Total Network Operations 1031 TNO048: Ops to Orchestrated: An Architect’s Automation Journey
Oct 31, 2025
Automation architect Jesse Ford, with a rich 25-year background in networking and a decade in the Marine Corps, shares his insights into network automation. He discusses the importance of choosing the right tools, exemplified by his journey with Python and Ansible. Ford describes the efficiency gains from automating tasks, including reducing manual hours to seconds, and highlights the human impact, freeing engineers for higher-value work. He emphasizes starting small with automation and the role of AI in enhancing learning while warning about its outputs.
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From Marine Corps To Automation Architect
- Jesse described his 25-year career arc from Marine Corps comms to automation architect at Itential.
- A Python script that cut weeks of work to days hooked him on automation and changed his career path.
Pick Practical Tools First
- Choose tools that match your skill level and problem scope rather than the fanciest solution.
- Jesse picked Python for readability and speed of learning to deliver value quickly.
Tool Diversity Beats One-Size-Fits-All
- No single automation tool fits every use case; evaluate strengths and gaps.
- Compose Lego-like tools (Ansible, Terraform, platforms) to match specific workflows.