I recall 10 years ago, when I was working as a network engineer, I spent over two weeks completing a project as simple as increasing the throughput of a WAN link for a customer. The process began with creating a request that required upper management approval before the implementation could start. Once approved, the implementation would entail a manual process of building a configuration using Notepad, as a means to copy, which would be applied during a change window. This process was time-consuming and prone to errors. Looking back on this, the comment made by Mr. Chambers began to resonate. I cannot imagine using the same process today to manage networks given the dependence on agility and scalability requirements of today’s network for the current business models.

How digital transformation has changed all industries, even the “simple” process of calling a cab

To provide an analogy, think about how “calling a taxi” has changed in the last decade. If you wanted to get to the airport from your hotel room after a long work week, you would typically call the hotel front desk a day before your flight and request a taxi for the following day. The front desk agent would proceed to call the taxi dispatcher to arrange for a pickup at a set time. The next morning, the taxi company’s computer would generate a dispatch request and a driver would be assigned the fare and hopefully arrive at your hotel to pick you up at the correct time. Upon arrival at the airport, you faced the hassle of paying and hoping that the taxi driver could generate a receipt. If all the elements of this workflow played out perfectly, you would be content. On the other hand, if any of the elements failed, you could potentially miss your flight, the meter or credit card machine could be broken, and you could fail to get a receipt for reimbursement. Finally, from a security perspective, you had the risk of handing your credit card to a stranger or carrying cash. Also, the taxi driver had no incentive to provide good customer service, knowing that they probably would never see you again and that a majority of people do not take the time to file a complaint with the taxi company.

Digital transformation and new business models have changed many industries, even the simple process of taking a taxi. Companies like Uber, Lyft and Curb moved the dispatch process from the front desk and dispatcher to an app on your phone. No phone calls to make. No human interaction necessary. You schedule your ride by setting your location and destination with additional features that allow you to better manage the process. 

As the rider, you have the ability to identify your driver from a picture in the app and vehicle details and perform a background check for added security and even decline the ride prior to their arrival. In addition, you can track their arrival progress on a map. You can also rate the driver and pay automatically right on your phone.

Skilled professionals must be in place before new technologies are adopted

So, what was Mr. Chambers trying to tell us? Well, although network engineers cannot change the organization’s business model to adopt digital transformation, they ultimately will need the skills to deploy and manage the technologies that will drive an organization’s transformation. 

The network engineer working for the taxi company can manage the network as we did 10 years ago but the network engineer working for Uber or Lyft must be able to effectively make changes to the network infrastructure with maximum efficiency and accuracy. The business is so highly dependent on technology. As a result, the ability to automate and adopt technologies that digitization mandates is critical. Instead of spending weeks to set up a simple task such as increasing a bandwidth link, with automation the process can be deployed and complete within hours if not minutes. 

As new technologies are being adopted to facilitate new business models, organizations must have the tools, processes and skilled engineers in place to support the business with the utmost reliability and scalability. With the introduction of IoT devices, which will triple by 2020 according to Gartner, the network is drastically changing. If organizations don’t quickly adapt it will not become the Internet of Things but rather the Internet of Threats, and the concept of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) will lead to Bring Your Own Disaster instead. The network engineers supporting these systems cannot waste time performing endless manual processes but rather must be focused on how to assure that devices are secure and not cause a threat to the network.

A new type of networker is needed

This will require transforming the role of networkers, thus the need for a new type. Fortunately, companies including Cisco have been experimenting with technologies to equip network engineers with tools to more effectively manage these systems, starting with early academic concepts of Software-Defined Network (SDN) and OpenFlow, leading to SDN controllers, Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Model Based Networking and NetConf/YANG, and most recently, solutions leveraging the cloud and analytics in new ways.  

With these transformations, the next generation of networkers should master these tools that are required to configure, manage and maintain, and troubleshoot these new networks. It’s no longer sufficient to just have a CCIE or have a narrow skill set. The network engineer of today will require a diverse skill set that also includes the ability to program and create automation scripts. The good news is many companies, including Cisco, are leading in the path to help facilitate the transition for the next generation of networkers by creating an entire forum dedicated to that in reference to DEVNET.

The network engineer of today will need to build a solid background and gain the experience and exposure to these new technologies by starting from the ground up. Like in any career you have to pay your dues and build experience, coupled with a continued training that matches the individual’s skill level. Any attempt to move too quickly through the learning process can lead to frustration and confusion resulting in stagnation. It is important to continually learn to keep pace with the advancement in technology and build a diverse skill set to be successful. 

Related training

Cisco Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Training

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So why is this type of training so popular? 

1. Networking is of high importance globally. In fact, it’s the fourth highest investment area worldwide.

2. A large percentage of IT professionals work in the field. Twenty-one percent of our salary report respondents classified themselves as networking/infrastructure professionals, the highest in the industry.

3. The skills are easily transferrable. According to our students, they universally applied their course knowledge almost immediately when returning to the job.

How routing and switching students apply what they learned

In a survey of Global Knowledge Cisco routing and switching students, 97% said they have already used or will use what they learned. Seventy percent of those respondents applied their learning within the first week.

“One of our locations had a problem with a PC. I was able to troubleshoot and isolate the problem using the knowledge gained in class.” -Charles C.

The students also provided real-world examples of router and switch issues they were able to successfully troubleshoot as a direct result of training.

“We had a bad VLAN that wouldn’t communicate with the equipment it was connected to and I was able to trace down where the error was coming from.” -Lakota F.

“I work as a network engineer, so every time I have to troubleshoot a problem I have to apply what I ‘ve learned, what I ‘m using the most are a couple of show commands like show ip eigrp, show arp, etc. I did not use those before the course.” -Hector H.

Quality of work has also improved for routing and switching students post-training. A majority has seen a reduction of errors and an improvement in quality. Supervisors are noticing too—11% of students have received a promotion in the short time since completing their course.

“Since the class, I have had more confidence in my daily tasks, even providing advisement to my supervisors on ongoing projects, and training interns with mini guides I created from scratch. This course has added much value to my career and I hope to take (ICND) Part 2 soon.” -Stephen I.

Instructors, labs build skills that are transferrable

The confidence conveyed in the above comments are the appreciable results we hope all of our students experience. It all starts with relevant course material and subject matter experts that convey the knowledge in a smart and absorbing manner.

“The training was extremely in depth and the instructor was not just knowledgeable but did an amazing job of keeping everyone engaged.” – Lakota F.

“Great presenter. He was lively and interactive with his class. Not one dull moment.” -Shawn N.

Transferring course teachings to the real world is the ultimate goal. For network engineers, we understand that hands-on knowledge is vital. They’re in the trenches troubleshooting issues. They need to be comfortable diagnosing issues and working directly with the equipment.

Another key feature that’s included with each Global Knowledge Cisco routing and switching course is lab time. For example, our CCNAX v3.0 – CCNA Routing and Switching Boot Camp course comes with a full suite of labs that have been developed using the virtual IOS environment with flexible topologies that reinforce concepts with hands-on, guided discovery and challenge labs that align to each lesson module.

“The labs are an integral part of the class. They give an opportunity to explore and go in depth with the switches and become more comfortable with the functions.” -Darius W.

Another way to supplement course material is with Cisco Training Exclusives, which provide complimentary access to the IT Skills Video On-Demand Library, Boson practice exams, Introduction to Cybersecurity digital learning course, course recordings, the IT Resource Library, and digital courseware. Cisco Training Exclusives promote continual learning, as you’ll be able to access all of these resources for 12 months after your course.

Save time and manage complex networks with Cisco routing and switching training

Global Knowledge Cisco routing and switching students said their training saved them an average of 3.1 hours per week. If you want to improve your effectiveness and gain hands-on skills that you’ll implement immediately, check out our Cisco Routing and Switching Training courses.

 

Related courses

• CCNAX v3.0 – CCNA Routing and Switching Boot Camp  

• ICND1 v3.0 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1  

• ICND2 v3.0 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2  

• ROUTE – Implementing Cisco IP Routing v2.0  

• SWITCH – Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks v2.0  

• TSHOOT – Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks v2.0

 

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Each year at re:Invent, AWS sets the bar higher and higher. Over 50,000 tech enthusiasts are expected in Las Vegas from Nov. 26 to 30. The logistics and ability to organize your week are always critical components to maximize your show experience. With this in mind, here are some key facts and tips for everyone from newbies to re:Invent veterans, that will help you make the most of your trip and also have a great time!

What’s new at re:Invent 2018

• Although not necessarily at re:Invent, the pre-event webinar series AWS put together, “How to re:Invent,” will help you prepare for the event.

• Put your knowledge to the test in Camp re:Invent Trivia Challenge. You can even compete against compete against the legend himself, AWS VP Jeff Barr. This takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the Venetian Theater.

• Due to the scale and growth of the event, plus customer feedback, AWS is introducing transportation features to reduce downtime and move you around quicker. Check out the Campus Shuttle routes and times. 

What to expect

• Crowds. So make sure you bring your patience and some comfortable walking shoes. 

• There are over 2,000 sessions and they fill up quickly, so as soon as you get your pass start reserving seats at the sessions you want to attend.

• Keynotes and other sessions will be available for livestream in case you want to skip the crowd but hear the latest news.

• Tons of opportunities to learn. Between hands-on labs, bootcamps, hackathons, chalk talks and workshops, your days will be packed—so rest up now!

How to have a good time

• Come visit us at Booth #825 in the Sands expo hall. Chat with an AWS subject matter expert, plus get some swag too— which is the reason you packed an extra suitcase, right?

• Like chicken wings? Be part of of a Guinness World Record and take part in the Tatonka Challenge. We dare you! 

• This year’s pub crawl looks bigger and better. Networking + drinking + eating + a prize draw contest … I don’t know about you, but that sounds like quite a combination. 

Each year, AWS re:Invent grows and exceeds our expectations. Being there allows us to hear from our customers and discuss their training needs and plans. Plus, it enables our front-line (the Global Knowledge AWS instructors and experts) to not only enjoy themselves, but bring their wealth of knowledge and experience back to the classroom to share with students. Hope to see you at Booth #825!

Related Training

AWS Training

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So if you’re looking to certify or recertify in AWS, now is the time. Global Knowledge has released five exclusive AWS Certification Prep Toolkits to meet the rising demand for AWS-certified individuals.

What are AWS Cert Prep Toolkits?

The Toolkits include the tools and training you need to prepare for an AWS certification exam—all in one place and at a lower price than if you purchase each individually. Here’s what’s included in the Toolkits:

• Authorized AWS training course—available in a classroom or virtual setting

• Virtual Exam Readiness Workshop

• Associate or Professional Exam voucher

Who are these Toolkits designed for?

The AWS Certification Prep Toolkits are based on specific AWS job roles. If you’re an AWS architect, developer, SysOps administrator or DevOps engineer, we’ve got you covered. The five Toolkits are:

• Solutions Architect – Associate

• Solutions Architect – Professional

• Developer – Associate

• SysOps Administrator – Associate

• DevOps Engineer – Professional

What is the goal of AWS Cert Prep Toolkits?

The ultimate objective is to provide you with all of the knowledge and resources necessary to pass your AWS certification exam. At the same time, we know that IT budgets are thin. Training opportunities are limited, so when you do, you want to make sure you have access to everything you need. This product includes all of the training and tools in one place at a budget-friendly rate.

Get ready with the most up-to-date AWS training.

Get set with an Exam Readiness Workshop.

Then go schedule your certification exam with an exam voucher.

How will Toolkits impact your job?

The AWS Certification Prep Toolkits provide the flexible learning solutions you need to set you up for exam success. Once certified, IT professionals are proven to provide greater value.

The Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report highlights the individual and organizational benefits of certification.

For IT professionals, 70% are more effective in the job after preparing for a certification exam. Forty percent perform their job faster. And in terms of salary, certified IT staff are paid 22% more than non-certified professionals in North America.

For organizations, certified employees deliver real results that help the business. IT decision-makers say that certified staff perform work faster, are better able to meet client stakeholder requirements and close organizational skills gaps.

Why you should prepare for certification with Global Knowledge

Our AWS Certification Prep Toolkits are only available from Global Knowledge. The included training course in each Toolkit is also AWS-authorized, so you know it’s up to date and will cover the latest AWS products and releases.

AWS resources

AWS Certification Tracks 
A Complete Guide: How to Become an AWS Certified Architect 
A Complete Guide: How to Become an AWS Certified SysOps Administrator 

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¹ Global Knowledge 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report

12. Bluetooth Banana Phone ($40)

How it works: It’s a phone … but it looks like a banana. It’s wireless and Bluetooth-enabled. When fully charged, the handset allows for 10 hours of talk time. Just imagine interrupting a friend mid-sentence, saying “sorry, I have to take this,” and pulling out your banana phone. Well, at least you’ll sound important.

Coolest feature: Again, it’s a phone that looks like a banana. You’ll probably get some funny looks when walking down the street talking into a piece of fruit. Also, the tagline is amazing: Talk more. Smile more. Save gorillas.

Brent Brandow, Product Marketing Manager: “If I’m being honest with myself, a bluetooth banana phone will actually make my life more complicated. But I want to be the guy talking on a banana phone. For me, it’s worth it.”

 

11. Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch ($250)

How it works: The Garmin Forerunner 235 tracks distance, pace, heart rate and more for the runners out there. It’s also waterproof, so it documents your activity when you take your workout to the pool. The Forerunner does it all, capturing your daily steps, distance, heart rate and calorie count. And it can connect via Bluetooth to your phone too, so get email, text and calendar notifications on your wrist.

Coolest feature: It’s completely customizable. You can download data fields and widgets from the Connect IQ, Garmin’s app store, to change what you see on the watch’s display. Whether you prefer a sleek display or you want to see all the data, all the time, you have your choice of theme. 

Ryan Day, Content Marketing Manager: “I used to have a Fitbit but wanted to upgrade so I could track my running using GPS. The Forerunner captures much more than time and distance—I can see speed, elevation changes, heart rate and sleep patterns. I can also view my route on a map, which is all I need to prove to my wife that I actually moved from the couch today.”  

 

10. Google Home Hub ($149)

How it works: The Google Home Hub allows users to easily manage all Google and media accounts from one device. Controlled by touch or voice, the Google Home Hub has a 7-inch display and is fully customizable, allowing you to set up personalized morning or evening routines. Do you like to unwind every day to the tune of ‘90s sitcom theme songs? Who doesn’t? Google can take care of that for you. 

Coolest feature: There are many features that stand out, including smart home integration and Google Assistant. But the coolest may just be the voice match feature, which learns to recognize the voice of each person in your home so that it can respond appropriately. 

Joshua Burdick, Account Manager, Northeast Sales: “I want the Google Home Hub because it will not only connect to other smart home devices such as lights, the Nest Thermostat and security systems, it also integrates with all of my Google accounts like YouTube, Google Photos and Gmail so that I can make sure I am always connected.”

 

9. Movo MFF400 Premium Motorized Follow Focus and Zoom Control Video Shoulder Rig for HD DSLR Cameras ($400)

How it works: Focus and zoom on the move with the Movo MFF400 shoulder rig. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, this rig allows you to capture quality, dynamic shots. Three focus rings are included—65mm, 75mm and 85mm—and the new rig design allows for an unobstructed view of the LCD.

Coolest features: This rig comes with four focus presets, allowing for quick and simple refocusing. The motor has also been upgraded from previous versions and is built for heavy, on-the-move use.

Tom Tuttle, Product Marketing Manager: “I had a short stint in the music entertainment industry as owner/producer for a small live broadcasting company. This was right around the time DSLR cameras were starting to record more than 3-minute video clips. Now, DSLR recording is a favorite among prosumer video production folk. The MFF400 shoulder rig with motorized follow focus by Movo is a little bit of affordable awesomeness. It provides professional-level functionality in a rig that is within the budget of enthusiasts like myself. On the make-life-easier-scale, it’s somewhere between twisting zoom and focus rings yourself, and having a dedicated focus puller.” 

 

8. AWS DeepLens ($249)

How it works: Amazon’s AWS DeepLens is the world’s first deep learning-enabled video camera. It allows developers of all skill levels to get started with deep learning—a machine learning technique that uses neural networks to learn and make predictions—by providing sample projects with practical, hands-on examples. With over 100 gigaflops of compute power on the device, it can process deep learning predictions on HD video in real time.

Coolest feature: You can easily get started in less than 10 minutes by using the DeepLens sample projects, which cover some of the most popular computer vision use cases, like face detection and activity recognition. As your skills and ideas develop, you can build custom deep learning models in AWS using Amazon SageMaker. Let DeepLens detect every time your dog jumps on the couch!

Paul Tocatlian, Director of Engineering: “AWS DeepLens helps put deep learning in the hands of developers, literally, with a fully programmable video camera, tutorials, code, and pre-trained models designed to expand deep learning skills. It’s a fun way to put your AWS and Machine Learning training from Global Knowledge to work—or should we say, to play!”

 

7. Bose Soundwear Companion Wireless Wearable Speaker ($299)

How it works: This wearable speaker is hands-free and ears-free—it sits comfortably on your shoulders. You can use it to make calls, access your phone’s virtual assistant feature and listen to music that comes from sources other than an AM/FM radio. Imagine that.

Coolest feature: The upward-facing speakers surround the device, creating a unique and immersive sound experience. It’s like surround sound for your head!

Darryl Waldon, Director of Sales Engineering and Client Solutions: “I have to admit that the reason I want this thing is because of how the idea of it transports me back to the early 1980s and reminds me of a gadget called the Bone Fone. My dad had one of these things and it was actually pretty awesome for its time. The sound was truly conducted through your bones using a combination of vibration and sound. I wore it around like a musical scarf. I was the coolest.”

 

6. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Quadcopter ($1,249)

How it works: The Mavic 2 drone is small and portable, so you can take it with you anywhere you go. It has a 31-minute flight time, currently the longest for a consumer drone. The Hasselblad L1D-20c camera captures 20-megapixel aerial shots in beautiful color detail.

Coolest features: The features of this drone that really stand out are the extended flight time, the wind speed durability, improved RF connection over Bluetooth for a more reliable signal strength, and most importantly it’s the first zoom lens camera drone.

Alexandra DiFresca, Digital Marketing Manager – North America: “The zoom lens allows you to shoot tight and wide shots without having to change the position of the drone while it’s in the air. I’m not a photography expert but I love taking photos and videos of my travels which I often put on canvas for decoration in my house so I think this drone would really help me take some unique shots.”

 

5. Samsung Class 105S9 Curved 4K TV ($120,000)

How it works: It’s a TV, just way bigger and way, way more expensive than the one you have. Its curved panel creates a panoramic effect. The Auto Depth Enhancer analyzes regions of each image and adjusts contrast to produce more depth. PurColor focuses on more colors than your average TV.

Coolest feature: Did we mention this TV is 105 inches? OK, so the 55-inch version is probably more in your price range. We get it. If anything, just read the Amazon.com customer reviews for the 105S9 TV, they’re hilarious. Our favorite: “Great as a second monitor.”

Traylor Bame, Team Lead, Northeast Sales: “I understand that to get this 105” TV I’d have to be a millionaire…but that’s why it’s called a WISH LIST, right? This TV has precision black local dimming, which dims LEDs behind the darkest area of the screen for superior contrast and darker blacks. I want to watch the NC State Wolfpack football team win on a 105” TV—can’t get much better than that.” 

 

4. Nest Learning Thermostat ($250)

How it works: This thermostat is all about energy efficiency. It learns your habits—when you’re at work, when the whole family is home, etc.—and automatically regulates the temperature. It’s truly a “smart” thermostat—when you’re not home the temperature automatically goes down. Sure, your 9-year-old self is making fun of you for having a thermostat on your holiday wish list. But your grown-up self is super pumped for lower energy bills.

Coolest feature: You’re cozy under a blanket on the couch. The only thing that would make it cozier? Another proverbial log on the fire. The problem is, you don’t want to get up. Well, Nest has the solution. The learning thermostat works with Alexa so you can control the temperature via voice control. Or, control your thermostat from your phone. It’s easier than ever to stay warm this winter.

Dan Stober, Global Portfolio Director of Project Management: “For the Nest Smart Thermostat, the main feature that makes this an attractive gadget is that it can learn what temperatures your family prefers, then build a schedule around what you like during certain times of the day. It can sense when you are home or away, and adjust the temperature in order to save energy and lower heating and cooling costs. There is also an option to put sensors in multiple rooms and prioritize them according to your preference.”

 

3. Zwift with CycleOps H2 Smart Trainer ($1,260)

How it works: Zwift pairs your bike with indoor training gear to provide a realistic riding experience. This bundle includes a one-year Zwift membership and a CycleOps H2 Smart Trainer. The 20-pound flywheel on the H2 helps replicate the feel of real roads and terrain.

Coolest feature: The virtual roads are what really elevate the experience. The Zwift trainer system allows cyclists to ride their bicycles on turbo trainers while navigating through five virtual worlds (Watopia, Richmond, London, Innsbruck and New York). Riders may cycle freely around the game world and join organized group rides, races or workouts with other users.

Clyde Duncan, Salesforce Administrator, Sales and Service: “My primary goal is to strengthen and fortify my race training miles through the winter by using the Zwift system. It’s a proven training method as a Tour de France participant trained solely using Zwift while recovering from a broken arm. If he can do that, it’ll definitely help me get better results in the 50 and Over age group I’m racing in this year on my mountain bike!”

 

2. Microsoft Surface Book 2 ($1,250)

How it works: The Surface Book 2 can be a laptop, tablet and portable studio. It has twice the power of the original Surface, including 17 hours of video playback. 

Coolest features: The Surface Pen, which is ideal for note-taking, and the front-firing speakers, which are perfect for streaming video. 

Johnathan Evans, Digital Ecommerce Manager: “As a tablet, the Surface Pen functions in tandem with the SP2 for sketching and taking notes, but the reverse stand mode and front-firing speakers are awesome for Netflix. Lastly, the SP2 excels as a productivity device due to a beautiful high-res IPS screen and island-style backlit keyboard. I grabbed a Surface Book 2 about two months ago as a result of a PC failure, which I luckily found at a discounted $500 on the Best Buy returns shelf. The SP2 has been an awesome device to work and play with due to the multitude of uses the device fulfills.”

 

1. Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones ($350)

How it works: The WH-1000XM3 is Sony’s latest wireless noise-canceling headphone that comes with a more comfortable design and fit, USB-C, and what many consider the best noise-canceling technology. Sony has completely overhauled things on the M3 with a new noise-canceling processor, which the company claims offers four times better performance than the previous generation. The USB-C port enables quick charging with five hours of playback after a quick 10-minute charge. As for regular battery life, Sony says that the M3 should get up to 30 hours of wireless playback (with noise-canceling on) from a single charge. 

Coolest feature: Touchscreen controls are all the rage—and the M3 doesn’t disappoint. You can put and hold your hand on the touch pad ear cup housing to momentarily pause your music and shut off noise cancellation. As if that weren’t enough, the adaptive sound control automatically detects your activity such as traveling, walking, and waiting, then adjusts ambient sound settings to you. 

Paul Tocatlian, Director of Engineering: “I love my Apple AirPods. But the batteries only last a few hours and the earbuds aren’t very effective in loud environments such as a roaring plane. The M3 demo unit I tried worked wonders—it was love at first sight. The ear cups fold flat so the headphones can be packed into a small carrying case. I hope Santa is feeling generous this year.”

 

What did we miss?

Let us know your favorite gadgets from our countdown or share your own personal wish list by tagging @GlobalKnowledge and using #TechtheHalls. Or comment below.

 

What tech toy will you buy with your training reward?

It’s time to treat yourself! Purchase a Global Knowledge training course and get a $500 gift card of your choice. With options like Amazon.com, Best Buy, Target and Walmart, you can make that gadget wish list a reality. Get your reward.