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Sam Zamanian, a principal advisory director at Infotech Research Group with over 20 years of IT and architecture expertise, joins us to dissect the critical decisions surrounding AI infrastructure selection. This episode promises to equip you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of AI workloads, from data preparation to model training and deployment. With Sam's guidance, you'll uncover the intricacies of optimizing each stage, leveraging high-performance computing and AI accelerators to tailor cloud solutions for any AI challenge.

Choosing between cloud and on-premises infrastructure is a nuanced decision influenced by various factors. We explore the flexibility and potential trade-offs involved, weighing the cloud's convenience against the control offered by on-premises solutions. Whether it's the ease of rapid deployment or the need for customization and predictability, our discussion provides a roadmap for selecting the best infrastructure setup based on specific use cases, performance, cost, and security considerations.

The evolving AI hardware landscape brings both challenges and opportunities, as discussed in our final segment. With supply bottlenecks and market dynamics shifting, new collaborations like AMD and Microsoft's partnership are making waves. We delve into optimization strategies to enhance efficiency, highlighting tools like the DeepSeek model for cost reduction in training large AI models. As the AI industry rapidly evolves, we capture the excitement of future developments and the potential for broader hardware adoption, setting the stage for the next era of technological advancement.

How to connect with Sam:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-z-77028a59/

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

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This episode dives deep into the ramifications of the DOJ's move to halt the HPE-Juniper merger, questioning whether this action genuinely promotes competition or stifles innovation. We also explore staggering investments in AI from top tech companies and what these might mean for future growth and competition. 
• Discussion on the DOJ's lawsuit against the HPE-Juniper merger 
• Examination of potential market impacts of the merger 
• Insights into AWS's and Google's significant AI investments 
• Analysis of market expectations regarding AWS's recent revenue growth 
• Concerns surrounding SolarWinds and private equity acquisitions 
• Calls to action for listeners to engage with their thoughts on these topics

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

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The conversation centers on the transformative role of AI agents in shaping the tech landscape. Through expert insights and practical examples, the episode explores AI agents' functionalities, their implications for the workforce, and the ethical considerations that accompany their development.

• Introduction of AI agents and their significance 
• Evolution of AI technology from simple models to complex agents 
• Practical applications and examples of AI agents in various fields 
• Mechanics of building and utilizing AI agents 
• Considerations regarding workforce changes and AI's augmentative potential 
• Discussion surrounding the ethical implications and risks associated with AI 
• Encouragement for listeners to engage with AI agent development and experimentation

How to connect with John Capobianco:

https://bsky.app/profile/automateyournetwork.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-capobianco-644a1515/

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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What if Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could be the job creator of the century? Buckle up for a hilarious yet thought-provoking exploration of this bold idea as we dissect the potential economic impact of AGI development alongside Chris, who aspires to up his Blue Sky game inspired by his brother Tim. We dive into compelling articles like the one from CRN, spotlighting Palo Alto Networks' maneuver to streamline their product offerings into a singular platform akin to the Apple ecosystem. This opens up the age-old debate about vendor lock-in, and we can't help but chuckle at the similarities with Cisco's approach. We'll also navigate through the labyrinth of product names, specifically Palo Alto's Prisma, and the challenges of achieving true platform integration.

Cloud security is a jungle of acronyms and complexity, but fear not—we've got our machetes ready! Join us as we untangle the web of CSPM, CNAP, CIEM, and CASB, piecing together the puzzle of multi-cloud environments highlighted by a Fortinet report. While we question some of the report's methodologies, it undeniably underscores a trend towards centralized security dashboards. With businesses of all sizes grappling with diverse cloud security challenges, we set the stage for an upcoming segment about our own company's stance in this arena. Expect a mix of skepticism, humor, and serious conversation as we navigate this intricate landscape.

Finally, we journey into the realm of AGI and job creation, challenging the narrative of inevitable AI-driven job losses. We speculate on the logistics behind such job creation, pondering the international AI race, and throwing in some humor about genetically modified apples for good measure. We wrap up with some playful banter about Tim's personal details and offer heartfelt thanks to our listeners. We hope you subscribe, follow us on social media, and visit our website for the full scoop. Our discussion is as juicy as a genetically modified apple, and you won't want to miss a bite!

Wake up babe, a new apple just dropped:
https://www.kissabel.com/

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

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Unlock the secrets to acing interviews with tech giants by tuning into our latest episode of the Cables to Clouds podcast. Join us, Chris Miles and Tim McConnaughey, as we sit down with Kam Agahian, the Senior Director at Oracle Cloud, who brings a treasure trove of insights from his years of experience at the forefront of tech hiring at Amazon and Oracle. Kam shares his unique perspective on what makes a successful interview in the competitive field of cloud networking, offering invaluable advice on optimizing interview strategies and understanding the nuances of the hiring process.

Ever wonder about the most effective ways to prepare for a cloud engineering interview? We explore this topic from both sides of the table, discussing the tricky balance of crafting relevant questions and the ethical considerations of scrutinizing candidates' skills. Through engaging anecdotes, we highlight the need for fairness and focus in interviews, addressing the challenges candidates face when traditional network engineering roles transition into cloud-specific positions. Kam emphasizes the importance of aligning interview practices with the goal of building successful teams and satisfying customers, ensuring that both interviewers and candidates are on the same page.

Finally, our episode delves deep into the preparatory techniques essential for networking roles. From foundational knowledge like IP and TCP/UDP protocols to advanced topics for seasoned professionals, we cover the spectrum of what candidates need to know. Kam's insights into the art of mastering networking interview theory and the value of certifications like the CCIE are a goldmine for anyone looking to sharpen their technical skills. Whether you're an aspiring cloud network engineer or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a rich blend of theory and practical advice to help you navigate and succeed in high-stakes tech environments.

How to connect with Kam:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/agahian/

More content from Kam:
https://packetpushers.net/blog/how-to-break-into-a-cloud-engineering-career/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WTH951b-Ok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PeU49H8XI

Iconic video from NextGenHacker101 explaining "Tracer T":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXmv8quf_xM

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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Akamai’s journey to regain control of their cloud spending reveals the pitfalls of over-provisioning and the importance of optimized workloads. The episode navigates through significant updates like OpenAI’s transition to a Public Benefit Corporation and Microsoft’s substantial investments in AI data centers while pondering Google Cloud's rising competitive positioning against Azure. 
• Akamai struggles with escalating cloud costs 
• The ramifications of leveraging cloud as a crutch for poor workload design 
• OpenAI’s shift to a Public Benefit Corporation for societal good 
• Microsoft's ambitious $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure 
• Analysts predict Google Cloud could surpass Azure by 2025 
• The rising role of AI agents in tech and IT management

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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Ready to unravel the complexities of cloud networking and observability? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Craig Johnson from Forward Networks, a pivotal figure in cloud network innovation. Craig's journey from an on-premises networking background to spearheading Forward's public cloud practice offers a treasure trove of insights. Discover how integrated APIs are revolutionizing the landscape of cloud network monitoring and delve into the world of digital twins and cloud observability, where Craig's extensive Cisco experience and passion for Dungeons & Dragons memorabilia weave through the conversation, making it both informative and enjoyable.

Explore the Herculean challenges of achieving network observability across multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP. We unpack the intricacies of navigating these diverse platforms, highlighting the contrast between traditional on-prem networking and the dynamic, ever-shifting cloud landscapes. Learn how Forward's platform paves the way for enhanced network visibility by simplifying network modeling and management, leveraging free APIs for data collection without hefty observability costs. This episode also tackles the frustrations with multi-cloud tools and third-party integrations, shedding light on the efforts required to maintain seamless network performance and troubleshooting capabilities.

As we wrap up, we reflect on our experience at the recent re:Invent event and the exciting anticipation for the new book co-authored by Tim and me, set to release in January. We express our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, encouraging you to stay connected by subscribing to our podcast and following us on social media for exclusive content and updates. Whether you're a cloud networking aficionado or just curious about the latest in cloud observability, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and a touch of fun.

Connect with the Guest:
Twitter: https://x.com/captainpacket
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/captainpacket.bsky.social 

Guest Content: 
https://youtu.be/lpA7A6FYMqc?si=diboYPvvbQJBDsLP
https://youtu.be/_GjGsfM-N2Q?si=2RMx-iZkwBHeZm9D

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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What if the future of tech was reshaped by strategic mergers, AI evolution, and cybersecurity threats? Dive into an engaging conversation where we unpack Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, revealing how customer loyalty defies the odds amid heightened renewal costs. Explore the unexpected maneuvering that has fortified Broadcom's market position and what it means for companies navigating the shift towards cloud-native solutions like Kubernetes. Discover the tightrope walk of modernizing IT infrastructures while grappling with the comfort of VMware's long-standing systems.

Prepare to look ahead as we explore tech forecasts for 2025, informed by insights from Accenture and CIO Dive. With generative AI on the rise, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet provides a window into how companies are squeezing maximum value from smaller deals without loosening their purse strings. We also highlight Google's ambitious 2025 outlook and the promising potential of its large language model, Gemini. Meanwhile, the ongoing breach by the Chinese-backed hacker group Salt Typhoon underscores the crucial need for airtight cybersecurity measures. This episode promises a comprehensive look into the strategic moves, challenges, and innovations shaping the tech landscape.

Pre-Order our Book:
https://www.packtpub.com/en-au/product/aws-certified-advanced-networking-specialty-ans-c01-certification-guide-9781835088098

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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Ever wondered how cloud development intersects with network engineering at a tech powerhouse like Cisco? Join us as we chat with Erica Dietrick, a developer advocate at Cisco, who shares her unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of her role. From gearing up for major events such as Cisco Live to engaging with the tech community online, Erica offers an insider's view into the cyclical nature of her work. She also takes us through her personal journey into cloud development, highlighting the continuous learning required in such a fast-paced industry.

As we step further into the world of tech careers, we explore the complex interplay between cloud and DevOps. Whether you're in it for the salary or driven by a genuine passion for technology, the path is fraught with the challenge of understanding a rapidly expanding tech stack. We discuss the increasing accessibility of high-demand roles like cloud engineering and the contrasting motivations of those entering the field. Erica's insights shed light on the overwhelming breadth of knowledge needed today, especially when navigating the unique dynamics of startups, where junior developers can significantly shape the architecture from the ground up.

The conversation takes an innovative turn as we discuss the transformative role of AI in coding education and assessment. With AI tools like GitHub Copilot changing the landscape, we delve into the emerging skill of prompt engineering and the shift towards evaluating problem-solving abilities over traditional coding exercises. Erica shares her thoughts on how AI can enhance learning and streamline complex tasks without undermining foundational problem-solving skills. We reflect on the importance of embracing these tools to boost productivity and deepen our understanding of the technical landscape, making a compelling case for AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.

How to connect with Erika:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikadietrick/
https://x.com/Erika_theDev
https://www.youtube.com/@erika_thedev

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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Can you really trust cloud-native firewalls to protect your data, or is it time to rethink your cybersecurity strategy? Brace yourself for some stark revelations as we dissect a shocking report by CyberRatings.org on the dismal performance of major cloud providers' firewalls. With AWS's effectiveness plummeting to a mere 0.38%, and Azure and GCP faring only slightly better, it's time to scrutinize where these cloud giants are missing the mark. Our discussion uncovers a startling gap between what's promised and what's delivered, with a strong recommendation to consider third-party solutions for real protection.

Shift gears with us as we explore the intense dynamics of the AI and cloud markets. From Google's bold challenge to Microsoft's OpenAI partnership to Oracle's stock shake-up and new collaboration with Meta, the tech landscape is anything but static. We shed light on the realities of cloud infrastructure management, where less than a fifth of IT professionals are satisfied with their current systems. Whether it's the promise of AI innovation or the struggle of hybrid cloud complexities, our episode offers a thought-provoking examination of what's working in tech—and what isn't.

Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
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