The Deep Edge Podcast

Call to Action to our Community!!!

Join me in standing up for justice and digital inclusion—help secure a fair trial and release for Dawit, the visionary entrepreneur detained in Ethiopia. Share his story, sign the petition, and urge your representatives to act.

Today I’m spotlighting a colleague whose story demands our attention. Dawit, an American citizen and former Cisco leader, left a lucrative career in the U.S. to found Ethiopia’s first private ISP—bringing high-speed internet to 400,000 homes and empowering 110 direct employees (and hundreds more contractors).

Since December 2024, Dawit has been held without bail in a maximum-security prison on financial charges that stem from an incomplete audit—and despite an appeal still pending, he remains denied basic rights and medical care.  Company assets are frozen, threatening not only his livelihood but the connectivity of thousands of Ethiopian citizens.

When one of us faces injustice, we all do. The global tech community stands for innovation, progress, and fair treatment under the law. Here’s how you can help:

 1. Raise awareness—share this post and use #FreeDawitBirhanu
 2. Sign the petition for his release: https://chng.it/dJGpsJ99Xn
 3. Contact your elected officials to advocate for U.S. diplomatic intervention
 4. Engage industry associations to apply collective pressure

Let’s unite our voices and ensure Dawit receives the fair trial he deserves—and that his vital work to bridge the digital divide can continue.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/4ZV3GA-c-Uo

In this episode of The Deep Edge Podcast, ACG Research CEO Ray Mota sits down with Jamie Dobson—author of Visionaries, Rebels, and Machines and founder of Container Solutions—for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation on the hype, reality, and economic implications of AI. Together, they unpack how AI is reshaping corporate decision-making, exposing organizational blind spots, and challenging traditional innovation models. From Amara’s Law to strategic missteps, Jamie offers insight into why some enterprises move too fast with AI while others dangerously underestimate its long-term impact. With sharp analogies, war stories from the dot-com era, and lessons from the invention of the cloud, the discussion gives leaders a practical lens to approach AI—with no-regret moves, controlled experimentation, and an honest look at workforce readiness. This episode is a must-listen for business and tech leaders navigating AI’s promise—and its peril.

ABOUT JAMIE DOBSON

Jamie Dobson is the founder of Container Solutions, and has been helping companies, across industries, move to cloud native ways of working for over ten years. Container Solutions develops a strategy, a clear plan and step by step implementation helping companies achieve a smooth digital transformation. With services including Internal Developer Platform Enablement, Cloud Modernisation, DevOps/DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) Consultancy, Cloud Optimisation and creating a full Cloud Native Strategy, companies get much more than just engineering know-how. Jamie is also author of ‘The Cloud Native Attitude’ available from Amazon and good bookstores and the soon to be published, ‘Visionaries, Rebels and Machines: The story of humanity’s extraordinary journey from electrification to cloudification’

Link to Jamie's book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Visionaries-Rebels-Machines-electrification-cloudification/dp/1917490070/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QZWBMJDKAQJL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PpJEN6zER2QaX8-xzxgf8w.W4uDXhOduj5D-NKmyu7yYfpyv4Q7u4t6dXHqOFb6VqY&dib_tag=se&keywords=visionaries+rebels+and+machines&qid=1745942577&sprefix=visionaries+%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/lm3Q-3WvYFo

In this Deep Edge episode, host Ray Mota sits down with Cisco’s VP of AI Products, Anand Raghavan, to unpack the 2025 State of AI Security report. With 72 % of enterprises already running AI in production but only 13 % feeling prepared to secure it, the conversation probes today’s most pressing blind spots—from “Sleepy Pickle” supply-chain exploits and fine-tuning–induced jailbreaks to the surge of autonomous agents that widen the threat surface.

Together they explore why traditional cyber fundamentals still matter, how a tidal wave of AI-related legislation could speed (or stall) innovation, and what a verifiable AI supply-chain “safety seal” might look like. Anand closes with a clear, actionable playbook: boost staff AI-security literacy, illuminate shadow-AI usage, validate models before deployment, and guard them at runtime—so you can accelerate innovation without inviting catastrophe. Tune in to get ahead of the next wave of AI-driven risk.

Download: 2025 Annual Report The State of AI Security 
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/state-of-ai-security.html

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/iEkN0-OjIwI

Anand's bio:
Anand Raghavan VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTS, AI
As VP of Products, AI at Cisco, Anand loves the excitement of working with world-class teams to build and market game-changing products. Anand was the cofounder and Chief Product Officer of Armorblox, the industry's first GPT-powered protection against targeted email attacks. Cisco acquired Armorblox in July 2023 to bring safe and secure generative AI powered assistant and automation experiences to Cisco customers. Prior to Armorblox, Anand launched ThoughtSpot out of stealth mode and built and ran product marketing and product management teams there. Anand was a founding team member and product manager at Blue Jeans Network, helping to grow it from four employees to 200+ employees and 2,000+ customers. Before that, he held several engineering roles, including six years at NVIDIA.  
Anand has a B.Tech. in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was named a Palmer Scholar.

Welcome to The Deep Edge Podcast, where we navigate the frontiers of innovation shaping tomorrow’s digital economy. In today’s episode, we explore one of the most consequential developments in cybersecurity: quantum-secure communications. As quantum computing edges closer to practical reality, the imperative to safeguard data against future quantum threats is no longer the concern of governments and research institutions alone—it is rapidly becoming a boardroom issue for enterprises across all sectors.

We delve into how pioneering companies like Aliro are redefining the security landscape. With active collaborations alongside organizations such as Eastern Power Board, NIST, and the U.S. Air Force, Aliro is at the forefront of operationalizing quantum-safe networks. But the central question remains: How do we transition quantum security from a scientific breakthrough to a scalable business asset?

As major technology players enter the quantum arms race, Aliro’s sustained differentiation will hinge on its ability to execute at scale, foster strategic alliances, and maintain technological agility. With Cisco and Accenture as key stakeholders, the company is well-positioned to influence enterprise adoption—but the journey ahead is complex. We’ll examine the impact of these alliances and what they signal about the future ecosystem of quantum-secure communications.

Equally critical is the growing risk of “harvest now, decrypt later”—a cybersecurity time bomb where encrypted data stolen today could be cracked by quantum machines tomorrow. This episode breaks down why organizations must act now, not later, to begin migrating to quantum-resilient infrastructure.

On the technical front, we’ll explore how Aliro’s platform—including Aliro Orchestrator, AlirOS, and AliroNet—is simplifying deployment across diverse hardware environments. We’ll also discuss the role of simulation and emulation tools in reducing adoption friction and enabling network operators to assess, test, and optimize their transition strategies before making capital-intensive moves.

Whether you’re a CIO, a cybersecurity strategist, or a technologist trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation offers the frameworks and foresight you need to understand where quantum security is headed—and how to prepare for what comes next.

In this episode of The Deep Edge Podcast, host Ray Mota sits down with Callum Morrison, Account Director at Cologix, and Wayne Lloyd, CEO of Consensus Core, to discuss their pioneering partnership that is reshaping North America’s AI infrastructure landscape. The guests delve into the launch of the first NVIDIA-powered GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) at Cologix’s MTL10 data center in Montreal, exploring how scalable, on-demand GPU resources are empowering businesses in AI, machine learning, and 3D rendering. The conversation covers the strategic role of connectivity and interconnection in delivering optimal performance for AI applications, Canada’s emergence as a global AI infrastructure hub, and the vision for AI-ready data centers poised to support future edge innovations.

Welcome to episode 61 of the Deep Edge Podcast. In this episode, I take a deep dive into the fascinating crossroads of AI and global networking, dissecting a conversation that covers everything from hyper-scale data centers to the evolving challenges of network resiliency. I interview Mattias Fridström, Chief Evangelist for Arelion.

Key Themes Explored:
 • AI’s Insatiable Appetite for Bandwidth:
The dialogue highlights how artificial intelligence is not just a trend but a transformative force that’s driving unprecedented traffic demands. We explore the shift from traditional data center models—where fiber availability was king—to a future where power capacity dictates data center location, setting a new benchmark for infrastructure design.
 • Optical Innovations & Network Scalability:
Our guest unpacks the critical role of optical technology, such as NX 400G systems and dark fiber solutions, in managing the surge in data flow. As we approach the physical limits of fiber capacity, the industry is forced to adopt innovative strategies—like deploying multiple fiber pairs—to keep pace with AI’s growing needs.
 • Resiliency in a High-Demand World:
With AI applications becoming mission-critical, even a few milliseconds of downtime can be catastrophic. We delve into how network operators are rethinking resiliency, moving from dual-route redundancies to multi-path, 100% diverse connectivity solutions that guarantee uninterrupted service.
 • Ecosystem & Automation:
The conversation shifts to the importance of collaboration and automation in this new era. No single operator can meet the AI-driven demand alone. The future lies in an ecosystem approach where telecom providers, regional partners, and utility companies work in unison, augmented by AI-powered automation that transforms manual operations into proactive, data-driven decision-making.

This episode encapsulates a forward-thinking discussion on how our industry must evolve to support the next generation of AI technologies. It’s a journey through the technical intricacies and strategic shifts that will define the future of global networking. Tune in to explore how the convergence of AI and connectivity is reshaping our digital landscape.

— Ray Mota, Host of the Deep Edge Podcast

Welcome to The Deep Edge Podcast, where we explore the most transformative shifts in the telecom and technology landscape. Hosted by Ray Mota, this podcast delivers expert insights, industry analysis, and thought-provoking discussions with top executives, innovators, and analysts shaping the future of connectivity.

Special Guess: Doug Makishima from ECOBLOX
Doug is an advisor to MEF (Mobile Ecosystem Forum), a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions. 

In this episode, we break down critical trends such as the Telco to Tech-co transition, the monetization of Network APIs, and the growing impact of NaaS. From unlocking new revenue streams to addressing security challenges and fostering strategic partnerships, The Deep Edge provides a front-row seat to the innovations redefining telecom.

Join us as we dive deep into the challenges, opportunities, and future outlook for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), technology providers, and the broader mobile ecosystem. Whether it’s API-driven transformation, fraud prevention, or collaboration strategies, we uncover what’s next for the industry and how leaders can stay ahead of the curve.

Web: https://mobileecosystemforum.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/mef

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobile-ecosystem-forum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MobileEcosystemForum/

In this episode of The Deep Edge Podcast, Ray Mota, CEO and Principal Analyst at ACG Research, interviews AE Natarajan, EVP CDO at Juniper Networks, to explore the evolving landscape of AI-driven networking. The discussion focuses on how AI-native networking solutions are transforming the industry by improving network efficiency, reducing operational complexity, and enhancing sustainability.

Key Takeaways:
 1. AI’s Role in Network Evolution
 • The industry is experiencing a rapid shift toward AI-powered networking solutions to address scalability, automation, and energy efficiency.
 • AI-driven automation helps mitigate black holes, network outages, and congestion issues while enhancing self-healing capabilities.
 2. Juniper’s AI-Native Strategy & Differentiation
 • Juniper has been a pioneer in self-driving networks for over a decade, with AI-native technologies integrated into its routers, controllers, and automation platforms.
 • The company’s ACX 7000 series routers introduce smart power management and energy-saving innovations, reducing power consumption by up to 73% in some deployments.
 3. AI-Powered Network Observability & Intent-Based Networking
 • AI enables real-time network visibility, anomaly detection, and automated fault resolution, reducing manual intervention.
 • Intent-based networking ensures seamless automation by converting service-level goals into precise network configurations, even in multi-vendor environments.
 4. Scalability & High-Performance Networking
 • Juniper’s hardware innovations, including custom silicon (Trio & Express chipsets), enable massive scalability with minimal latency.
 • AI-driven traffic engineering dynamically optimizes power usage and network resources for more sustainable operations.
 5. The Impact of LLMs in Networking
 • Juniper’s LLM Connector allows enterprises to train private AI models using real-time network data, ensuring enhanced troubleshooting, predictive insights, and multilingual support.
 • This innovation reduces the reliance on public AI models, improving data security and decision-making precision.
 6. The Future of AI-Driven Autonomous Networks
 • Juniper’s long-term vision revolves around AIOps, autonomous networking, and highly adaptable infrastructures to meet future demands.
 • The investment protection model ensures that legacy hardware remains relevant, as seen with the MX series routers supporting modern technologies like segment routing 15 years after launch.

Join Ray Mota from ACG as he sits down with Akamai Cloud Evangelist Ari Weil for an insightful exploration into the rapidly evolving cloud landscape. In this episode, Ari unpacks how the new wave of stricter regulations is reshaping public cloud providers and driving the shift toward alternative, distributed cloud solutions. He delves into the vulnerabilities inherent in traditional cloud infrastructures, discusses why enterprises are increasingly moving toward localized and multi-cloud strategies, and highlights the critical role that real-time, low-latency AI applications play in this transformation. With a keen eye on 2025, the conversation also touches on the emerging API and security challenges within data management, as well as the new IT skills and advanced management tools necessary for navigating these dynamic changes.

In this episode of The Deep Edge Podcast, we delve into the recent strategic partnership between Arrcus and NVIDIA, spotlighting the integration of NVIDIA’s BlueField Data Processing Units (DPUs) into the Arrcus Connected Edge (ACE) platform. Shekar Ayyar, CEO of Arrcus, and Keyur Patel, Co-Founder and CTO, provide in-depth insights into how this collaboration enhances networking performance, security, and scalability.

Key Discussion Points:

1.Enhancing Networking Performance and Security with NVIDIA BlueField DPU:

•Integration and Benefits:

Shekar Ayyar and Keyur Patel discuss how the ACE platform leverages NVIDIA BlueField DPUs to offload, accelerate, and isolate compute-intensive networking applications such as security and traffic engineering within data centers. The DPUs significantly enhance network performance by offloading these tasks from the CPU, thus improving overall efficiency and security.

•Technical Details:

Specific technical details are provided on the integration, highlighting how BlueField DPUs enable better processing power and isolation for security applications, leading to more robust and secure data center operations.

2.Architectural Features and Scalability of the ACE Platform:

•Distributed Microservices Design:

The architectural strengths of the ACE platform’s distributed microservices design are explored, emphasizing its contribution to scalability and flexibility. The modular and fully programmable nature of the ACE platform supports various deployment scenarios, including low-latency data center networking and hybrid multi-cloud connectivity.

•Modular and Programmable Capabilities:

Keyur Patel elaborates on how these features allow for tailored solutions to meet diverse networking needs, ensuring seamless integration and performance across different environments.

3.Support for AI-Driven Networking Applications:

•Enabling AI Workloads:

The discussion moves to how the ACE platform supports AI-driven networking applications. Practical use cases in the industry are shared, demonstrating the platform’s ability to provide high-performance and secure connectivity for AI workloads.

•Real-World Implementations:

Examples of real-world implementations are provided, showcasing how businesses leverage the ACE platform for optimized AI-driven networking solutions.

4.Advancements in Observability and Network Analytics:

•Improved Network Management:

Advancements in observability and network analytics offered by the ACE platform are highlighted. These improvements help in optimizing network management and performance.

•Machine Learning and AI Techniques:

Detailed information is given on the machine learning algorithms and AI techniques employed by the ACE platform to provide actionable insights and recommendations for network operators, enhancing overall network efficiency.

5.Security and Reliability in Distributed and Multi-Cloud Environments:

•Zero-Trust Security Measures:

Arrcus’s approach to ensuring the security and reliability of its networking solutions in distributed and multi-cloud environments is discussed. The importance of zero-trust security and high availability, particularly in AI and 5G applications, is emphasized.

•Maintaining High Availability:

Shekar Ayyar explains the measures taken to maintain high availability and secure operations amidst the increasing complexity of network infrastructures.

This episode provides valuable insights into the innovative integration of NVIDIA DPUs with the ACE platform, showcasing how Arrcus continues to push the boundaries of networking technology to meet the demands of modern data centers and AI-driven applications.