegates and analysts. Tune in live on LinkedIn and Techstrong TV or watch the recordings on YouTube and the Tech Field Day website.
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.