The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods

Armon Dadgar, co-founder and CTO of HashiCorp, shares insights on the implications of HashiCorp's acquisition by IBM. He delves into the challenges of integrating a nimble tech company into a legacy-driven behemoth. The conversation covers innovations in cloud technology, the balance between enterprise stability and open source innovation, and the vital role of AI in infrastructure management. Dadgar also discusses state encryption complexities and how emerging tools are reshaping security in DevOps.

Akili Akridge, a mobile security expert with a background as a Baltimore beat cop, shares insights on the challenges of mobile device security. He discusses the blurred lines between personal and work devices and the rising threat of advanced malware. Akili highlights the vulnerabilities posed by BYOD trends and emphasizes the need for robust mobile application management. The conversation also covers consumer vigilance against threats like zero-click malware, specifically the Pegasus threat, underscoring the importance of proactive security measures.

Doug Suttles, CEO and co-founder of Orb, brings insights into his innovative tool designed to revolutionize internet connectivity monitoring. The discussion covers how Orb continuously assesses network performance, emphasizing reliability over just peak speed. Doug explains the user-friendly scoring system and plans for integrating AI to enhance guidance for consumers. He also explores the platform's scalability and upcoming features, as well as creative methods to repurpose old devices for more effective home network management.

Recent memory safety bugs in Firefox and Thunderbird raise critical security concerns. Meanwhile, state-sponsored attacks target Microsoft SharePoint, prompting discussions on advanced quantum security initiatives by Fortinet. The podcast also delves into the booming investment in network automation and the legal hurdles of Broadcom's merger with VMware. Intel's shifting strategies due to financial struggles and potential vulnerabilities in Aruba's products are examined, alongside Nokia's promising financial outlook amidst ongoing challenges in network infrastructure.

Dan Peachy, a Senior Network Automation Engineer at Adyen, and Vlad Skuba, a Product Manager with a telecommunications background, dive into Adyen's groundbreaking firewall automation project. They discuss the shift from simple bash scripting to a self-service model, emphasizing speed and security in payment processing. The challenges of managing firewall policies in busy environments are analyzed, alongside the importance of building an automation team. Additionally, they share insights on creating an accessible self-service portal for developers and harnessing Ansible for network configurations.

Doug Murray, CEO of Auvik and seasoned leader with experience at industry giants like Cisco, is joined by John Harden, Auvik's Director of Strategy and Technology Evangelism. They dive into the challenges network operators face today, including the rise of IT generalists and the risks of shadow IT. The conversation highlights the importance of automation in reducing burnout and managing complex tools. They also discuss fostering a culture of continuous learning in IT and innovative approaches to integrating AI into product development.

Discover how to adeptly navigate the tricky landscape of professional commitments by mastering the art of saying yes and no. Gain insights into ensuring your career thrives while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Learn effective strategies for crafting meaningful mid-year evaluations without over-relying on AI tools. This discussion emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and collaborating with colleagues to authentically showcase your accomplishments.

Dive into the intricacies of OSPF network types, focusing on broadcast and point-to-point configurations. Learn about the vital roles of designated routers (DR) and backup designated routers (BDR), along with their election processes. Discover the challenges of neighbor formation and how mismatched network types can complicate setups. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of soft skills, effective communication, and collaboration within networking, showcasing real-life scenarios that professionals face.

Cory O’Daniel, Co-Founder & CEO of Massdriver, discusses the evolving landscape of Infrastructure-as-Code and user experience in tech. He shares insights on building a startup amid post-COVID challenges, from fundraising to competition. The conversation delves into the complexities of cloud technologies and the necessity for user-friendly IaC tools. Cory also reflects on the journey from gaming to cloud computing, highlighting innovation's role in infrastructure management and the importance of mentorship in navigating the tech startup ecosystem.

Brad Haas, VP of Professional Services at Network to Code, and Matthew Schwen, Associate Director of Network Automation at Humana, dive deep into NautobotGPT, an AI assistant designed to revolutionize network automation. They discuss how this tool simplifies data management, enhances workflow, and supports engineers with real-time coding solutions. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of AI on traditional networking practices, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and community collaboration in this rapidly evolving landscape.