Interview with Josh Stephens of SolarWinds

Interview with Josh Stephens of SolarWinds at Gestalt IT’s Networking Tech Field Day 2010. This was recorded at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA on September 16, 2010.

In this brief interview, Josh Stephens, Head Geek at SolarWinds, shares his impressions of attending Networking Tech Field Day 1. Representing SolarWinds, a company based in Austin, Texas, Stephens explains that the main goal of attending was to engage directly with other networking professionals and experts. He emphasized the value of meeting in person with individuals he previously only interacted with through social media, blogs, and podcasts, highlighting the importance of building real-world connections within the networking and IT community.

Stephens describes the event as a refreshing change from his routine role, which typically involves educating newcomers to the field. The opportunity to interact with peers who are also well-versed in networking technology allowed for richer, more advanced discussions and a sense of camaraderie among professionals. He expressed particular appreciation for connecting with others involved in the tech-centric social media landscape, such as vloggers and podcasters, reinforcing the sense of a tightly-knit and collaborative community.

Overall, Stephens conveys a sense of enthusiasm and satisfaction with his participation in the event. He thanks the organizers for the opportunity and notes his eagerness to continue engaging with fellow attendees through online platforms once back home. His comments reflect both the professional value and personal enjoyment he derived from Networking Field Day 1, underscoring the event’s role in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among thought leaders in the networking space.