Altitude: The Unsung Heroes of Cloud Transformation

Join us in the latest episode of "Altitude," where host Jason Gervickas sits down with Sarmed Faraj, Security Consultant Manager at Accenture and Aviatrix Certified Engineer (ACE), to delve into the dynamic realm of network security and the significant impact of AI on cloud security. With a robust background in both civil engineering and computer science, Sarmed has transitioned seamlessly into IT, establishing himself as a leader in security and consulting.

Together, Jason and Sarmed tackle the complex challenges enterprises face today in multicloud and hybrid environments, including the limitations of traditional firewalls, lack of visibility and control, challenges with hybrid connectivity, and the growing demand for real-time data processing. Additionally, Sarmed discusses the instrumental role of Aviatrix in streamlining network management, bolstering security, and driving cost efficiency.

Sarmed also discusses the role of AI in networking and security, addressing common skepticism and drawing parallels between its evolutionary path and that of the internet. Emphasizing the critical need for AI investments, Sarmed states that companies hesitant to adopt these technologies will struggle to remain competitive in the coming years.

This episode is essential for professionals looking to understand the current and future landscapes of network security and how AI continues to shape this industry.

Learn More: Discover how Aviatrix Secure High-Performance Datacenter Edge can help you securely connect your data centers to the cloud with optimal performance and simplicity here.

Get Multicloud Certified: Advance in your career and get multicloud certified through the Aviatrix Certified Engineer (ACE) Program here.

Connect with Sarmed: Learn more about Sarmed’s background and connect with him on LinkedIn here.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Intro
01:36 Majored in computer science after preferring coding.
05:14 Accenture's impressive leadership and consulting support.
06:48 On-site training and supportive, engaging leadership.
10:42 Replacing NAT gateways for cost savings.
14:34 Issue with AVN threads causing connectivity problems.
17:58 Firewalls struggle with cloud security dynamics.
19:07 Troubleshooting firewall issues with AI assistance.
25:31 Secure egress traffic and reduce NAT costs.
27:11 Accenture uses AI for security threat detection.
31:58 AI needs regulation to prevent misuse and hacking.

In this engaging episode of Altitude, Jason Gervickas sits down with Alex Sahadak, a seasoned infrastructure architect at Covetrus and an Air Force veteran, to dive into the evolving world of cloud networking and infrastructure.

Alex shares his journey from his early days in the Air Force, where he honed his skills as a network engineer, to his current role at Covetrus. With rich experiences from the Maine Medical Center and Systems Engineering, Alex brings invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in cloud infrastructure.

The episode touches on a variety of topics, including the challenges with visibility, resiliency, and connectivity in multicloud environments, the impact of VMware's acquisition, and how companies are navigating these transitions. Alex emphasizes the importance of embracing cloud-first strategies and the critical need for robust security measures, particularly in IoT environments.

Connect with Alex Sahadak on LinkedIn
Join the next Aviatrix 101 webinar to learn how Aviatrix creates the visibility, security, and control your business needs to adapt with ease and move ahead at speed.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Jason introduces guest Alex Sahadak.
04:11 Unifying past systems into one solution.
06:26 Companies moving away from VMware's new subscription model.
10:23 Multicloud connectivity and security are major challenges.
14:27 Air National Guard: training, staff augmentation, deployments.
18:10 Flexibility in cloud can increase enterprise costs.
21:47 Technology creates jobs; embracing change is essential.
23:10 AI creates opportunities, evolves job landscape.

In this episode of Altitude, host Jason Gervickas sits down with Chris McHenry, SVP of Product Management at Aviatrix. With a career spanning over 20 years in networking, including 14 years at Cisco, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion. Now driving innovation at Aviatrix, he is deeply committed to the transformative power of cloud networking and network security.

Jason and Chris dive into the rapid adoption of multicloud and hybrid cloud environments. They explore how AI/ML is a catalyst for increased cloud adoption, while also highlighting the growing complexity and security challenges that arise. Chris offers insights on how organizations can shift their perspective on deperimeterization, viewing it not as an insurmountable obstacle but as a challenge that can be resolved with an architecture that is designed for the cloud.

Additionally, Chris discusses the major change to internet access in Azure around September 2025, suggesting that this calls for organizations to re-evaluate their cloud perimeter security or egress firewalling strategies. Aviatrix, with its advanced network security solutions, can play a pivotal role in helping businesses achieve the necessary level of control and protection.

Check out this blog announcing Aviatrix’s Cloud Perimeter Security solution that helps you safeguard data and ensure regulatory compliance, all while avoiding outrageous costs.

Read this white paper to dive deeper into how you can regain control of your cloud perimeter.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Passionate product builder, now leads whole product.
06:15 AI disrupts networks and application development complexity.
09:51 Augmenting processes with AI for easier user experience.
11:36 Transformative cloud strategy; new Equinix features announced.
15:32 Cloud solutions help regain control of perimeters.
19:39 Enhanced Distributed Cloud Firewall for stronger cloud security.
21:50 Transitioning to zero trust complicates but enhances security.
25:44 Hybrid cloud will dominate future cloud strategies.
29:54 Network and endpoint security stop active breaches.
30:48 Innovating network security with transformative changes upcoming.

Join new Altitude podcast host, Jason Gervickas, Senior Solutions Engineer at Aviatrix, in this engaging episode with Campbell MacInnes, Strategic Solutions Architect at Presidio. Campbell shares his diverse career journey, including his roles as a delivery engineer, his time at Staples, and his experience at Presidio that allows him to solve problems across various customer needs through an impartial approach.

The discussion spans critical topics, such as the interplay between cloud networking and security and the often-overlooked aspect of security in DevOps practices. Campbell highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, and the importance of secure hybrid connectivity, particularly in industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as healthcare.

Exploring the complications of multicloud environments, Campbell details the necessity of encryption and compliance, and how Aviatrix facilitates these needs at scale with advanced security and troubleshooting tools. They also delve into the integration of AI in network management, discussing both the opportunities and challenges that customers are encountering.

Learn more about how Aviatrix simplifies, optimizes, and secures your cloud network by joining the Aviatrix 101 webinar here.

Learn more about how Presidio enables business outcomes through innovative technology solutions here.

Connect with Campbell on LinkedIn here.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Intro
05:52 Broadcom changed strategies; customers were initially concerned.
06:55 Customers adapting to VMware pricing and services.
10:41 Adopting cloud needs thoughtful integration for effectiveness.
15:24 Some systems can't migrate to the cloud.
17:45 Customer discussions often begin with encryption requirements.
21:43 Aviatrix simplifies cloud-based firewall deployment and management.
24:56 Cloud or on-prem AI deployment varies by customer.
28:00 Infrastructure comfort, visibility tools, prioritize fitting cloud budget.
31:02 HPE to acquire Juniper within six months.

In this episode of Altitude, Woody brings on Jason Gervickas and Bella Mullaney to announce exciting changes for the Altitude podcast and to discuss industry topics, including Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and the CrowdStrike outage that created a significant impact on enterprises worldwide.

Jason Gervickas, our newly introduced host with a rich 20-year career in IT, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. Joining him is Bella Mullaney, the producer of Altitude, whose background spans from healthcare roles as an EMT and medical assistant to marketing and podcast production at Aviatrix.

Woody and Jason discuss the broader implications of the CrowdStrike outage, emphasizing its effects on media, businesses, and flights, and the subsequent need for enhanced IT resilience and redundancy. Jason shares insightful perspectives on the market shifts, touching upon Broadcom's impact on VMware and potential openings for Nutanix.

They wrap up by envisioning a thriving Altitude community, with ideas for live broadcasts and interactive listener events, aiming to connect and inspire audiences around cloud technology and IT trends. Jason also shares a sneak peek into the approach he will take as the new host.

Learn more about the Aviatrix Cloud Networking Platform that simplifies, optimizes, and secures your cloud network by joining an upcoming Aviatrix 101 webinar here.
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn here.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 New host introduced, sharing podcast's success.
02:30 Introducing podcast producer, Bella.
06:20 Reasons for choosing Woody as the host and Jason as the new host.
08:21 Jason’s 20 years of IT experience.
10:22 Transitioned from Juniper to Aviatrix, embracing cloud.
14:41 Managed small team supporting multiple data centers.
17:09 VMware facing internal strife, opportunity for Nutanix.
20:29 VMware remains relevant with cloud integration.
26:02 System vulnerabilities can affect anyone, even industry leaders.
26:57 IT leaders plan for resiliency and redundancy.
31:19 Seeking diverse opinions on cloud adoption.

In this episode of Altitude, Woody is joined by co-host Jason Gervickas and special guest Matt Simpson, EVP of Business Development and Global Channel at Megaport. Matt brings a unique perspective to the show, having transitioned from a background in hospitality and hotels to becoming a leader in the network connectivity industry.

The trio dives deep into the concept of the "new edge," focusing on the evolution and future of edge technology and its critical role in cloud transformation. Matt shares his journey from the early days of Megaport, highlighting how private connectivity solutions like Direct Connect and ExpressRoute revolutionized the industry. They discuss the initial challenges enterprises faced with data being on-prem while applications were agilely developed in the cloud, leading to the rise of dedicated and private connectivity.

Learn more about Altitude here.

Learn how the combined power of Aviatrix and Megaport provides customers with secure, resilient, and high-performance multicloud and hybrid cloud connectivity here.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn here.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Transitioning from hospitality to network connectivity.
06:08 Private connectivity essential for serious cloud adoption.
07:08 Challenges of data gravity in Matt’s previous role.
14:34 Locality of LLMs and AI
27:23 The Megaport & Aviatrix partnership

In this episode of Altitude, Woody is joined by a special guest, Doug Merritt, CEO of Aviatrix, to delve into a new vision for cloud networking: the network is the cloud. 
 
Doug shares the significance of this vision, explaining how important the network is and how networking teams are the heroes behind the scenes in this IT landscape. Woody and Doug discuss the challenges modern businesses face with cloud complexity, lack of visibility, and inefficient cost structures, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right networking partner. Doug also gives a sneak peek into what the future of Aviatrix looks like, including advancements in ease of use, AI integration, and partnerships with Megaport, Equinix, AWS, Azure, and GCP. 
 
Read Doug’s recent blog, “The Network is the Cloud: A New Vision from the NASDAQ Tower” for more insights on this vision and the cloud networking heroes who are leading the charge:  https://aviatrix.com/blog/the-network-is-the-cloud-a-new-vision-from-the-nasdaq-tower/

Doug’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-m-33169/


Timestamped Overview 
00:00 Journey to modernized networking across multiple deployments. 
06:21 Experience with cloud computing over 12 years. 
12:00 Complexity in cloud applications emphasized network importance. 
13:33 Highlighting the importance of networking in the cloud era. 
17:22 Responsibility to connect networking with critical initiatives. 
22:00 Native security, complex networking, software-defined approach. 
23:18 Platform needs to integrate independent services seamlessly. 
27:11 Cloud network services lack control, visibility, and security. 
31:43 Improving hybrid cloud and networking with AI. 
34:57 Transition from big data to networking company. 
37:34 Leading with a focus on listening, learning, and collaborating.

In this enlightening episode, Woody welcomes Matthias Wulfert, a solution manager responsible for cloud networking and wide area networking at one of the largest system integrators in Western Europe. Matthias shares the importance of adapting networking patterns to meet the ever-evolving customer needs, particularly within cloud infrastructure.

Both Woody and Matthias highlight their shared enthusiasm for the puzzle-solving aspect of networking, touching upon the rise of encryption trends for security in the EU and beyond. They discuss the customization required in cloud networking, the impact of AI and LLMs on network design, and whether hybrid networking is able to accommodate speed, encryption, security, and bandwidth requirements. Woody and Matthias conclude by discussing the qualities of a great solutions manager or solutions architect, offering advice to burgeoning solutions managers or solutions architects.

For guidance on navigating the 4 major hurdles of cloud networking, including lack of visibility, inadequate security, budget constraints, and the cloud skills gap, view this infographic.

Connect with Matthias on LinkedIn here.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro
04:32 Finding interest in diverse network automation tasks.
08:11 Shifted focus to cloud, led by curiosity.
11:23 SD WAN is meeting varied performance requirements.
15:37 Web security, encryption for legacy applications, networks.
16:42 Rise of AI driving data explosion, bandwidth demand.
20:51 Businesses may face challenges in building AI.
22:55 Hybridity of AI implementation in networking technology.
28:53 Networking and cloud design is dynamic and unique.
31:30 Cloud, use cases, patterns, standardize, automate, networking.
34:32 Learn from mistakes, adapt, and persevere.
36:18 Gratitude for insights and wisdom shared.

In this episode of Altitude, Woody is joined by Elmar Wesle, a senior solutions engineer with an extensive background in electronics and cloud connectivity. With his years of experience bridging the divide between traditional networking and modern cloud environments, Elmar provides a deep dive into the complex world of multicloud networking.

Woody and Elmar discuss the nuances of managing multiple clouds, with a particular focus on the challenges associated with networking and the lack of visibility into cloud-native network components. Elmar sheds light on the limitations that networking teams face within cloud environments, while Woody highlights the critical need for reclaiming control and visibility.

The discussion also covers the strategic approach of "tromboning" for cloud connectivity and its associated costs and delays. With ongoing trends and customer concerns, especially in Europe, Elmar and Woody address the growing demand for flexible application provisioning and inter-cloud connectivity.

Ultimate Guide to Master Multicloud Networking
Elmar’s LinkedIn

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Intro
05:56 Azure predominant in Germany, long customer history.
09:31 Diversifying cloud services for connectivity and resiliency.
12:46 Concerns about government peering through encrypted networks.
16:35 Success in multicloud involves strategic planning.
17:32 Businesses executing connectivity across various cloud providers.
23:20 Aviatrix offers unified connectivity and cloud solutions.
25:19 Encrypting cloud connection saves money and data.
29:14 Network engineers and IT frustrated by visibility.
32:05 Control, visibility, and flexibility crucial for networking.

In this episode of Altitude, Woody is joined by Daniel Gaina, Senior Cloud Engineer at Cloudsoft, to discuss the nuances of transitioning to cloud infrastructure, the complexities introduced by multicloud adoption, and the impact of AI on productivity and job roles.

Daniel's expertise stems from his role at Cloudsoft, a company focused on aiding customers in migrating, modernizing, and optimizing their services on AWS across various sectors from financial institutions to startups.

The discussion kicks off by contrasting the automation and orchestration approaches of large enterprises and startups, shedding light on the challenges each face. Daniel and Woody then touch upon the scarcity of cloud infrastructure talent, multicloud adoption as a necessity, and the emergence of AI as a powerful tool to help customers.

4 Steps to Simplify Cloud Networking: https://resources.aviatrix.com/multicloud/4-steps-to-simplify-your-cloud-networking?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=4-steps-to-simplify-cloud-networking-solution-brief
Daniel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgaina/

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Cloudsoft: AWS partner, cloud service and software.
06:02 Big enterprises lag behind in agility and automation.
07:55 Transitioning from on premise to cloud challenging.
11:19 Cloud infrastructure supports general tasks; lacks specialization.
14:59 Multicloud adoption increasing due to necessity.
18:08 Aviatrix simplifies managing cloud providers with ease.
21:22 AI's potential for customer benefit and concern.
24:48 Ensuring kids master blockchain and generative AI.
29:25 Humans better at interaction and design thinking.
30:10 Leverage AI for productivity, but double check.
35:12 Consulting relies on trust, crucial in business.