Name: From Vision to Value: Architect People-First Networks for Digital Transformation
Start: 2025-05-07T21:00:00Z
End: 2025-05-07T21:01:00.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 0

The Enterprise Architecture channel  presents the next generation of Enterprise IT: recognizing the strategic importance of digital transformation and the data center to make companies more nimble and competitive. These presentations will help demanding IT and BizOps professionals achieve flexibility, scalability and performance with reduced risk and complexity.

Quite aside from the quest to spread out the work of new AI-based services, there are other issues centered on data and the network that are increasing interest in and need for edge data centers. 

We’ll explore these drivers for a new generation of distributed data centers, and how they will fit into enterprise networks.

Expanding the Network Edge

In an era where application environments are distributed, the network often directly determines the cost, the efficiency ,and the experience of nearly every application. With the era of AI on the immediate horizon, how will organizations evolve their network and infrastructure planning and operations to adapt? Which deployment strategies are being considered for AI workloads, and how will those affect networking planning and operations? What are the biggest challenges facing organizations building networks for AI? And, What are the most important features and capabilities of networking for AI? Join Jim Frey as he helps answer these questions in the latest research on How the AI Revolution will Transform AIOps and Observability.

Architecting the Network for an AI-Powered World: Customer Challenges, Plans, and Priorities

Consistent excellence in application experience must be a priority for any digital business, whether that experience is for its customers or its employees. Observability and AIOps tools play a critical role in runtime post-deployment (Day 2) operations across distributed cloud environments. What are the current pain points, best practices, and investment priorities for developers and IT operators related to observability, visibility, and monitoring? How much time do application development teams spend on troubleshooting production environments, maintaining or modernizing existing application code, and productively writing new business code? How can modern AI-enabled tools and technologies help? And what barriers persist? Join Torsten Volk as he helps answer these questions in the latest research on How the AI Revolution will Transform AIOps and Observability.

How the AI Revolution Will Transform AIOps and Observability

Businesses enjoy a wealth of application deployment choices between cloud providers, data centers, colocation, as well as edge locations. As cloud adoption matures organizations become more distributed with investments increasing both on and off premises. How do businesses make application deployment and migration decisions between locations? Why do “cloud-first “organizations keep workload on premises? When do organizations switch primary cloud providers? What rationale, considerations, and processes matter? How have the adoption of cost-analysis tools impacted organizations investment decisions. Answering these questions is the key to understanding the future of hybrid, and multi-cloud investment. Join Scott Sinclair as he discusses recent research on Understanding Workload, App, and Data Deployment and Migration Decision Making across Distributed cloud environments.

Understanding Workload, App, and Data Deployment and Migration Decision Making

With AI and data-intensive workloads transform IT priorities, data storage infrastructure plays a crucial role in the success of digital operations. Data drives modern business success, yet data environments are more distributed and silo’d than ever before. What are the top challenges of distributed data environments? How is AI shifting storage investments and considerations? What is fueling a resurgence of on-premises storage investment? What role does the hypervisor and hyperconverged infrastructure play in the modernization of hybrid and multi-cloud environments? Answering these questions is the key to optimizing data storage and access in the modern digital age of business. Join Simon Robinson as he discusses recent research on the State of Enterprise Storage and HCI.

Navigating the Cloud and AI Revolution: The State of Enterprise Storage and HCI

Doing real digital transformation of the enterprise means making major changes to how things and people work, and doing that right requires a lot of time and attention from IT. To make that time available, a lot of IT staff’s existing work needs to get easier and take less time and attention: enter AIOps, which uses new generations of AI to ease the burden on engineers and analysts. 

Join us as we identify some key areas where AIOps is up to the task, and how to begin the shift!

Transforming the Enterprise Takes Time: Accelerate Change and Free Up Staff Time With AIOps

In today's digital era, space technology is revolutionizing IT networks and global connectivity. From AI-powered satellite systems to edge computing and cybersecurity, space is no longer just about exploration—it's about enabling the next generation of intelligent, resilient networks. 

Join Shelli Brunswick as she explores how space innovation is advancing 5G, SD-WAN, SASE, and other emerging network trends. Drawing from insights from 200+ thought leaders, she will highlight how space-based data, public-private partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies are transforming connectivity and enabling real-time decision-making. 

Key Takeaways: 
- How AI-driven satellite networks, edge computing, and space-based cybersecurity are redefining IT infrastructure. 
- Leadership lessons from space exploration—adaptability, problem-solving, and long-term vision. 
- How space technology supports climate monitoring, digital transformation, and IT innovation. 
- The role of collaboration between space agencies, enterprises, and IT leaders in accelerating digital transformation. 
- Insights from Shelli’s book "What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth" on thriving in an era of rapid technological change. 

About the Speaker 
Shelli Brunswick is a globally recognized leader in space innovation, AI, and emerging technologies. With 35 years in aerospace, she is CEO of SB Global LLC, former COO of Space Foundation, and a U.S. Air Force veteran. She bridges the space and IT industries, driving advancements in cybersecurity, edge computing, and next-gen connectivity. A sought-after keynote speaker and author of What’s Space Got to Do With It?, Shelli brings insights from her work with global think tanks to illuminate how space and AI are shaping IT leadership and infrastructure.

From Space to Servers: Building the Next Generation of Intelligent Networks

In today's interconnected world, businesses rely heavily on IT infrastructure that seamlessly integrates on-premises systems and cloud services. Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies have become essential for organizations looking to maximize the benefits of both environments. However, achieving seamless network connectivity across platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud presents unique challenges in performance, security, and cost management. 

As businesses rely more on hybrid and multi-cloud models, IT leaders face the challenge of integrating diverse network environments. This requires careful consideration of multiple factors, like available connectivity solutions, advanced SDN technology, and scalable network architectures. Designing secure communication channels, ensuring data integrity and compliance, and maximizing efficiency and cost are crucial for building a successful hybrid and multi-cloud strategy. 

In this session, Sandeep Tripathi, IT Solutions Designer at Daimler Truck AG, will share insights on navigating the complexities of hybrid and multi-cloud network connectivity. 

Key Takeaways: 
- Explore practical strategies for building robust network connectivity. 
- Learn about available connectivity solutions and advanced SDN technology. 
- Discover how to design secure and efficient network architectures. 
- And more...

Achieve Seamless Interoperability: Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Network Connectivity

Digital transformation centers on connecting disparate devices and disparate networks and transforming the data into information. This webinar from industry thought leader Tom Burke will explore the latest strategic networking opportunities utilizing cutting edge architectures to enable this magical digital transformation. 

The OT world is full of opportunities to gather data and translate that data into useful information, but it requires reliable network architectures that provide streamlined communication between the OT and IT worlds. This session will explain the important strategy of TSN technology, which is revolutionizing and evolving simultaneously for digital transformation and Industry 4.0. 

TSN provides communication for various industrial networks and devices with synchronization up to one-millionth of a second. The benefit of this precise communication with TSN is that messaging can always come through so that production managers know up-to-date information. And with very precisely timed activities like motion control used in packaging and robotics, there are fewer quality issues in production. 

Benefits of TSN Technology:
- Deterministic Communication 
- Convergence of IT & OT Networks
- Standardized and Scalable
- High Availability & Reliability
- Future-Proofing Industrial Networks

Key Takeaways
1.     Understand what deterministic communication is and how this precise communication benefits network connectivity.
2.     Recognize how network convergence can benefit manufacturing networks.
3.     Learn how to future-proof networks for synchronization with IT and OT communication.

Understanding the Benefits of TSN Network Architecture for Digitalization

In today's high-stakes digital landscape, organizations face unprecedented risks to their data assets, from sophisticated cyber-attacks to system failures and natural disasters. While most enterprises focus on backup systems and recovery protocols, the true foundation of effective disaster recovery lies in robust data governance – the systematic approach to managing data as a valuable business asset.

Many organizations struggle to implement effective data governance frameworks, grappling with data quality issues, inconsistent standards, and complex regulatory requirements. The ISO 8000 standard offers a comprehensive solution, providing internationally recognized data quality management principles that strengthen everyday operations and disaster recovery capabilities. This proven framework helps organizations maintain data accuracy, completeness, and consistency – critical elements that determine the success of any recovery effort.

In this session, Obukohwo Akpede (Data Governance Manager at BT Group) shares key insights on leveraging ISO 8000 principles to build a bulletproof disaster recovery strategy that protects your critical data assets and ensures business continuity across your enterprise.

Key takeaways:
- Decode the essential components of a data governance framework that enhances recovery capabilities while meeting international quality standards.
- Learn practical techniques for implementing ISO 8000 principles to improve data quality and recovery readiness.
- Discover how to align your governance strategy with your organization's specific recovery objectives and risk tolerance.
- Gain insights into measuring and maintaining governance effectiveness through metrics and continuous improvement.
- Understand how to transform compliance requirements into operational advantages that strengthen your recovery position.

Resilient by Design: Strengthening Disaster Recovery with ISO 8000 Data Standards

Organizations everywhere are navigating an unprecedented surge in data complexity and volume that touches every aspect of their operations. As cyber threats evolve and regulatory landscapes shift, the integrity and availability of this data has become fundamental to business continuity. Organizations need storage and backup solutions that don't just protect data—they need strategies that transform data management into a competitive advantage.

The limitations of traditional storage and backup solutions are becoming increasingly apparent as companies face rising costs, operational inefficiencies, and heightened security risks. With ransomware threats escalating, compliance requirements tightening, and sustainability goals taking center stage, organizations must move beyond conventional approaches to data protection. Modern challenges demand transformative solutions that embrace hybrid cloud models, intelligent data tiering, and modernized backup architectures.

This session provides a practical roadmap for modernizing your storage environment and building a robust data protection framework that addresses today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's demands.

Key Takeaways:
- Evaluate the impact of exponential data growth on your storage infrastructure and learn how to optimize for both efficiency and protection.
- Master hybrid cloud and intelligent data management strategies that reduce costs while enhancing data accessibility and security.
- Implement modern backup solutions that protect against ransomware through immutable storage and automated recovery workflows.
- Discover how DRaaS and advanced resilience strategies can minimize downtime while meeting compliance requirements.
- Build a strategic framework for assessing your current storage environment and prioritizing investments for future scalability.

Transformative Storage and Backup: Building Resilience in a Data-First World

Like the Prime Directive in Star Trek - the most important rule or law that must be followed above all others - organizations today require a core set of principles for managing and protecting their most valuable asset: data. Insofar as data is concerned, the prime directive means to find, clean, classify, protect, and contextualize it to mitigate data risks. Oh, and ensure it's backed up properly. Failure to do this could spell disaster.   

Historically, the absence of this prime directive has had catastrophic consequences. The 2008 financial crisis, for example, was significantly amplified by the widespread reliance on flawed data for risk assessment. Today, with the unprecedented volumes of data generated daily, the potential for similar or even greater failures looms large if proactive, data-centric strategies are not implemented.  

In this session, Michele Thomas (Managing Director and Co-Founder of TrustedTec) explores practical, actionable strategies for establishing and enforcing your data's prime directive.  

Join the session to learn:  
- The critical components of a modern data prime directive for your organization.  
- How to build strategies for data storage and backup to combat evolving cybersecurity threats.  
- The cybersecurity and AI challenges that can arise from the exponential growth of data.  
- How to transform raw data into actionable insights for strategic business advantage.  
And more...  
 

Meet the speaker 
Michele Thomas is a visionary leader, data evangelist, digital transformation trailblazer, disruptive thinker, savvy strategist, cybersecurity and identity and access management expert, and in the last decade has been a CISO, CIO, and CTO. She has 30+ years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Michele possesses a BA in Public Administration from George Mason University and a Masters in Public Administration from the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University. Michele and her family live in Maryland.

Data's Prime Directive: Navigating Storage, Backup, and Strategic Activation

The explosion of data and pursuit of high-performance computing are creating a shift in data storage and backup strategies, with immersion cooling at the forefront. This technology promises enhanced efficiency and a total reframing of data center thermodynamics. With immersion cooling, organizations can move past the traditional limits of air cooling - minimizing operational expenses and drastically reducing energy and water use, all while safeguarding the integrity and availability of critical data assets.

The shift to immersion-cooled storage and backup can seem challenging. But with the right support, undergoing this necessary transformation doesn’t need to be all that complex.

In this session, Stephen Zhao (Thermal Management Director – EMEA, BP Castrol) will share tried-and-tested strategies and best practices for designing resilient storage infrastructure with immersion cooling.

Join to explore: 
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and transformative advantages of immersion cooling for high-density storage and backup architectures. 
- Identify and strategically mitigate the critical challenges associated with integrating immersion cooling into existing data center infrastructures. 
- Discover the impact of immersion cooling on energy efficiency, operational expenditures, and responsible use of resources. 
- Get insights and best practices from BP Castrol's immersion cooling deployments.  
And more... 
  
Meet the Speaker 
Stephen Zhao is the Thermal Management Director for EMEA in Castrol, where he leads the development of the liquid cooling business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He has many years of experience in the energy industry and expertise in solutions for the data centre industry. He has also held roles in academia, government, and the non-profit sector. Stephen holds degrees from the University of Oxford and University of Toronto.

Bridging AI/HPC with Immersion: Transforming Storage and Data Backup Efficiency

Join Jim Handy of Objective Analysis and a panel of industry experts as they delve into Compute Express Link® (CXL), a groundbreaking technology that expands server memory beyond traditional limits and boosts bandwidth. CXL enables seamless memory sharing, reduces costs by optimizing resource utilization, and supports different memory types. Discover how CXL is transforming computing systems with its economic and performance benefits, and explore its future impact across various market segments.

Unlocking CXL®'s Potential: Revolutionizing Server Memory and Performance

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, the demands on storage systems are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Join STA for a dynamic roundtable discussion featuring industry experts, including Patrick Kennedy of ServeTheHome, J Metz, Chair of SNIA, and STA board member Jeremiah Tussey. Together, they’ll explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of storage in an AI-driven world and how organizations can prepare for these changes.

What You’ll Learn:
- The impact of AI on storage architectures, including advances in SAS and other technologies.
- How storage scalability and performance requirements are adapting to AI workloads.
- Emerging innovations in storage management and data processing for AI-driven applications.
- Real-world insights into optimizing storage solutions for machine learning and deep learning.
- Predictions for the future of storage in AI, including opportunities and challenges.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and join the conversation about the next wave of storage innovation.

Storage Trends in AI 2025

Monitoring the dark web for threats targeting your organization or industry will enhance your ability to understand the real and ever-changing threat landscape to prevent breaches. Tune into this summit from CISO Alex Holden to learn the practical approach of deriving value from threat intelligence and dark web monitoring.

Key Takeaways 
1) Learn advantages of proactive monitoring of the dark web.
2) Learn how adjusting your defenses to the dark web threats can improve your overall threat landscape.
3) Learn how to use threat intelligence to prevent losses.

Getting ROI From Monitoring the Dark Web

CIOs are no longer just technology enablers—they're the architects of enterprise transformation. This session provides an exclusive, actionable roadmap for mastering AI-driven innovation at scale, tailored specifically for large, complex organizations. You'll explore advanced hybrid AI models that combine the scalability of open systems with the precision and security of proprietary tools, solving real-world challenges like scaling AI across business units and securely integrating AI within existing enterprise structures.

What sets this session apart is its focus on enterprise-tested frameworks and exclusive case studies from leading organizations. Learn how hybrid AI strategies are delivering measurable ROI and driving competitive advantage. Dive into bold, innovative approaches for closing the AI talent gap, from leadership-driven AI literacy to embedding AI fluency across cross-functional teams. The session will also tackle cutting-edge governance strategies, addressing risks like shadow AI, compliance hurdles, and bias, while navigating rapidly evolving global regulatory landscapes.

This isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world execution. The session features insights and frameworks designed specifically for CIOs ready to lead their organizations into the next era of AI innovation. 

Key Takeaways:
- Enterprise-Tested Hybrid AI Frameworks: Go beyond generic approaches with actionable insights and case studies showcasing how leading organizations are building scalable, secure AI systems tailored to enterprise needs.
- Strategic Talent Ecosystems: Learn bold strategies to close the AI talent gap through advanced upskilling, leadership-driven AI literacy, and cross-functional team alignment that embeds AI into every level of your organization.
- Future-Proof Governance: Gain cutting-edge tools to navigate shadow AI risks, ensure compliance, and integrate ethical AI practices into global operations, fostering trust and adaptability in an AI-powered future.

Architecting Enterprise AI Excellence: Leading with Innovation, Talent and Governance

Emerging IT Network Trends

Zero-Trust Architecture: Bridging the Gap Between Mandate and Implementation

The days of IT simply 'keeping the lights on' are over. Today, the network is a strategic weapon, and the people wielding it are the most critical component. But how do we equip them for success?

True digital transformation requires a people-first approach, where skilled and motivated teams are empowered to build and manage the next-generation networks that drive competitive advantage.

This session, tailored for IT leaders navigating the complexities of hybrid work, edge computing, and the IoT explosion, explores how to cultivate a "people-first" culture within your networking teams. Drawing on his experience as VP for IT and Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University, Dr. Miloš Topić will share practical strategies for:

- Creating a shared vision: Engaging your team in defining the "why" behind your network strategy and fostering a sense of ownership.
- Inspiring excellence: Motivating your teams to embrace new technologies like 5G, SD-WAN, and SASE and driving them to achieve clear standards.
- Building trust through transparency: Fostering a culture of open communication, honesty, and shared accountability.
- Empowering decision-making: Delegating authority, providing support, and creating a safe space for experimentation and risk-taking.
- Leadership as service: Showing your team that you are there to support them and have their back.

From Vision to Value: Architect People-First Networks for Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation

IT networks

Network Architecture

Network Infrastructure

edge computing

Hybrid Work

SD WAN

Welcome to the virtualization community on BrightTALK! Whether it affects servers, storage, networks, desktops or other parts of the data center, virtualization provides real benefits by reducing the resources needed for your
infrastructure and creating software-defined data center components. However, it can also complicate your infrastructure. Join this active community to learn best
practices for avoiding virtual machine sprawl and other common virtualization pitfalls as well as how you can make the most of your virtualization environment.

Virtualization

Cloud computing has exploded over the past few years, delivering a previously unimagined level of workplace mobility and flexibility. The cloud computing community on BrightTALK is made up of thousands of engaged professionals learning from the latest cloud computing research and resources. Join the community to expand your cloud computing knowledge and have your questions answered in live sessions with industry experts and vendor representatives.

Cloud Computing

The data center management community focuses on the holistic management and optimization of the data center. From technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing to data center design, colocation, energy efficiency and monitoring, the BrightTALK data center management community provides the most up-to-date and engaging content from industry experts to better your infrastructure and operations. Engage with a community of your peers and industry experts by asking questions, rating presentations and participating in polls during webinars, all while you gain insight that will help you transform your infrastructure into a next generation data center.

Data Center Management

The storage community on BrightTALK is made up of thousands of storage and IT professionals. Find relevant webinars and videos on storage architecture, cloud storage, storage virtualization and more presented by recognized thought leaders. Join the conversation by participating in live webinars and round table discussions.

Storage

Network infrastructure professionals understand that a reliable and secure infrastructure is crucial to enabling business execution. Join the network infrastructure community to interact with thousands of IT professionals. Browse hundreds of on-demand and live webinars and videos to learn about the latest trends in network computing, SDN, WAN optimization and more.

As an IT professional, many of the problems you face are multifaceted, complex and don’t lend themselves to simple solutions. The information technology community features useful and free information technology resources. Join to browse thousands of videos and webinars on ITIL best practices, IT security strategy and more presented by leading CTOs, CIOs and other technology experts.

From Vision to Value: Architect People-First Networks for Digital Transformation

Presented by

About this talk

More from this channel