Breakfast Roundtable: AI Runs on Networks: Rethinking Enterprise Network Infrastructure for the AI Era with Tata Communications
We are currently accepting applications for this Roundtable. If you are a CIO, CTO, Heads/VPs of network Infrastructure, Sr Manager, or Director of Network Infrastructure, apply to join here: https://share.hsforms.com/1cmAOVo8hTW-CKdWr6pehLA3kiev
As enterprises operationalize AI—from generative copilots to real-time analytics and autonomous workflows—the underlying network is emerging as a critical enabler of AI performance, scale, and security. AI workloads are distributed across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, rely on massive data movement, and demand ultra-low latency connectivity between data, compute, and users. Traditional network architectures, designed primarily for predictable application traffic, are increasingly being stretched by these new patterns.
This breakfast roundtable will explore how enterprise network infrastructure must evolve to support AI-driven organizations. The discussion will examine the architectural implications of AI workloads on WAN, cloud connectivity, and edge infrastructure, as well as operational considerations such as observability, security, and automation.
Participants will also reflect on how CIOs and network leaders are aligning network strategy with AI adoption roadmaps—ensuring the network becomes a strategic platform for innovation rather than a bottleneck. The session aims to exchange practical perspectives on preparing enterprise networks for the scale, speed, and intelligence required in the AI era.
Discussion Points
1. AI Workload Architecture: What Changes for the Network?
- AI applications move large volumes of data between data lakes, training clusters, inference engines, and users across multiple clouds and regions.
- How are AI workloads changing traffic patterns compared to traditional enterprise apps?
- What new requirements are emerging for bandwidth, latency, and inter-cloud connectivity?
2. The Network as the AI Data Pipeline
- AI performance often depends less on compute and more on how quickly data can move across environments.
- How are enterprises thinking about WAN, backbone connectivity, and cloud interconnects as “data pipelines” for AI?
3. Multi-Cloud, Sovereignty, and the AI Geography Problem
- AI workloads often run across multiple regions due to regulatory, cost, or compute availability constraints.
- How are enterprises addressing connectivity challenges between regions, regulated markets, and hyperscalers?
4. AI for the Network vs. Network for AI
- AI is not only consuming networks—it is also transforming network operations.
- How are enterprises applying AI for network observability, traffic optimization, and incident response?
Amitabh Kotwal is a seasoned executive with a strong background in telecommunications and the IT industry. He has held senior leadership roles and has contributed to business growth, incubated teams, and partner ecosystem management across multiple regions.
Amitabh Kotwal serves as Vice President of the Customer Success Group at Tata Communications, leading Solutions Engineering, Customer Success, and Strategic Alliances across the Americas. He oversees the region’s revenue performance and builds strong customer relationships that drive satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. Amitabh leads a results-driven Solutions Engineering organization that translates complex customer requirements and market opportunities into scalable, differentiated solutions that accelerate growth. He also directs the company’s strategy and engagement with key systems integrators and technology platform partners across the region. By developing joint strategic initiatives and integrated solutions, he enables partners to better serve customers, expand market share, unlock non-linear growth, and strengthen long-term profitability.
With nearly 25 years of telecommunications experience across several international assignments, Amitabh has held senior management and technical roles. His technical expertise and commercial judgment give him a strong understanding of the industry, enabling him to explain evolving digital trends to customers and clearly articulate how technology affects businesses today and in the future. Passionate about AI and digital transformation, he advises customers and partners on innovative solutions that address their rapidly changing needs.
Amitabh holds a graduate degree in computer engineering & post graduate degree in Management.
Nick Lippis is an authority on corporate computer networking. He has designed some for the largest computer networks in the world. He has advised many Global 2000 firms on network strategy, architecture, equipment, services and implementation including Hughes Aerospace, Barclays Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Eastman Kodak Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Liberty Mutual, Schering-Plough, Sprint, WorldCom, Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks and a wide range of other equipment suppliers and service providers.
Mr. Lippis is uniquely positioned to comment, analyze and observe computer networking industry trends and developments.
Tony Farinacci recently retired from JPMorgan Chase after 22 years of service in executive leadership roles including CTO – Global Network Services, End-User Services, CISO – Global Technology Infrastructure, and Distinguished Architect – Cybersecurity Architecture. His first 13 years were providing global oversight of JPMorgan Chase’s Voice & Data Network, and Perimeter Security with the last 9 years in Cybersecurity focused on Infrastructure and Cloud Security, Threat Modeling, Risk Assessment, Policy as Code, and Zero Trust.
Previous to JPMorgan Chase, Tony spent 9 years at KeyCorp in various executive leadership roles including oversight of Voice & Data Networks, Enterprise Architecture, Distributed Computing, and the Enterprise Command Center.
Tony started his career at General Electric where he spent 7 years in various technical leadership roles including Senior Architect & Systems Programmer (Mainframe, UNIX, VAX, LAN), Telecommunications and Networking.
Tony earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree at Cleveland State University. He currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife.
