Executives At The Edge podcast

#Tech #Business News #Entrepreneur #Business #News #MEF

51:40

Despite having a strong product idea, Reid Hoffman’s first startup collapsed, forcing him to return investors’ capital. This tough experience reshaped his approach to entrepreneurship. By embracing failure, iterating quickly, and adapting relentlessly, he went on to become a leader at PayPal and later, the co-founder of LinkedIn. In this episode, Reid shares the concept of blitzscaling, which prioritizes speed over perfection, smart strategies for taking risks, and insights on achieving rapid market dominance. In this episode, Hala and Reid will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:32) Building Impact-Driven Businesses (02:56) Why We Need More Entrepreneurs (04:31) The Vision Behind LinkedIn’s Success (06:43) Lessons from a Failed Startup (09:26) Making Quick, Intense Decisions at PayPal (12:39) Blitzscaling: Prioritizing Speed Over Efficiency (18:10) Maintaining Company Culture While Scaling (21:20) The Power of Early Market Dominance (25:01) The Five Stages of Company Growth (28:54) Strategies for Taking Intelligent Risks (31:44) Why Product Perfection Delays Success (33:25) Pivoting Early to Seize New Opportunities (36:18) Entrepreneurship as a Team Sport Reid Hoffman is an entrepreneur, investor, partner at Greylock, and co-founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI. He was an executive at PayPal and a founding investor in several companies, including OpenAI. Reid actively supports various non-profits and has received numerous accolades, including an honorary CBE from the Queen of England and the Salute to Greatness Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for his philanthropic efforts. Resources Mentioned: Reid’s Book, Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies : amzn.to/4jnQkfQ Sponsored By: OpenPhone - Get 20% off 6 months at openphone.com/PROFITING Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at youngandprofiting.co/shopify Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to rocketmoney.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 job credit at indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - Receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new All Show Keywords: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship podcast, Business, Business podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal development, Starting a business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side hustle, Startup, mental health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth mindset. Career, Success, Entrepreneurship, Productivity, Careers, Startup, Entrepreneurs, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Opportunities, Professionals, Workplace, Career podcast, Entrepreneurship podcast…

Executives at the Edge

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Join MEF CTO Pascal Menezes as he explores thought-provoking perspectives from the leaders and changemakers propelling enterprise digital transformation forward. Each episode delves into leading-edge business insights from top network, cloud, and technology executives and industry analysts—leaving you with key takeaways to help grow your revenue and bring services and solutions to market faster. Executives at the Edge explores topics such as: What is SD-WAN and SASE and what does market growth look like? Where does Zero Trust fit in? What are the trends shaping enterprise networking in a cloud-based world? How do you manage services at scale? What do enterprises really need in terms of services and performance? How can service providers up their game through automation? Is “network as a service” the next big thing? Why are cloud-to-cloud models taking off? And where do hyperscalers fit in the mix? This podcast is brought to you by MEF, visit us at MEF.net.

72 episodes

Executives at the Edge

updated 10 days ago

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72 episodes

#Tech #Business News #Entrepreneur #Business #News #MEF

All episodes

Executives at the Edge

1
AI-Powered Networks: Building Innovation Culture 31:03

10 days ago31:03

31:03

ACG Research’s CEO and Principal Analyst, Ray Mota, explores how AI-driven automation is transforming networks, the push for interoperability, and the balance between innovation and regulation. He and Pascal discuss key trends shaping the industry and what’s next for service providers. Can AI redefine network services for the future? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Ray Mota of ACG Research: How can AI-driven automation transform network operational efficiency? What emerging technologies are reshaping service provider capabilities? How are customer expectations evolving and what does it mean for service providers? What challenges do network providers face in balancing innovation with regulatory compliance? Can standardization and interoperability accelerate technological adoption? Learn More Also read Ray’s Edge VIEW Blog post, Analyst Insights: Importance of Network-as-a-Service in the Modern Telecom Ecosystem . Learn more about how MEF is accelerating Service Automation . Explore more of ACG Research’s insights on industry trends and market analysis at ACGcc.com About Our Guest Ray Mota, CEO and Principal Analyst, ACG Research Ray Mota, Ph.D., responsible for the Carrier Strategy & Infrastructure Services and SD-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. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post AI-Powered Networks: Building Innovation Culture appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Securing the Future: Certifiably SASE 31:58

24 days ago31:58

31:58

Ian Foo, CTO and EVP of Product for CyberRatings.org, MEF’s testing and certification partner, details the rise of cybercrime, particularly state-sponsored cyber threats, and the critical need for securing operational technology. He discusses the role of SASE certification in mitigating these risks, highlighting its comprehensive testing methods for malware, exploits, and evasions. How does third-party certification enhance vendor trust and validate enterprise security and performance amid rising cyber threats? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Ian Foo of CyberRatings.org: How is the cyber-crime space evolving? Which industry opportunities and challenges are key in the SASE arena? How does CyberRatings.org’s testing for MEF SASE certification differ from other types of testing in the industry? What value does testing and certification bring to the table for SASE vendors, service providers, and enterprise end users? Learn More Read Pascal’s recent article, 5 Reasons Enterprises Should Demand Certified SASE Offerings Read the CyberRatings.org blog post on The Hidden Danger of Evasions Also listen to CyberRatings.org’s Chairman and CEO, Vikram Phatak, discuss the current cybercrime ecosystem in the podcast episode, Ransomware-as-a-Service: Securing the Enterprise . Explore MEF’s certifications for SASE services . Read MEF’s State of the Industry Report: SASE . About Our Guest Ian Foo, CTO and EVP of Product, CyberRatings.org Ian Foo has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, network engineering, and product development. Previously, he was Senior Product Manager at Google, focusing on Cloud Networking and special projects within Google Cloud Platform (GCP). There he drove vision, strategy, roadmap, and development of networking and routing at global scale to create platforms enabling effective enterprise cloud transformation for Google’s customers. This included leading the cross-Google effort to bring IP multicast to Google Cloud, unblocking Cloud transformation for Capital Markets, Financial Services, and Media/Broadcast/Entertainment industries. Prior to Google he was Director of Product & GTM for Service Providers at Commvault where he led product management for Service Provider transformation from traditional on-premises solutions to Cloud SaaS based models and platforms. Earlier in his career he held senior product and technical leadership positions focusing on security, enterprise solutions, service provider solutions, data center networking, global scale routing, and Software Defined Networking (SDN) at several global technology companies including Huawei, Cisco, and BBN/GTE Internetworking/Verizon. Ian currently holds 13 U.S. patents that include methods for creating software defined ordered service patterns in communications networks, method for selectively manipulating control traffic to improve network performance, and techniques for providing security protection in wireless networks. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Securing the Future: Certifiably SASE appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

1
Power Play: The State of SASE 18:30

5 weeks ago18:30

18:30

This special “Power Play” episode recaps SASE’s evolution, including real-world deployment strategies, the role of standardization, and the impact of AI in cybersecurity as industry experts from Versa Networks, Comcast Business, and Dell’Oro Group weigh in on the state of SASE. Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with industry leaders: Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks , explains how SASE is transforming enterprise security by integrating networking and security into a unified solution. Listen to the full episode: SASE and 5G: Delivering Cloud-based Security and Connectivity Bob Victor, Senior VP, Customer Solutions, Comcast Business , shares real-world deployment strategies and how enterprises are adopting multi-vendor SASE solutions. Listen to the full episode: Secure Networking: Turbocharging Global Strategy Mauricio Sanchez, Senior Research Director, Dell’Oro Group , explores the need for SASE standardization and certification to ensure security and interoperability and offers a look at how AI is shaping the future of SASE-driven cybersecurity. Listen to the full episode: SASE: On the Edge of Securing the Digital Future Learn More Also listen in on the transformative impact of NaaS from the Edge in Power Play: Analysts Sound Off on NaaS And satellite, multi-cloud, and AI highlights in Power Play: Tech Landscape Transformed Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Power Play: The State of SASE appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Surpassing Manual: Telecom Automated 22:34

7 weeks ago22:34

22:34

Orchest’s CEO, Jeremy Villalobos, outlines how Orchest has modernized to meet customer demands for instant quotes and service delivery, despite complex challenges across global networks, legacy systems, and physical infrastructure. Has automating manual tasks and reallocating resources truly increased profitability and customer value? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Jeremy Villalobos of Orchest: Why is automation essential for the future of telecom? How can companies start their automation journey without overwhelming their organization? Why does address validation remain such a critical challenge in telecom automation? Why is API standardization crucial for seamless interconnection between global networks? What unique challenges does the Latin American telecom market face in adopting automation? Learn More Also listen in on Jeremy and Pascal’s last episode together discussing Disruptive Technologies in the LATAM Market: The Rising Tide . And don’t miss Eric Seaman and Pascal’s episode, Automation Imperative: Modernizing LATAM Telecom . Explore MEF’s LSO APIs for service automation . Browse the LSO API Catalog and blend LSO APIs on MEF’s LSO Marketplace About Our Guest Jeremy Villalobos, CEO, Orchest Technologies Jeremy Villalobos is the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Orchest Technologies. He serves as the Chairman of the Latam Executive Council in MEF Forum. He was recently recognized for the third year in a row (2022, 2023, 2024) in the Top 100 most influential people in the Wholesale and ICT community by Capacity Media. In 2022, he served as Co-Chair for the LSO Committee at MEF Forum developing LSO API standards. He led the creation of the revolutionary Orchest platform and the network feasibility analysis algorithm. He has served in several key capacities and advisory boards for various technology and Carrier organizations. He was a member of the Board of Advisors of Stetson University in Florida from 2020 to 2023. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Surpassing Manual: Telecom Automated appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Agentic AI: Intent-Driven Autonomous Networks

9 weeks ago

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ServiceNow’s VP & Head of Product Management for Telecom, Media & Technology, Rohit Batra, discusses the future of autonomous networks, intent-based solutions, and the transformative role of agentic AI in telecom. How will AI-driven automation revolutionize customer experiences, streamline operations, and deliver on ambitious visions of fully autonomous networks? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Rohit Batra of ServiceNow: How is agentic AI fundamentally different from generative AI, and why does it matter for network operations? What challenges do organizations face when implementing autonomous networks powered by AI? Can agentic AI improve customer experience and satisfaction? Which industries and use-cases stand to benefit most from agentic AI-driven networks? How will AI systems and human operators collaborate to manage future networks? Learn More Also listen in on Rohit’s previous podcast, Experience-Led Transformation: How We Meet Customer Demands . Learn more about how MEF is accelerating Service Automation . About Our Guest Rohit Batra, ServiceNow, VP & Head of Product Management for Telecom, Media & Technology Rohit is the Vice President and Head of Product Management for TMT (Telecom, Media, Technology) Industry at ServiceNow. As part of his role, Rohit leads the TMT product strategy and roadmap pertaining to domains such as network and service experience, order management and customer experience for ServiceNow customers. Prior to ServiceNow, Rohit ran the solutions and product strategy teams at various organizations including Salesforce, Amdocs, Oracle and Comverse. He has over 20 years of experience in TMT industry across Customer Experience and BSS/OSS domain running delivery, solutions, and product management functions. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Agentic AI: Intent-Driven Autonomous Networks appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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NaaS 2.0: A Fine Balance 22:53

11 weeks ago22:53

22:53

Cisco’s VP of Product Management, Hugo Vliegen, traverses the evolution of networking and its convergence with security. Discover how hybrid NaaS models are reshaping enterprises while automation and cloud strategies modernize connectivity. How can organizations find the right balance between control and simplicity when adopting Network-as-a-Service? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Hugo Vliegen of Cisco: What defines NaaS in today’s complex enterprise environment? How can organizations create flexible network solutions that span on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments? What strategies can service providers use to differentiate themselves in the NaaS marketplace? What role do automation and APIs play in modernizing network infrastructure? Learn More Get the 2025 MEF NaaS Industry Blueprint . Also listen in on Meter’s Co-founder and CEO, Anil Varanasi, in Network Nirvana: The Power of NaaS . Enjoy our NaaS podcast episode recap, Power Play: Analysts Sound Off on NaaS . Meet more members of the MEF Technology Advisory Board (TAB) . About Our Guest Hugo Vliegen, VP Product Management & Technical Marketing, Enterprise Routing & SD-WAN, Cisco Hugo Vliegen has global responsibility for product management and technical marketing for Enterprise Routing & SDWAN. Hugo has 25+ years of experience in marketing and technology leadership roles. Over the years, he has worked with numerous enterprise customers, service providers, and channel partners to define business strategies and product/solution requirements for networking and security infrastructure. Hugo also brings experience from working at cloud and IoT startups, including Aryaka, Nebbiolo and Infogear (acquired by Cisco). He is the cofounder of several new product lines in the networking and security space generating $100M+ in yearly revenues. Hugo started his career in Manufacturing IT and Automation. Hugo earned a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Twente and graduated with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the Eindhoven University of Technology in The Netherlands. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post NaaS 2.0: A Fine Balance appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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AI Transformation: Democratizing Knowledge

13 weeks ago

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Colt Technology Services’ CEO, Keri Gilder, dives into AI, technology, and workplace transformation to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping industries, challenging job markets, and creating unprecedented opportunities. Can technology truly empower everyone? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Keri Gilder of Colt Technology Services: How are AI and quantum computing transforming innovation cycles across industries? Will emerging technologies replace jobs or create new opportunities, and what skills will be most critical to learn in the next decade? How can we address diversity and inclusion challenges in the technology sector? What does the future of Network as a Service (NaaS) look like for global enterprises? How can we ensure AI development represents diverse perspectives and data? Learn More Also listen to this AI-focused podcast with Rick Lievano of Microsoft, AI-Powered Telco Networks: A New Era . And this AI-focused podcast with Broadcom’s Chief Architect for SD-WAN and SASE, Guru Belur, Edge AI Networking: SD-WAN in the AI Age . Meet more members of the MEF CEO Advisory Board (CAB) . About Our Guest Keri Gilder, Chief Executive Officer, Colt Technology Services Appointed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in May 2020, Keri is responsible for executing Colt’s strategy, which centers around transforming the way the world works through the power of connectivity. Before becoming CEO, Keri was Colt’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), leading global teams across sales, presales and marketing, as well as working closely with the wider organization to ensure Colt delivered for its customers. Before joining Colt, Keri held several leadership roles at Ciena but was most recently its Vice President and General Manager EMEA, responsible for guiding Ciena’s EMEA service provider and enterprise customers, as well as partners. Keri is passionate about promoting Inclusion and Diversity to ensure Colt is a business where everyone feels they can bring their true selves to work. In addition, Keri brings this passion to the wider industry as the Chair of the TM Forum’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and President of the Global Telecom Women’s Network. Prior to Ciena, Keri worked in multiple roles for Lucent Technologies, and she has also worked for Hughes Aircraft as a Network Engineer. Keri has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Management Information Systems (MIS) from New Mexico State University. Keri lives in London with her husband and two children and is based at Colt’s head office in London. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post AI Transformation: Democratizing Knowledge appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Unlocking Resilience: The Intersection of SASE and Zero Trust 27:32

16 weeks ago27:32

27:32

Enterprise Management Associates’ VP of Research, Shamus McGillicuddy, explores the complexities of Zero Trust, providing expert insights on its framework, challenges, and integration with SASE, and how network teams drive cybersecurity success. What are the keys to realizing the full potential of Zero Trust and SASE? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Shamus McGillicuddy of Enterprise Management Associates: Why has Zero Trust become a foundational approach in modern cybersecurity? What role do technologies like SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) play in Zero Trust strategies? How do network and cybersecurity teams need to collaborate to successfully implement Zero Trust? What are the biggest technical challenges organizations face when deploying Zero Trust frameworks? What practical steps can companies take today to accelerate their journey to Zero Trust? Learn More See MEF’s industry-first Zero Trust framework . Read MEF’s State of the Industry Report: SASE . Watch EMA’s webinar, Zero Trust Networking: How Network Teams Support Cybersecurity and read their report About Our Guest Shamus McGillicuddy, Vice President of Research, Enterprise Management Associates Shamus McGillicuddy is the Vice President of Research at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA). With nearly 20 years of IT industry experience, Shamus leads EMA’s network infrastructure and operations practice. He identifies and evaluates cutting edge trends that impact the networking industry, and he advises IT professionals on best practices for designing, building, and managing their networks. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Unlocking Resilience: The Intersection of SASE and Zero Trust appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Edge AI Networking: SD-WAN in the AI Age 22:23

18 weeks ago22:23

22:23

Broadcom’s Chief Architect for SD-WAN and SASE, Guru Belur, discusses how edge computing and AI are revolutionizing network infrastructure, transforming traditional connectivity paradigms, and how intelligent networking can bridge AI models across diverse environments. Can SD-WAN evolve to support next-generation AI applications? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Guru Belur of VeloCloud by Broadcom: How can SD-WAN technology adapt to support the unique networking demands of AI and generative AI applications? What challenges do organizations face when deploying AI applications across distributed networks? What role does edge computing play in the emerging AI landscape? How are AI workloads transforming network connectivity requirements? Learn More Also listen in on VMware by Broadcom’s VP & General Manager for SD-WAN and SASE, Abe Ankumah, and our host, Pascal Menezes, discuss the Software-Defined Edge: Unraveling Complex Distributed Environments . See MEF’s digital service standards for overlay services with SD-WAN . About Our Guest Gurudutt Belur, Chief Architect, VeloCloud by Broadcom Gurudutt Belur is the Chief Architect for the VeloCloud SD-WAN and SASE product line at Broadcom. In this role he has been responsible for driving the evolution of VeloCloud from SD-WAN to a multi service connectivity fabric incorporating SSE and ZTNA capabilities tying users anywhere to applications anywhere connected via a variety of underlays. He has been working on networking and security solutions for more than two decades at companies like VMware and Oracle. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Edge AI Networking: SD-WAN in the AI Age appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Telcos on the AI Edge: Disrupted or Disruptors? 16:56

20 weeks ago16:56

16:56

Omdia Research Director, Brian Washburn, examines the evolving role of AI in telecommunications, from video analytics to edge computing, and the potential for new revenue opportunities for service providers in this rapidly evolving space. How can service providers leverage AI to meet enterprise demands and drive innovation and growth? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Brian Washburn of Omdia: How is AI transforming the telecommunications landscape? What are the most promising use cases for AI in the telecom industry? How can telcos leverage AI without complex integration projects? What role will edge computing play in enabling new AI-powered services and revenue streams? What standards and frameworks are emerging to align AI capabilities with enterprise needs? Learn More Access Omdia’s e-book: Future-ready telcos: Navigating the next era of connectivity and innovation Read Brian’s recent research on AI and the Future of Network Services View AI panels and sessions at MEF’s most recent Global NaaS Event, GNE 2024 Also listen to our recent podcast with Rick Lievano of Microsoft: AI Powered Telco Networks: A New Era About Our Guest Brian Washburn, Research Director, Service Provider, Enterprise & Wholesale, Omdia Brian Washburn works in the service provider, enterprise and wholesale group, supporting its enterprise networks and wholesale, workspace services, and digital enterprise services practices. Brian has covered communications and networking services for nearly 30 years with Ovum and now Omdia. His coverage spans how enterprises buy and use network and related managed services, as well as how providers can build, market and sell, deliver, and operate their services for enterprises most effectively. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Telcos on the AI Edge: Disrupted or Disruptors? appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Power Play: Analysts Sound Off on NaaS 16:04

22 weeks ago16:04

16:04

This special “Power Play” episode recaps insights on the transformative impact of Network-as-a-Service, emphasizing flexibility, automation, and cloud-inspired models. Expert analysts from Frost & Sullivan, AvidThink, and Dell’Oro Group weigh in on the dynamic, scalable nature of NaaS, and its alignment with enterprises’ growing preference for consumption-based, OpEx-oriented approaches. Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with analysts: Steve Thomas, Frost & Sullivan’s Industry Director, breaks down how Network-as-a-Service can be the answer to unlocking flexibility, automation, and efficiency for organizations. Listen to the full episode: Business Internet: The Future of is NaaS Roy Chua, AvidThink’s Founder and Principal, relates how, as enterprises shift to NaaS for network flexibility and lower costs, IT staff need new skills like automation and security for managing evolving network responsibilities . Listen to the full episode: Driving NaaS Adoption: IT Professionals Prepare Siân Morgan, Dell’Oro Group’s Research Director, shares how the innovative approach of Campus Network-as-a-Service (CNaaS) is revolutionizing LAN management. Listen to the full episode: CNaaS: Cracking the Campus Network Code Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Power Play: Analysts Sound Off on NaaS appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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NaaS: The Next Frontier in Enterprise Connectivity 26:50

24 weeks ago26:50

26:50

AvidThink‘s Founder and Principal Analyst, Roy Chua, delves into the evolving world of Network-as-a-Service, from flexible enterprise connectivity to AI, APIs, and campus NaaS. Explore how enterprises are adopting NaaS and what’s driving the shift. What will it take for NaaS to become the standard? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Roy Chua of AvidThink: How are enterprises using Network-as-a-Service for flexible, on-demand connectivity? What role do APIs and automation play in the adoption of NaaS? How are AI workloads influencing NaaS requirements and offerings? How is the NaaS ecosystem evolving with carriers, hyperscalers, and new market entrants? Why is standardization crucial for the growth of NaaS? Learn More Explore how MEF is architecting a new generation of Network-as-a-Service and get the MEF NaaS Industry Blueprint in English or Spanish. Read Roy’s recent blog: Analyst Insights: NaaS Evolution See Roy’s recent Campus and Enterprise NaaS report at AvidThink Also listen to Roy’s podcast: Driving NaaS Adoption: IT Professionals Prepare Meet AvidThink’s Roy Chua at MEF’s Global NaaS Event, GNE 2024 About Our Guest Roy Chua, Founder and Principal, AvidThink Roy Chua is a principal at AvidThink, an independent research and advisory service focused on infrastructure technologies. Roy is a frequent speaker at telecom and cloud conferences, and AvidThink has been quoted by and featured in major publications including the WSJ, Fierce Telecom, Fierce Wireless, The New Stack, and Light Reading. Roy was also a co-founder at SDxCentral, a technology publication. He previously worked as a management consultant for Fortune 500 and startup companies, specializing in go-to-market and product strategy. Roy is a graduate of UC Berkeley’s electrical engineering and computer science program and MIT’s Sloan School of Business. With over 20 years of experience in telecom and enterprise computing, networking, and security, he has also founded several Silicon Valley startups. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post NaaS: The Next Frontier in Enterprise Connectivity appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

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Automation Imperative: Modernizing LATAM Telecom 20:16

26 weeks ago20:16

20:16

Industry expert, Eric Seaman, explains why telecom wholesale in LATAM needs automation to handle growing bandwidth and market changes. As an independent advisor and member of MEF’s LATAM Executive Council, he offers deep insight into why, despite its benefits, challenges like legacy systems and security concerns are hindering adoption. Can LATAM companies effectively leverage automation to stay competitive and manage evolving market demands? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Eric Seaman: What are the primary drivers behind the increasing need for automation in the LATAM telecom market? What unique challenges do LATAM telecom companies face in adopting automation technologies? How can MEF standards and APIs facilitate automation and interoperability among LATAM telecom operators? What lessons can LATAM telecoms learn from global automation trends? What are the future trends in telecom automation, and how can LATAM companies stay ahead? Learn More Meet the full MEF LATAM Executive Council . Listen to Orchest Technologies’ COO, and Chair of the LATAM Executive Council, Jeremy Villalobos, describe the current state of connectivity services throughout the Latin American market in this podcast episode: Disruptive Technologies in the LATAM Market: The Rising Tide Explore how MEF is helping organizations to accelerate digital transformation through Service Automation . About Our Guest Eric Seaman, Independent Advisor Eric Seaman is an Electrical Engineer and holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Mexico. In his 30+ years of experience in the telecom business, Eric has held C-level executive positions in which he has developed and operated networks across LATAM. His responsibilities have covered strategic planning, engineering, design, deployment, service assurance and operations of networks supporting mission-critical IP transit, content delivery, transport, and B2B among others. He started his career with Harris Corporation as technical leader of a United States of America Department of Defense (DoD) military project in Central America. In the last years, as regional CTO of the One Network, He led the design and deployment of Millicom/TIGO’s international infrastructure right from its early stages. Eric is also a seasoned leader in technical operations, presales, solutions design, business automation and customer support for the International Wholesale and Multi-National enterprise lines of business. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post Automation Imperative: Modernizing LATAM Telecom appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

1
AI-Powered Telco Networks: A New Era 20:56

28 weeks ago20:56

20:56

Rick Lievano, worldwide CTO of Telco Industry, Microsoft, explores how partnerships between tech companies and telcos are driving innovation through cloud technology, AI, and data solutions. Discover how these collaborations unlock automation, enhance customer experiences, and create new revenue streams. How can AI and cloud technology revolutionize the future of telco networks? Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast Platform Apple Spotify Pandora YouTube RSS Feed In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Rick Lievano of Microsoft: How can leveraging cloud technology enable telcos to improve network efficiency and performance? What are the key benefits of using AI and machine learning in telco networks? How do cloud-based analytics assist service providers in gaining deeper insights into customer behavior and network performance? How can telcos collaborate with cloud providers to develop innovative new services and applications? How will service providers ensure a smooth transition to a cloud-based network architecture? Learn More See MEF’s digital service standards for underlay connectivity and overlay services . About Our Guest Rick Lievano, CTO, Microsoft Rick Lievano is the Worldwide CTO for the Microsoft Telecommunications industry. Rick works with customers and partners in developing telecommunications industry solutions and reference architectures to address the rapidly changing needs of service providers across the globe. He is an enthusiastic participant and speaker in many industry communities, an advocate of industry frameworks and open standards, and holds TM Forum Open Digital Architecture and Business Development Manager Career Certifications. At TM Forum, he is a member of the Collaboration Sub-Committee, overseeing the effective creation and adoption of pragmatic best practices and standards to deliver value to the membership. Rick currently leads initiatives to help operators achieve more by infusing Artificial Intelligence across their business in a secure and responsible manner. Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation. More Episodes Interested in sharing your industry perspective as a podcast guest? Contact Us! The post AI-Powered Telco Networks: A New Era appeared first on MEF .…

Executives at the Edge

1
Power Play: Tech Landscape Transformed 22:13

30 weeks ago22:13