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How do government agencies ensure their cloud solutions are both secure and efficient? Join us on the Cables2Clouds podcast as we unravel the complexities of Government cloud solutions with our distinguished guest, Erica Cooper from Cisco. With her deep expertise in cloud technology tailored for the government sector, Erica provides invaluable insights into the unique requirements and security considerations of Government cloud environments. We explore why Microsoft Azure is a favored choice due to its integration with Office 365 and the critical role of hybrid solutions like Azure Hub and HCI in maintaining secure, isolated environments essential for national security.

Ever wondered about the painstaking process of transitioning government applications from physical servers to the cloud? We tackle this intricate journey, focusing on US government deployments and the substantial presence of Microsoft Azure for Government (MAG) in these projects. Erica sheds light on the importance of having a point of presence in the continental US (CONUS) for effective communication and operational efficiency. We also delve into the global proliferation of Microsoft Azure for Government services, comparing it with AWS GovCloud and discussing the significance of terms like CONUS and OCONUS in this context.

In our deep dive into implementing GovCloud, we emphasize the paramount importance of security in managing and deploying government cloud resources. Erica walks us through the rigorous vetting processes, security clearances, and collaborative efforts necessary to build and manage secure cloud infrastructure. We touch on the logistical challenges, from coordinating escorts to setting up secure facilities, and discuss the integration of AWS Cloud and Cisco's Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller for enhanced network visibility. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive discussion that highlights the practical benefits of transitioning from traditional data centers to sophisticated cloud environments. Stay tuned for more insights, and remember to subscribe and follow us on social media for the latest updates!

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What if the hype around Network as a Service (NaaS) is just a bubble waiting to burst? In this episode of Cables to Clouds, Chris, Tim, and Alex critically examine a research report that forecasts the NaaS market soaring to $285 billion by 2032. We dissect the report’s broad and somewhat perplexing definitions of NaaS, scrutinize the inclusion of traditional networking giants like Juniper, Cisco, and IBM, and express our doubts about the report's credibility and understanding of NaaS. Join us as we ponder whether the authors truly grasp the essence of NaaS and its evolving role in the industry.

Scale AI on AWS comes with a jaw-dropping million-dollar monthly price tag – but is it worth it? We tackle this question head-on, exploring the potential ROI for businesses and whether such a high cost is a clever strategy to push for direct negotiations. We also delve into the Scale Donovan product for the public sector, evaluating its promises of heightened security against the backdrop of data privacy concerns and the cautious pace of AI adoption in government agencies. Can government bodies afford to trust and invest in these cutting-edge AI solutions?

In a major development, Aviatrix and Megaport have teamed up to simplify hybrid cloud connectivity. We explore the implications of this partnership, from enhancing hybrid cloud networks to making life easier for their customers. Plus, we delve into Microsoft's recent agreement with CISPE, committing to a product that allows CISPE members to run Microsoft software on their platforms. What does this mean for the competitive cloud market, and how does it reflect on Microsoft's history with the EU? Tune in as we share our thoughts on these compelling industry shifts and speculate on what the future holds.

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Unlock the secrets to building a hybrid home lab that seamlessly integrates local hardware with public cloud resources. Join us as we chat with Matt Elliott, who takes us on an inspiring journey from his early ideas in 2018 to his current sophisticated setup. Matt shares the pivotal moments that transitioned him from clunky physical servers to efficient containers on Linux hosts, offering invaluable insights and amusing anecdotes from his experiences within Kentucky's vibrant IT community.

In this episode, we delve into the power of automation tools that can transform your hybrid home lab into a powerhouse of efficiency. We discuss key infrastructure components like Redis, Postgres, LibreNMS, and Prometheus, and emphasize the importance of secrets management with 1Password. Discover how containers can swiftly deploy new AI tools, and how Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform and Ansible can streamline your lab's management and automation. Plus, learn how AI can be your assistant in optimizing and troubleshooting your setup.

Our conversation also covers the crucial aspect of networking in a hybrid home lab. We navigate the nuances of transitioning from Docker to Podman, discuss the user-friendly benefits of Tailscale, and consider alternatives like ZeroTier. Get practical advice on overcoming routing issues and maintaining network stability. Finally, we explore leveraging AI to enhance coding, documenting your learning in a GitHub repository, and creating an extensible home lab that integrates both on-prem and cloud resources. This episode is packed with actionable tips, expert advice, and personal stories, making it essential listening for anyone keen on building a versatile hybrid home lab.

Draft Details on Matt's Hybrid Home Lab (OCTANT):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17O_qt_1gAo-F8za7K3kK6CZlzbk6TV7v_LpzxWUV6wk/edit?usp=sharing

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Matt's Blog:
https://networkbrouhaha.com/2018/08/hybrid-home-lab-pt1/
https://networkbrouhaha.com/2022/03/vcd-verraform-example/

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Can AI development truly prioritize human safety, and what groundbreaking solutions are transforming cloud connectivity? In this week's episode of Cables2Clouds, we promise to unravel these compelling questions. We begin by examining how Aviatrix's latest innovation, the AWS Cloud WAN Connector, simplifies multi-cloud networking. Learn how this tool reduces complex manual configurations and enhances network segmentation across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Aviatrix's professional services team.

Next, we pivot to a critical discussion on AI safety with insights from industry luminaries Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike. Discover Sutskever's mission with Safe Superintelligence Incorporated (SSI) to steer AI development towards safeguarding humanity. We also spotlight Amazon's ambitious venture into the AI chatbot arena with Metis, a promising competitor to ChatGPT powered by the Olympus language model. Wrapping up, we analyze the competitive dynamics among tech giants and the future of telcos leveraging cloud services, debating whether Metis will debut at Amazon's reInvent event. You won't want to miss this episode packed with insights on AI security and cloud connectivity!

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Curious about how Azure stacks up against AWS and Google in the cloud networking arena? Join us as we host Brian "Woody" Woodworth, a seasoned expert in Azure networking, who unveils the nuances of Microsoft's mighty global network. From its robust backbone and unique Anycast public IPs to the strategic advantages of Microsoft's data centers, we cover every facet that sets Azure apart. Woody provides an insider's look at the intricate and sometimes fragmented nature of Azure's networking teams and how they compare to AWS's more streamlined approach.

How does Azure Firewall capitalize on AWS's gaps, and why do Network Security Groups offer enhanced usability? We tackle these questions head-on, exploring Azure's strengths and areas where it still lags behind AWS, particularly in speed and feeds. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we delve into Microsoft's cautious approach to open source with Sonic, a containerized network operating system poised to reduce vendor lock-in. Woody explains the complexities and rewards of integrating Sonic into Azure's high-availability infrastructure.

Lastly, we peel back the layers on the often frustrating pricing models of cloud networking services, advocating for more transparent and equitable solutions. We highlight the potential roadblocks high costs pose to cloud adoption and suggest ways providers can improve. Wrapping up, we spotlight the impressive growth of Microsoft Azure, driven by strategic investments in AI, machine learning, and developer-friendly tools. This episode is packed with insights, predictions, and practical advice for anyone navigating the hybrid and multi-cloud networking landscape. Don’t miss it!

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Is the future of cloud networking already here? Discover the breakthrough features of AWS CloudWan's service insertion, poised to redefine traffic redirection through security stacks. We'll look at its potential to enhance functionality and user control, drawing parallels to the Transit Gateway service inspection. We also honor the legacy of networking pioneer Nick Russo, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Navigating the complex landscape of cloud security and AI development is no small feat. Join us as we scrutinize Adobe's recent controversies and their ripple effects on trust in major CSPs like AWS, GCP, and Azure. Plus, we'll highlight AWS GuardDuty's long-overdue malware protection for S3 buckets and discuss Cisco's new AI infrastructure specialization for the CCDE certification. Are these specialized certifications a game-changer or an unnecessary detour from broader certification tracks?

Big moves are shaking up the AI-driven security space. Fortinet's acquisition of Lacework and Oracle's strategic partnership with OpenAI signal a seismic shift in cloud and AI integration. We unpack the valuation dynamics of Lacework and the competitive strategies behind Oracle's collaboration to bolster Microsoft's Azure AI platform. From GPU capacity challenges to the financial and technical hurdles of AI adoption, we'll explore how these developments could reshape cloud services and network infrastructure. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that promises to leave you better informed and ready for what’s next in the cloud and AI landscape.

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Discover the captivating journey of John Capobianco from the factory floor to the forefront of AI technology at Cisco on this episode of Cables2Clouds. John shares his inspiring path, detailing how his early fascination with technology and subsequent mastery of programming languages like Ansible and Python laid the groundwork for his current role in network automation and AI. Listen as he recounts his experience with early access to ChatGPT's API and discusses cutting-edge advancements in AI such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and the innovative Raptor approach.

Join us as we navigate the intricate world of AI integration within network operations and the ongoing debate between cloud and on-premises solutions. Using Cisco's AI Security Assistant as a real-world example, we highlight how AI is transforming complex IT tasks into more manageable processes. From prompt engineering to the unpredictable nature of AI outputs, we tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with adopting new technologies, drawing enlightening parallels to the tech shifts of the past.

Finally, we delve into the evolving role of security analysts in light of AI and automation, spotlighting Cisco's recent updates to the CCNA certification. Learn about the strategic importance of embedding AI knowledge early in an engineer's career and the safeguards necessary for handling sensitive data. We explore the implementation of Cisco's validated designs and the concept of a digital twin for networks, and share insights on fine-tuning AI models. Tune in to grasp how AI is poised to revolutionize network management, making operations more streamlined and elevating the role of IT professionals.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to attend one of the biggest cybersecurity conferences in the world? Join us as Tim shares his exhilarating experience at the RSA conference, a spectacle even grander than Cisco Live. This episode uncovers the latest innovations and trends in cybersecurity, from the importance of telemetry data collection to the buzz around Cisco's new HyperShield and the potential impact of eBPF technology. Plus, we delve into the subtle strategies of major players like Palo Alto opting for offsite engagements, providing a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity events.

Have you ever thought about the implications of an AI company regulating its own safety practices? In this episode, we tackle the controversial formation of an internal safety team at OpenAI and what this means for the industry's future. We also break down the fierce competition between Microsoft and Google, pondering how new partnerships, like the one between Prosimo and Palo Alto Networks, are redefining zero trust in multi-cloud environments. The financial ripple effects of deploying distributed security models are discussed, comparing the strategies of industry stalwarts like Aviatrix and Alkira.

AI-driven deepfake scams are on the rise and getting more sophisticated by the day. This episode highlights a recent case where employees at British engineering firm Arup were deceived into transferring substantial funds, spotlighting the urgent need to address these vulnerabilities. We also navigate the complexities of managing SaaS and network operations in challenging environments like China. From China Telecom’s dominance to the strategic use of AliCloud, and the innovative moves by Alkira and ManageEngine, we cover practical insights that can help you stay ahead in this rapidly changing tech landscape. Don’t miss this jam-packed episode filled with eye-opening discussions and invaluable information.

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