The Art of Network Engineering
Is Network Automation Worth the Struggle?
Mar 12, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Jeff Clark, an expert in network automation, shares his transformative 'selfish automation' approach, turning time-consuming tasks into quick solutions. Colin Doyle, a principal consulting engineer at Nokia, delves into the evolution of intent-based networking, reshaping the automation landscape. They tackle the psychological barriers engineers face, like fear of job displacement and coding aversion, while emphasizing practical starting points and community support as essential for overcoming resistance to automation.
01:02:58
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Network engineers often resist automation due to cognitive biases like loss aversion and fear of job displacement, hindering adoption rates.
- Starting with small, manageable automation projects allows network engineers to gradually build confidence and experience with new tools and techniques.
Deep dives
Exploring the Reality of Network Automation
Despite the buzz around network automation promising to make network management easier, actual adoption rates remain low among most organizations. The podcasters reflect on their experiences, noting that many in the industry still operate on traditional methods rather than fully embracing automation. A significant portion of the workforce feels overwhelmed by the complexity of coding and automation tools, leading to resistance against adopting newer practices. This stubbornness highlights the need for better awareness around the capabilities and ease of implementing some automation tools.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
