Random Thoughts on the IT Journey
NANOG 98 took place from October 19–21, 2026, in Miami, focusing on Global Connectivity and AI infrastructure. Key sessions covered subsea cable trends, internet exchange evolution, and routing security, emphasizing the industry's challenges and advancements. Networking opportunities were abundant, concluding with a call for autonomous networks. NANOG 99 is set for February 2027.
Stephen M. R. Covey's "The Speed of Trust" emphasizes trust as a vital, measurable economic driver in business. It presents trust tax and trust dividend concepts, highlighting how high-trust environments enhance efficiency. Covey outlines four cores of credibility and thirteen practical behaviors for leaders to build trust, stressing that trust is a skill to develop, not an inherent trait.
A Cold War Story I Couldn't Put Down I have been on a bit of a spy nonfiction kick lately, and The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre had been sitting on my list for a while before I finally picked it up. I am glad... Continue Reading →
"Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground," authored by former hacker Kevin Poulsen, chronicles Max Butler's transformation from a white hat security researcher to a mastermind of credit card fraud. The book explores the evolution of cybercrime from individual hacks to organized operations, offering an engaging narrative filled with tension and authenticity.
The article discusses Mark Roberge's "The Sales Acceleration Formula," arguing that sales can be systematically engineered rather than being merely an art. Roberge, with his data-driven approach, emphasizes effective hiring, training, management, and demand generation strategies, challenging traditional beliefs in the sales discipline. The framework aims to improve sales processes through measurement and iteration.
The Network Automation Forum hosted AutoCon5 in Munich from June 8-12, 2026, uniting over 700 engineers for collaboration without a vendor influence. Workshops and practical sessions emphasized real-world automation challenges and solutions. The conference demonstrated the community's progression, shifting from discussions to actionable network automation initiatives, with future events planned.