Send us a textUnlock the secrets to acing interviews with tech giants by tuning into our latest episode of the Cables to Clouds podcast. Join us, Chris Miles and Tim McConnaughey, as we sit down with Kam Agahian, the Senior Director at Oracle Cloud, who brings a treasure trove of insights from his years of experience at the forefront of tech hiring at Amazon and Oracle. Kam shares his unique perspective on what makes a successful interview in the competitive field of cloud networking, offering invaluable advice on optimizing interview strategies and understanding the nuances of the hiring process.Ever wonder about the most effective ways to prepare for a cloud engineering interview? We explore this topic from both sides of the table, discussing the tricky balance of crafting relevant questions and the ethical considerations of scrutinizing candidates' skills. Through engaging anecdotes, we highlight the need for fairness and focus in interviews, addressing the challenges candidates face when traditional network engineering roles transition into cloud-specific positions. Kam emphasizes the importance of aligning interview practices with the goal of building successful teams and satisfying customers, ensuring that both interviewers and candidates are on the same page.Finally, our episode delves deep into the preparatory techniques essential for networking roles. From foundational knowledge like IP and TCP/UDP protocols to advanced topics for seasoned professionals, we cover the spectrum of what candidates need to know. Kam's insights into the art of mastering networking interview theory and the value of certifications like the CCIE are a goldmine for anyone looking to sharpen their technical skills. Whether you're an aspiring cloud network engineer or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a rich blend of theory and practical advice to help you navigate and succeed in high-stakes tech environments.How to connect with Kam:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agahian/More content from Kam:https://packetpushers.net/blog/how-to-break-into-a-cloud-engineering-career/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WTH951b-Okhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PeU49H8XICheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textAkamai’s journey to regain control of their cloud spending reveals the pitfalls of over-provisioning and the importance of optimized workloads. The episode navigates through significant updates like OpenAI’s transition to a Public Benefit Corporation and Microsoft’s substantial investments in AI data centers while pondering Google Cloud's rising competitive positioning against Azure. • Akamai struggles with escalating cloud costs • The ramifications of leveraging cloud as a crutch for poor workload design • OpenAI’s shift to a Public Benefit Corporation for societal good • Microsoft's ambitious $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure • Analysts predict Google Cloud could surpass Azure by 2025 • The rising role of AI agents in tech and IT managementCheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textReady to unravel the complexities of cloud networking and observability? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Craig Johnson from Forward Networks, a pivotal figure in cloud network innovation. Craig's journey from an on-premises networking background to spearheading Forward's public cloud practice offers a treasure trove of insights. Discover how integrated APIs are revolutionizing the landscape of cloud network monitoring and delve into the world of digital twins and cloud observability, where Craig's extensive Cisco experience and passion for Dungeons & Dragons memorabilia weave through the conversation, making it both informative and enjoyable.Explore the Herculean challenges of achieving network observability across multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP. We unpack the intricacies of navigating these diverse platforms, highlighting the contrast between traditional on-prem networking and the dynamic, ever-shifting cloud landscapes. Learn how Forward's platform paves the way for enhanced network visibility by simplifying network modeling and management, leveraging free APIs for data collection without hefty observability costs. This episode also tackles the frustrations with multi-cloud tools and third-party integrations, shedding light on the efforts required to maintain seamless network performance and troubleshooting capabilities.As we wrap up, we reflect on our experience at the recent re:Invent event and the exciting anticipation for the new book co-authored by Tim and me, set to release in January. We express our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners, encouraging you to stay connected by subscribing to our podcast and following us on social media for exclusive content and updates. Whether you're a cloud networking aficionado or just curious about the latest in cloud observability, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and a touch of fun.Connect with the Guest:Twitter: https://x.com/captainpacketBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/captainpacket.bsky.social Guest Content: https://youtu.be/lpA7A6FYMqc?si=diboYPvvbQJBDsLPhttps://youtu.be/_GjGsfM-N2Q?si=2RMx-iZkwBHeZm9DCheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textWhat if the future of tech was reshaped by strategic mergers, AI evolution, and cybersecurity threats? Dive into an engaging conversation where we unpack Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, revealing how customer loyalty defies the odds amid heightened renewal costs. Explore the unexpected maneuvering that has fortified Broadcom's market position and what it means for companies navigating the shift towards cloud-native solutions like Kubernetes. Discover the tightrope walk of modernizing IT infrastructures while grappling with the comfort of VMware's long-standing systems.Prepare to look ahead as we explore tech forecasts for 2025, informed by insights from Accenture and CIO Dive. With generative AI on the rise, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet provides a window into how companies are squeezing maximum value from smaller deals without loosening their purse strings. We also highlight Google's ambitious 2025 outlook and the promising potential of its large language model, Gemini. Meanwhile, the ongoing breach by the Chinese-backed hacker group Salt Typhoon underscores the crucial need for airtight cybersecurity measures. This episode promises a comprehensive look into the strategic moves, challenges, and innovations shaping the tech landscape.Pre-Order our Book:https://www.packtpub.com/en-au/product/aws-certified-advanced-networking-specialty-ans-c01-certification-guide-9781835088098Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

In this engaging discussion, Erica Dietrick, a Developer Advocate at Cisco with expertise in network automation and AI tools, shares her journey in cloud development. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, emphasizing continuous learning in a fast-paced industry. The conversation delves into the evolving tech landscape, contrasting motivations for entering cloud engineering, and the transformative influence of AI on coding education. Erica also highlights the unique dynamics of startups and the new skills required to thrive in modern tech careers.

Send us a textCan you really trust cloud-native firewalls to protect your data, or is it time to rethink your cybersecurity strategy? Brace yourself for some stark revelations as we dissect a shocking report by CyberRatings.org on the dismal performance of major cloud providers' firewalls. With AWS's effectiveness plummeting to a mere 0.38%, and Azure and GCP faring only slightly better, it's time to scrutinize where these cloud giants are missing the mark. Our discussion uncovers a startling gap between what's promised and what's delivered, with a strong recommendation to consider third-party solutions for real protection.Shift gears with us as we explore the intense dynamics of the AI and cloud markets. From Google's bold challenge to Microsoft's OpenAI partnership to Oracle's stock shake-up and new collaboration with Meta, the tech landscape is anything but static. We shed light on the realities of cloud infrastructure management, where less than a fifth of IT professionals are satisfied with their current systems. Whether it's the promise of AI innovation or the struggle of hybrid cloud complexities, our episode offers a thought-provoking examination of what's working in tech—and what isn't.Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textWhat if the future of AI lies in the palm of Amazon's hand? Discover Amazon's cutting-edge advancements in AI chip technology and their strategic moves in the generative AI landscape. We'll unpack the debut of the Tranium 2 chip and the anticipated Tranium 3, alongside the introduction of Amazon's foundational models, Nova Micro and Nova Canvas, designed to revolutionize text and image tasks. This episode promises to give you insights into how these innovations could reshape industries and solidify Amazon's standing in the AI market.Join Chris and me as we recount our vibrant experiences at AWS re:Invent, rubbing shoulders with over 57,000 tech enthusiasts and professionals. From meeting past podcast guests like Sharla and Dejuan to leading a breakout session, the event was a whirlwind of connections and inspiration. We also dive into Amazon's latest offerings, such as S3 Tables and the extension of EKS for hybrid cloud infrastructure, shedding light on how these developments could influence cloud strategies and operations.In a lighter vein, we ponder the possibilities and peculiarities of AWS's mysterious new data transfer terminals. Imagine a world with hidden data hubs, industrial IoT transfers, and enigmatic locations—complete with a sprinkle of humor. We invite you to laugh with us, question the implications, and share your own tales of AWS exploration. Let's navigate these cables to clouds together, with a mix of curiosity, insight, and a dash of humor.List of AWS announcements:https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/top-announcements-of-aws-reinvent-2024/Tim's Breakout Session:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNxUf15QNvECheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a seamless cloud experience as we explore the groundbreaking Direct Connect integration with AWS Cloud WAN. Discover how this innovation not only eliminates the need for a Transit Gateway but also simplifies networking between on-premises and cloud environments, reducing operational complexities and costs. Our guest host, Will Collins of  @TheCloudGambit, lends his expertise to dissect the intricacies of network engineering, giving us a glimpse into the streamlined future of hybrid cloud architecture.The episode takes an intriguing turn as we dive into Microsoft's recent strides in AI and hardware. Witness the transformation of Azure AI Studio into Azure AI Foundry, a strategic move to unify AI services and enhance their integration with platforms like GitHub and Visual Studio. We also ponder the implications of Microsoft's Windows 365 Link, a device poised to redefine enterprise applications with its cloud-based Windows 11 streaming capabilities. From the expanding landscape of AI development platforms to Microsoft's hardware ventures, we assess how these innovations could reshape industries. Join us for this insightful journey through the evolving world of cloud technology.Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textGet ready to be inspired by Serena, also known as SheNetworks, as she shares her exciting transformation from a Best Buy employee to a leading voice in cybersecurity. Celebrating Tim's birthday and Election Day, this episode is packed with fascinating insights into Serena's career journey and the unexpected twists that led her from the world of network engineering to the challenging field of penetration testing. You'll hear firsthand how the monotony of network engineering sparked her interest in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of offensive security.Join us as we uncover the intriguing world of penetration testing, where Serena reveals the techniques and tools employed by professionals to mimic real-world cyber threats. You'll learn about the concept of "assumed compromise," the thrill of privilege escalation, and the critical importance of thorough reporting and documentation. Discover how open-source tools like Mimikatz play a significant role in both protecting and threatening systems and why early detection and a robust incident response strategy are vital to cybersecurity.The ethical challenges faced by cybersecurity experts are also on the table, as Serena shares her experiences in educating clients while maintaining trust and avoiding blame. From the technical details of exploiting network protocols to the complexities of cloud penetration testing, this episode offers a deep dive into the human elements of the industry. Explore the necessity of understanding networking fundamentals, the nuances of zero trust security principles, and the dynamic interplay between pen testing and red teaming. Whether you're a cybersecurity enthusiast or simply curious about the field, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and engaging anecdotes.How to connect with our guest:@shenetworks on Twitter/XCheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textDiscover the seismic shift in social media landscapes as users flock from Twitter, now rebranded as X, to the innovative realm of Blue Sky. Elon Musk's contentious changes, including the removal of the block function, have prompted a mass exodus to this decentralized platform. Join us as we recount our personal journeys of losing followers on Twitter and gaining a community on Blue Sky. Find out why this platform is capturing the tech community's attention with its unique DNS-based handle authentication and its potential for enduring growth. In our insightful conversation on tech evolution, we dissect the trajectory of cloud services as they embrace a SaaS model while navigating vendor trust dynamics. The spotlight is on Microsoft's ongoing antitrust woes, with the FTC's scrutiny echoing past challenges. We unravel the complexities of their strategic bundling tactics, debating whether they are a boon or a bane. Stay tuned for a sneak peek into Google Cloud's pioneering security transparency initiatives, promising to demystify vulnerabilities using a common vulnerabilities and exposure system. This episode is loaded with intriguing discussions for anyone keen on the latest social media and cloud service developments.Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj