Cables2Clouds

Send us Fan Mail

What if you could harness the power of AI without relying on tech giants like Microsoft or Google? Join us as we unravel this thought-provoking possibility with Andrew Brown, who is redefining the AI landscape with his innovative approach. Andrew is not just envisioning a future with greater flexibility and control over AI tools; he's actively building it by transforming an old church into a bustling technology center dedicated to STEM education and tech retraining. Imagine the ripple effect of empowering communities with tech knowledge—Andrew's vision is nothing short of inspiring.

As we traverse the fascinating world of generative AI (Gen AI), we cut through the noise to clarify often confusing terms like Web3, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and vector stores. Andrew shares his expertise, illuminating how Gen AI extends beyond traditional machine learning to encompass new dimensions in language, vision, and audio. This episode reveals the profound potential of on-premise AI solutions, offering businesses the unique opportunity to interact directly with models, unshackled by the limitations of managed services. With these insights, you'll discover how to elevate your technological strategies and remain agile in a rapidly evolving digital era.

We're also excited to announce Andrew's upcoming Gen AI Bootcamp set for January 2025, alongside plans for a multi-city training roadshow. These initiatives are aimed at fostering a vibrant tech community and equipping individuals with the skills to delve into Gen AI careers, reminiscent of the cybersecurity wave. Whether you're tuning in for the exclusive insights or the exciting announcements, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire as you explore the future of AI and technology education with us.

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Discover how OpenAI’s transformation from a nonprofit to a B Corp is reshaping the AI landscape and sparking ethical debates. We discuss Sam Altman's pivotal role in this transition and how it mirrors the trajectory of other AI startups like Anthropic. As we navigate the complexities of AI governance, California Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of a bill requiring AI "kill switches" prompts us to question the future of regulatory measures in this rapidly evolving field.

Meanwhile, AWS users have reason to celebrate with the introduction of security group referencing across AWS Transit Gateway—a feature that promises enhanced security and flexibility. Why did it take AWS so long to roll this out? Join us as we weigh in on networking innovation and its implications for global communication, particularly through the lens of subsea cable connectivity. The mounting influence of tech giants like AWS and Azure raises critical discussions about an open internet and consumer choice. Connect with us at the upcoming re:Invent conference to keep these critical conversations going.

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Curious about the evolution of network engineering from the 90s to the age of the cloud? Join us as we have an enlightening conversation with Kam, a seasoned expert with over twenty years in the field, now at the helm of cloud network engineering at Oracle Cloud. Kam walks us through the transformation from traditional network admin roles to today's specialized cloud network engineer, detailing how significant technological shifts and responsibilities have morphed over the decades. From the rise of Active Directory and WAN/LAN advancements to the game-changing impact of automation and private clouds, this episode offers a panoramic view of the journey and milestones that have paved the way for modern cloud networking.

Unpack the essential skill sets that define a Cloud Network Engineer today in the second segment of our discussion. As we navigate through the layers of networking, discover why traditional physical layer concerns have become obsolete and how layer three configurations like BGP still hold critical importance. Learn about the nuanced responsibilities that cloud environments introduce, including the significance of load balancing and managing firewalls in a software-defined ecosystem. This is your chance to grasp the core competencies that are now indispensable for any aspiring cloud network professional.

Finally, we shift gears to focus on practical advice for transitioning to cloud networking roles. Kam sheds light on the importance of a cloud-first mindset and shares strategies for adapting to multi-cloud environments and Kubernetes. Understand the necessity of continuous learning and certifications for staying competitive in this fast-evolving field, and gain insights into managing application performance and costs effectively. Whether you're just starting your cloud journey or looking to refine your expertise, this episode is packed with actionable tips and invaluable perspectives to help you thrive in cloud network engineering.

*Disclaimer*
Kam's opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect the opinion of his employer.

Show Links:
@kagahian – Kam Agahian on Twitter

Kam Agahian on LinkedIn

Cloud Network Engineering: A Closer Look – NANOG (via YouTube)

How to Break into a Cloud Engineering Career? – via Packet Pushers

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Is the 9-5 workday truly the key to innovation, or is it an outdated relic? Join us in this week's episode of Cables2Clouds as we navigate through a pivotal moment in our podcast's history. With heavy hearts, we announce that our dear co-host Alex Perkins is stepping back to prioritize his personal life, including work, family, and returning to college. While we'll miss Alex's invaluable contributions, Tim and Chris are committed to continuing your fortnightly dose of critical cloud news, even as we adjust our editing process.

Amidst these changes, we dive into some of the latest industry shakeups, starting with Andy Jassy's announcement of Amazon's organizational restructuring and mandatory return-to-office orders. The debate over remote versus in-office work is hotter than ever, and we challenge the notion that a five-day return to the office fosters better innovation. We also speculate on Qualcomm's potential takeover of Intel, discussing Intel's recent struggles and the far-reaching implications this could have for the tech industry. 

In the latter part of the episode, we analyze Verizon's acquisition of Frontier's fiber network and its impact on the market, including opportunities for Nile. We also explore NVIDIA's strategic move by joining the Ultra Ethernet Consortium and the surprising Oracle-AWS partnership. Finally, we tackle the sustainability concerns of the rapidly expanding data center industry, debating solutions like carbon credits and grid modernization. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on these pressing issues. Tune in for an insightful discussion!

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Ready to unlock the secrets of AWS security? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Brandon Carroll, a senior developer advocate at AWS, as he shares his incredible journey from a Cisco-focused on-prem instructor to a key player at AWS. You'll discover how community feedback shapes AWS services and the vital role of educational content in demystifying complex technologies. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating the hybrid and multi-cloud networking landscape, offering a clear comparison between AWS security and traditional on-premises practices.

Wondering how to transition smoothly to AWS cloud services while maintaining security? We dive into the challenges network engineers face, such as the shift in control and visibility, and the intricate shared responsibility model. Brandon sheds light on the abstraction layers and the steep learning curve involved in mastering AWS's approach to cloud resources. We'll also tackle the complexities of service insertion in the cloud versus on-premises setups, providing a comprehensive guide to adjusting your strategies for cloud adoption.

Curious about cloud security and compliance? We examine how AWS integrates frameworks like HIPAA and PCI within cloud environments, leveraging services like AWS Config and Security Hub for seamless interactions. Brandon highlights the advantages of AWS's API-first design and transitions from traditional security tools to modern AWS services. We'll also address emerging security challenges, including threats from generative AI. Don't miss our call to action to stay connected with Cables to Clouds through our podcast platforms, YouTube channel, and social media for more invaluable knowledge on AWS security and cloud computing.

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

What if a startup with no product and only ten employees could secure $1 billion in funding? Join us as we unpack the jaw-dropping story of SSI, a safety-focused AI startup co-founded by Ilya Sutzgever, which has achieved a staggering $5 billion valuation. We dissect the implications of this massive investment and scrutinize the potential conflicts of interest involving SSI's CEO. Despite a bout of illness slowing us down, our enthusiasm for the latest in AI news remains undiminished, and we offer our spirited take on what this could mean for AI safety regulations.

In our tech news roundup, we explore the key players and challenges in cloud computing. From SIVO's strategies in cloud cost management to Azure's ongoing capacity issues, we've got you covered. We also dig into Broadcom's recent earnings report and the surprising slump in AI chip demand, considering what this signals for the industry. Confused by the term "micro cloud"? So are we! We break down why this buzzword doesn’t quite measure up to traditional edge computing or MSP offerings and wrap things up with some light-hearted commentary on fast food marketing and Chick-fil-A's customer service. Don't miss this episode packed with insights, analysis, and a touch of humor!

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

What truly defines "cloud native"? Join Tim, Alex, Chris, and special guest Will Collins as they challenge conventional wisdom and dissect the evolving concept of cloud-native infrastructure. This episode kicks off by exploring the Cloud Native Computing Foundation's (CNCF) definition, examining whether it serves as a prescriptive guide or merely a loose framework. We touch on the array of technologies and practices it encompasses—such as containers, service meshes, microservices, and serverless architectures—and discuss the hallmark characteristics like loose coupling that are essential in cloud-native systems. Gain insights into how these principles are being applied beyond cloud networking.

Dive into the complexities of what it means to be "cloud native" by exploring the nuances of using cloud provider constructs versus third-party tools. We debate the pros and cons of these approaches, examining the trade-offs between optimal performance, simplicity, and the need for compliance and scalability. The conversation also highlights the flexibility and ambiguity in the CNCF definition, which has led to varied interpretations and marketing claims, making it clear that while cloud-native solutions offer operational simplicity, enterprises often juggle these with third-party integrations to meet their diverse and complex needs.

Lastly, we tackle the pressing issue of misleading marketing tactics in the tech industry. From SASE to SD-WAN, we expose how vendors often inflate minimal features to fit trendy labels, creating a confusing environment for decision-makers. We discuss the critical role of trust in long sales cycles and ponder whether stricter standards or certifications, akin to those from IEEE, could help mitigate these issues. The episode wraps up with a look at the challenges of integrating legacy systems with cloud-native services and the ambiguity surrounding buzzwords, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions to benefit customers rather than just cloud providers. Don't miss this episode if you're seeking a deeper understanding of cloud-native technologies and the current landscape.

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Are Chinese entities bypassing US export restrictions to tap into advanced AI capabilities via global cloud service providers like AWS? We scrutinize this eyebrow-raising development and its implications for national security, drawing intriguing parallels to how VPNs bypass geo-restrictions. We also ponder the challenges of enforcing effective regulations and question how long it will take for the US to catch up.

Join Chris, Tim, and Alex as we dissect Cisco's strategic pivot towards a security-focused approach amidst a notable decline in networking products. We explore the impact of significant acquisitions and organizational changes aimed at consolidating their market position. Plus, we shine a spotlight on Megaport's new AI Exchange (AIX), speculating on its future potential and humorously discussing the impact of cryptocurrency mining on GPU availability. Don't miss this engaging episode of Cables2Clouds for insightful analysis on these pivotal industry trends.

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered why the transition from on-prem network engineering to cloud networking is so challenging? Join us as we unravel this journey with our special guest, Dmitry Figol from AWS. With years of experience at Cisco, Dmitry offers a candid look at the slow adoption of network automation tools and the hurdles he faced while building cloud networking expertise. From the dual roles often required in network engineering and software development to his insights on content creation and conference speaking, Dmitry's reflections are both enlightening and actionable.

Our conversation also delves into the intricacies of migrating to AWS from on-premises data centers. Dmitry highlights key differences in networking constructs, the importance of choosing the right AWS region and availability zones, and the pitfalls of multi-region architectures. We explore the nuances of AWS load balancing, including the shift from VIP to DNS for resiliency, and share practical strategies for transitioning your existing skills to the cloud. Tune in for a comprehensive, engaging discussion filled with practical advice and real-world anecdotes from one of the industry's leading experts.

Video mentioned by Dmitry:
Using zonal autoshift to automatically recover from an AZ impairment (ARC309):
https://youtu.be/_0F-wdwiqZo?si=8-MJAm-GmHB1qM4Z

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us Fan Mail

Can you handle the truth about how your favorite AI models are trained? Brace yourself for an eye-opening exploration as we uncover NVIDIA's use of publicly available content, including videos from MKBHD and Netflix, to develop their AI systems. We dive into privacy, copyright concerns, and the ethical implications of such practices. But wait, there's more! We also revisit our conversation on OpenAI's Search GPT, speculating how it might disrupt tech titans like Google and Microsoft.

Shifting into high gear, we tackle the intersection of AI and networking infrastructure, inspired by insights from a Forbes article shared by John Capobianco. Discover how AI is revolutionizing network setup and the support of AI workloads. We also dissect the latest updates from Forrest Brazeal's newsletter about AWS pulling the plug on services like CodeCommit and Cloud9. What does this signal about AWS's evolving strategy under new leadership, and what could the long-term consequences be for service reliability and innovation?

In our final segment, we break down the complex legal entanglement between Amazon and Nokia over Prime Video technologies. These corporate lawsuits are more than just legal battles—they're strategic moves with far-reaching implications. Plus, get the latest on enterprise cloud spending as revealed by the Synergy Research report, spotlighting a dramatic increase to $79 billion in Q2 2024. With Amazon, Microsoft, and Google leading the charge, we also highlight Salesforce's surprising role in the market. Don't miss our closing remarks, where we share exciting promotions and ways to stay connected with the Cables to Clouds community. Tune in—it’s an episode packed with insights and lively debates!

Check out the Monthly Cables2Clouds News Feed:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/
Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.com
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2clouds
Merch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/
Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj