Altitude: The Unsung Heroes of Cloud Transformation Aviatrix

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 Overview00:00 Intro04:32 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 NetworkingElmar’s LinkedIn
Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro05:56 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.

In this insightful episode of Altitude, Woody welcomes Joe Davolos, a distinguished network security expert and global solutions architect at Aviatrix, to discuss the importance of applying zero trust principles inside the cloud network rather than just at the edge.
Joe offers many valuable insights on how enterprises can implement zero trust inside the cloud network and improve security, including leveraging tags as strong forms of identity and using distributed security enforcement to improve mean time to response. Joe and Woody also explore the benefits of merging the Network Operation Center (NOC) and Security Operation Center (SOC), suggesting this convergence could lead to more cohesive and effective security strategies that drive the business forward.
Learn more about the power of a distributed approach to cloud security: https://resources.aviatrix.com/home/aviatrix-distributed-cloud-firewall?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=distributed-cloud-firewall-whitepaper
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-davolos-296b8596
Timestamped Overview:00:00 Joe’s background at Palo Alto Networks and why he chose to work at Aviatrix. 03:50 The convergence of networking and security.06:31 Understanding users, applications, data, and security.10:14 Challenge, look inward, think critically, leverage cloud.12:14 Tags can be useful but potentially dangerous.17:03 Tags enrich security platform, strong dynamic identity, build control based on the objective of each tag.18:41 Challenges with cloud workload context and security.23:59 Building effective cloud operations with technology and partnerships.25:04 Challenges in security programs require investment and focus.29:15 Leverage Distributed Cloud Firewall for improved security and mean time to respond.32:43 Questioning past models, advocating for unity and tech analysis.

In this episode of Altitude, Woody is joined by Nick Lippis, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Open Networking User Group (ONUG), who brings more than 25 years of experience in networking with a current focus on hybridity and multicloud.
Woody and Nick discuss how enterprises are increasingly adopting hybrid and multicloud infrastructure to give more options and flexibility, how AI will impact networking and security, the convergence of NOC (network operations center) and SOC (security operations center), and the importance of maintaining control over convenience in enterprise cloud infrastructure.
Learn more about Altitude and Host Woody: https://aviatrix.com/altitude/?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=altitude-landing-page
Learn how to master cloud networking control: https://resources.aviatrix.com/home/master-cloud-networking-control?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=master-cloud-networking-control-solution-brief
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklippis/
Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro04:31 Cloud services need structures for control.07:19 Transfer service management to on-prem team.10:34 Specialization and hybrid/multicloud approach for infrastructure.13:18 AI deployment in various industries, especially healthcare.16:59 Rapid growth of AI infrastructure products explained.20:14 AI will change networking, raising concerns.25:32 Exponential growth leads to phenomenal computational advancements.29:43 Convergence of networking and security for AI.31:22 Lack of AI standards poses infrastructure challenge.34:22 AI combining NOC and SOC to reduce costs.

This week’s episode of Altitude features Tchimwa Sougang, a seasoned cloud networking engineer for Azure and Aviatrix Certified Engineer (ACE) Professional, who brings a wealth of knowledge from the frontlines of troubleshooting enterprise cloud networks.
Woody and Tchimwa discuss the challenges of troubleshooting cloud networks, diving into the pitfalls of improper implementation and the lack of cloud-specific expertise and collaboration between DevOps and networking teams. They also discuss the emotional hurdles network engineers face as they move to the cloud, adapting to complex services and losing control of the network. Tchimwa shares customer success stories as well, highlighting the importance of investing in cloud networking training and letting go of antiquated practices to embrace services optimized for the cloud.
Learn more about Altitude and Host Woody: https://aviatrix.com/altitude/?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=altitude-landing-page
Gain the skills that set you apart in today’s multicloud environments through the ACE Program: https://aviatrix.com/ace/?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=ace-homepage
Enable precise network performance and collaborative incident management with Aviatrix Network Insights API: https://resources.aviatrix.com/cloud-networking/aviatrix-network-insights-api-feature-highlights?utm_medium=in_app&utm_source=altitude&utm_campaign=altitude-podcast-2024&utm_content=network-insights-api-feature-highlights-fact-sheet
Connect with Tchimwa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tchimwasougang/
Timestamped Overview:00:00 Intro06:04 Challenging the false expectations of cloud network.07:21 Private links and endpoints differ by solution.10:02 New cloud engineers struggle with lack of network visibility.15:25 Lack of infrastructure control leading to issues.18:50 DevOps troubleshoot network issues without help.20:01 Businesses need cloud networking experts for success.23:53 Help field with presales by proving concept.26:56 Cloud networking faces skill and training challenges.32:23 Improving by learning and setting up properly.33:31 Reflecting on cases to improve customer experience.