Next Generation Network Configuration: What Can We Expect AI to Deliver and When? Is No-Config in Our Future?
As AI continues to evolve and integrate deeper into network infrastructures, the promise of simplified, self-configuring networks is becoming a tangible reality. This panel discussion will explore the advancements in AI-driven network configuration, shedding light on what we can realistically expect from AI in the near and distant future. Industry experts will delve into the potential for “no-config” networks, where AI automates and optimizes configuration tasks, significantly reducing the need for human intervention. Topics will include the current state of AI in network configuration, upcoming innovations, challenges in implementation, and the roadmap for achieving fully autonomous network management. Attendees will gain insights into how these advancements can transform enterprise operations, enhance security, and streamline network management, ultimately leading to more resilient and efficient IT infrastructures.
Ray Mota, Ph.D., responsible for the Carrier Strategy & Infrastructure ServicesandSD-WAN Service, brings a talent for complex technical and critical thinking and provides strategic direction, sharp analysis, and expert advice on networking issues, specializing in design, implementation, and troubleshooting. Prior to founding ACG Research Dr. Mota worked for Aberdeen Group, ManageAll, Micros-To-Mainframes, Advanced Technology Group, Eastman Kodak and the IRS. As a CTO, he designed, implemented and supported complex trading floor systems and large WAN Frame Relay and ATM networks. He also provided training on Sniffer, HP Advisor protocol analysis tools, and MPLS architectures. Ray has also developed cloud applications and has a software patent attributed to him.
Ray is recognized as an expert in topics relating to networks, managed services, operational efficiency, and business modeling. He has been the keynote speaker for global telecom events. His insightful commentaries and analyses have been published in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Bloomberg, Telecom Magazine, MSNBC, CNN Money, Forbes, Fortune, Businessweek, NY Times, SF Chronicle, and other industry publications.
On the personal side, Ray holds 13 amateur baseball World Series titles and has coached at the Arizona Diamondback Training Center and the Phoenix Prospectors a professional baseball team which won the championship on 2012 & 2013. His successful baseball career inspired him to write Maximum Ability, (Lulu.Com, 2005), which focuses on mind power and using the cognitive abilities involved in sports to achieve excellence in not only the athletic arena but also in business fields and in other aspects of a person’s life. Ray donates 100 percent of the proceeds to Motavation Group, which organizes sporting events for sick children, (http://www.lulu.com/content/110670). In October 2000, HispanicBusiness.com selected Ray, with other notables Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers, as one of the top 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States.
Ernest co-founded ONUG with Nick Lippis after realizing that the user community needed to take control of their own destiny and expedite the network transformation. At the time he was VP of the Internetwork Engineering organization at Fidelity Investments and under his leadership Fidelity hosted the first ONUG in Boston in February 2013.
A 12-year veteran of Fidelity, Ernest was responsible for leading the team that engineered world class network, security, and application delivery services driving value to the customer beyond infrastructure management. Ernest also managed the Network and Voice service portfolio as well as Global Network Operations LAN/WAN teams and has held various technical and leadership roles.
Over the last 30 years Mr. Berly has had the opportunity to be at the epicenter of Ethernet networking. Holding senior technical and executive roles at the industry’s most respected networking companies acting as a key contributor defining, building, and implementing innovative products used to power the world’s largest networks. Holder of multiple patents and trusted technical adviser for many of today’s largest corporations, executives, and IT teams.
Aamer has over 20 years of experience in technology adoption, product, and strategy. He has strong expertise in launching new products, customer acquisition, and driving technology integrations. Aamer is currently working on Cisco’s next-generation security solutions. Previously, he has led product management for branch firewalls, cloud-delivered security (SASE), mid-mile optimization, zero trust security, multi-cloud connectivity, IoT platforms, video optimization, and routing across various vendors. With 25+ patents, he is a former Cisco Distinguished TME, 2xCCIE, and Cisco Live Distinguished Speaker.
Anil Varanasi is the CEO of Meter, a company that provides internet infrastructure for businesses. He co-founded the company with his brother, Sunil, in 2015. Meter’s full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and operations to provide enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure. Anil is also a member of the board of The Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress for the 21st century. He graduated from George Mason University with degrees in both economics and computer networking.
