Tech Field Day Takeaways for 2025: Making AI Less Manic

2025 was the year of AI Mania. Everyone wants you to know where they stand with AI in their product. Tech Field Day has a different approach. In this special year end episode, Tom Hollingsworth, Stephen Foskett, and Alastair Cooke look back at the discussions and deep dives into AI and how Tech Field Day grounded them all in practical real terms. Our event leads discuss the boring reality of AI tools and how AI has a dual nature that must be understood to get real value. They also debate the changing landscape of security where AI is concerned, including the importance of data sovereignty. They wrap up with a focus on the fundamentals and how Tech Field Day continues to make those important for the community at large.

Graphiant Makes Network Governance King in the AI Era

Tom Hollingsworth recently discussed how Graphiant is revolutionizing network governance by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance control and visibility across networks. He explained that this evolution is crucial as we navigate through the expanding complexities within IT environments. To watch for more coverage from Networking Field Day 39 at Techstrong IT.

Building Better Operations with Nokia EDA

Tom Hollingsworth recently explored how Nokia’s EDA (Extreme Data Analytics) platform is enhancing operational processes by leveraging advanced analytics to automate and optimize network performance. This system not only improves efficiency but also significantly reduces operational overheads, empowering network operators with more agile and scalable solutions. For further coverage from Networking Field Day 39, watch Techstrong IT.

Commvault Launches AI Powered Cloud Unity Platform – YouTube

Tom Hollingsworth recently explored the launch of Commvault’s latest innovation, the AI-powered Cloud Unity platform, in a new YouTube video. This platform is designed to enhance data management capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence to streamline cloud operations. For more insights from Commvault SHIFT 2025, follow us on social media, and catch new episodes of the Tech Field Day Rundown every Wednesday on YouTube.

Network Automation Needs Standards

Automation is the best way to scale network deployment and operations. But the lack of formal standards in the field cause delays and wasted resources. In this episode of the Tech Field Day Podcast, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Denise Donohue, Steve Puluka, and Kevin Myers. They discuss how some common things have emerged more from consensus and not from formalized standards bodies. The panel also discuss the value of using open ideas and not being forced into a single-vendor solution. They also discuss regulations and the likelihood that an organization like the IETF or IEEE will pick up the task of formalizing automation standards.

Securing the New Identity Perimeter with Commvault

In a recent post by Tom Hollingsworth, the focus was placed on the innovative steps Commvault is taking to secure what is now referred to as the new identity perimeter. This concept underscores the shift in data management and protection strategies, as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of securing identity data amidst evolving cybersecurity threats. You can find more coverage from Commvault SHIFT 2025 on LinkedIn!

Commvault Shift 2025 Live Blog

Join us for our coverage of Commvault Shift with our Live Blog! Tune in now to see what our delegates are saying.

DNS Must Be Secured Presented by Infoblox

DNS security is no longer optional. This service is not only being attacked by nefarious actors but it is also being leveraged in ways to compromise users and exfiltrate data. In this episode of the Tech Field Day podcast, brought to you by Infoblox, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Jack Poller and Cricket Liu. They talk about the historical openness of DNS and how that has led to it becoming easy to see what users are doing and create ways to manipulate them. They discuss ways to secure the protocol and how companies like Infoblox are extending the capabilities for future security.

Bridging the Trust Gap with 1Password

Tom Hollingsworth recently explored how 1Password can help bridge the trust gap in today’s security environment by providing robust password management solutions that enhance data protection and user trust. His insights point towards the increasing relevance of secure password vaults in maintaining privacy and integrity in digital transactions. For more coverage of Security Field Day 14, visit Security Boulevard.

NetAIOps Has Its Challenges

The industry has embraced AI for every possible problem. Operations will eventually embrace it as well but questions remain about how it will be implemented. In this episode, Tom Hollingsworth sits down with Pete Welcher, Rita Younger, and Jonathan Davis to discuss the issues that remain with implementing AI into an operations workflow. They discuss licensing and procurement, the need for institutional knowledge, and how this will all work in a multivendor world. They wrap up with some guidance about how to approach your next big AIOps project.

Your Enterprise LAN Security Is a Problem—Nile Can Fix It

Tom Hollingsworth examines the significant challenges facing enterprise LAN security, highlighting how vulnerable traditional network infrastructures can be to sophisticated cyber threats. He introduces Nile, a new security solution that promises to address and mitigate these vulnerabilities effectively. For additional insights into Nile’s impact on enterprise security, visit Tom Hollingsworth’s coverage on Security Boulevard.

How HPE’s New Security Playbook Is Actually Stopping Threats

In this article following Security Field Day 14, Tom Hollingsworth examines Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s innovative approach to cybersecurity, detailing how their new security strategies are effectively mitigating threats. He highlights the integration of advanced tools and protocols that are setting new standards in the industry for protecting enterprise data assets. For additional insights into this topic, check out the coverage on Security Boulevard.

Exploring How AI Transforms the Enterprise Network at Networking Field Day 39

AI is all the rage right now, but how does that translate into your network? We’re excited to bring you the latest edition of our flagship enterprise networking event, Networking Field Day. This November 5th and 6th in Silicon Valley, we’ll explore how AI impacts the transport for your enterprise—from building networks to power GPU-driven […]

Passkeys are the Future

Passwords create friction and therefore users find ways around them. New technology such as secure enclaves and PKI allow us to create better solutions like passkeys. In this episode of the Tech Field Day Podcast. Alan Shimel and Kate Scarcella join Tom Hollingsworth to discuss the problems with traditional passwords and how passkeys overcome them. They also talk about why it has taken so long to adopt passkeys and what barriers remain to full implementation. The wrap up with a look at what might lay ahead on the horizon for the future of user security.

The Latest in Cybersecurity Innovation at Security Field Day 14

The world should be more secure, and Tech Field Day is helping make it that way with the latest edition of Security Field Day. The event features two full days of presentations from leading security companies, innovative startups, and expert delegates, all focused on keeping people and software safe in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Tune […]

Using Agentic AI to Assist Resilience with Opengear

Tom Hollingsworth recently explored how Opengear is leveraging agentic AI to enhance resilience within network management systems. His analysis highlights the significant role AI plays in fortifying network infrastructures against disruptions, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity. For further coverage of Tech Field Day at Cisco Live, you can read more by Tom Hollingsworth on Techstrong IT.

Can AI Parse Packet Captures?

Following the Viavi presentation at Cisco Live, Tom Hollingsworth explores the capability of artificial intelligence in interpreting packet captures effectively within IT networks. He investigates whether AI tools can match the diagnostic acumen traditionally reserved for seasoned network engineers. For additional insights on this topic, you can read more articles by Tom on Techstrong IT.

Networks Need Agentic AI with HPE Juniper Networking

Agentic AI is reshaping the IT landscape and networking is no exception. Building upon the previous research into machine learning means we have a head start on harnessing that power. In this episode of the Tech Field Day podcast, brought to you by HPE Juniper Networking, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Keith Parsons and Sunalini Sankhavaram. They talk about how agentic AI is driving new methods for operating networks and helping humans concentrate on real problems instead of menial tasks. They also discuss how agentic AI can power self-driving networks where configuration and provisioning are done automatically or with a minimum of effort to ensure resiliency and enhance user expectations.

A Deep Dive into Root Cause Analysis with Aviz Network Copilot

Tom Hollingsworth’s recent article provides a thorough exploration of how Aviz Networks’ Copilot enhances root cause analysis efforts. By employing advanced analytics and machine learning, this tool helps pinpoint and understand the underlying causes of network disruptions more efficiently. Additional coverage of Networking Field Day 38, including this topic, is available on Techstrong IT.

Hedgehog Simplifies On-Premises AI Network Configuration

Tom Hollingsworth recently highlighted Hedgehog’s innovative approach to simplifying on-premises AI network configuration. This solution significantly reduces the complexity involved in setting up and managing AI-driven network tasks, making it more accessible for enterprises. For further insights on this topic, check out the coverage of Networking Field Day 38 provided by our team at CloudNativeNow.