Topic: Data Center Technology

Seminar Topics

[1 CPE] Rethinking Fire Suppression in Mission Critical Facilities

  Presented by Jeff De Hart, Director of Data Center Vertical Development • Kidde Fire Systems

As data centers continue to scale in size and complexity, traditional fire suppression approaches are being challenged to keep pace. In this session, Jeff De Hart, Director of Data Center Vertical Development at Kidde Fire Systems, draws on nearly three decades of experience to explore modern strategies for protecting mission-critical environments. Attendees will learn how simplified system design can reduce hardware requirements, lower installation and recharge costs, and deliver continuous protection across the data hall—without compromising safety or resilience.

Jeff leads the hyperscale data center and BESS strategy across the United States and Canada, is a recognized authority in special-hazard and clean-agent solutions for mission-critical environments, and serves on the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) Technical Committee.

[1 CPE] Modern Data Center Network Automation

  Presented by Jeremy Wallace, Director Product Management, Data Center/IP Fabric Architect  • Juniper Networks

The presentation will focus on Juniper Apstra and Designing Data Centers with Intent. We will discuss the design, deployment, and operation of modern EVPN VXLAN data centers and talk about how machine learning and AI are helping to make data center operations easier for the operators. We hope that the attendees will take away a new appreciation of how modern automation can help solve the hardest data center problems with ease.

[1 CPE] Modern Data Center Network Automation

  Presented by Bill Wester, Sr Product Manager  • Juniper Networks

The presentation will focus on Juniper Apstra and Designing Data Centers with Intent. We will discuss the design, deployment, and operation of modern EVPN VXLAN data centers and talk about how machine learning and AI are helping to make data center operations easier for the operators. We hope that the attendees will take away a new appreciation of how modern automation can help solve the hardest data center problems with ease.

[1 CPE] Modern Data Center Network Automation

  Presented by Bill Wester, Sr Product Manager  • Juniper Networks

The presentation will focus on Juniper Apstra and Designing Data Centers with Intent. We will discuss the design, deployment, and operation of modern EVPN VXLAN data centers and talk about how machine learning and AI are helping to make data center operations easier for the operators. We hope that the attendees will take away a new appreciation of how modern automation can help solve the hardest data center problems with ease.

[1 CPE] Navigating the Future of Data Center Hypervisors: Prepare for Disruption

  Presented by Steve Asmussen, Global Data Center Architect • CompuNet

Explore the latest trends in data center technology including hardware architectures, virtualization, and hypervisor platforms. This session will share insights into the options you have available to optimize your virtual data center infrastructure. It will also cover the impact of recent shifts from perpetual to subscription-based licensing.

[1 CPE] Pragmatic AI: Moving from Aspirations to Operations to Outcomes

  Presented by Seth Crosby, Principal Architect • GCSIT

Ready to cut through the AI hype? Join us for a no-nonsense guide to making AI actually work for your business. We’ll map today’s real AI capabilities (not the social-network demos), show you practical entry points whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, and reveal the essential ingredients for successfully managing AI projects without drowning in complexity. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to deliver and measure genuine business value through smart pilot programs without budgetary surprises. This session transforms intimidating AI concepts into actionable plans with tangible results—because impressive demos are nice, but outcomes are what really matter.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to apply a pragmatic framework to assess your AI control and develop a personalized adoption strategy
  • Techniques to identify AI opportunities that enhance your specific professional expertise
  • Methods to overcome resistance to change
  • Strategies to maintain your position as the “intelligence director” while leveraging AI as your thought assistant”
  • Practical approaches to deliver and measure genuine business value through smart, budget-conscious initiatives

This session is ideal for IT professionals and leadership in small to mid-market businesses looking for a pragmatic pathway to AI competency.

[1 CPE] Architecting a Data-Centric Approach to Zero Trust

  Presented by Aaron Kremer, Technical Solution Specialist • NetApp

As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of virtualization, cloud computing, and AI, they face increasing challenges in securing and managing their data. Security remains a critical foundation, while effective data management and mobility ensure data is accessible and protected across diverse environments. With rising complexity, simplicity becomes key to optimizing operations and accelerating outcomes. This session will explore strategies for balancing security, data management, and efficiency, providing actionable insights to help meet the demands of today’s dynamic IT environment.

[1 CPE] The Decarbonization of the Data Center

  Presented by Ian Clatworthy, Global Director, Infrastructure Product Marketing • Hitachi Vantara

Balancing the need for substantial data infrastructure with more eco-friendly policies should be top of all organizational to-do lists. Rather than a competition between corporations, these initiatives should be focused on the larger benefit of a healthier world. That’s why creating a specific data center decarbonization strategy will be key. This will range from improving the visibility and measurement of power usage, to actually reducing the carbon footprint of each operational layer. But where should organizations begin?

Ian comes from a customer background in Formula 1 and World Rallying. Having a deep understanding of technology and its benefits he took his skills into technology sales and marketing with Dell and HDS. Today he leads Product Marketing for data infrastructure technologies at Hitachi Vantara.

[1 CPE] Modern Data Center Network Automation

  Presented by Bill Wester, Sr Product Manager  • Juniper Networks

The presentation will focus on Juniper Apstra and Designing Data Centers with Intent. We will discuss the design, deployment, and operation of modern EVPN VXLAN data centers and talk about how machine learning and AI are helping to make data center operations easier for the operators. We hope that the attendees will take away a new appreciation of how modern automation can help solve the hardest data center problems with ease.

[1 CPE] The Decarbonization of the Data Center

  Presented by Ian Clatworthy, Global Director, Infrastructure Product Marketing • Hitachi Vantara

Balancing the need for substantial data infrastructure with more eco-friendly policies should be top of all organizational to-do lists. Rather than a competition between corporations, these initiatives should be focused on the larger benefit of a healthier world. That’s why creating a specific data center decarbonization strategy will be key. This will range from improving the visibility and measurement of power usage, to actually reducing the carbon footprint of each operational layer. But where should organizations begin?

Ian comes from a customer background in Formula 1 and World Rallying. Having a deep understanding of technology and its benefits he took his skills into technology sales and marketing with Dell and HDS. Today he leads Product Marketing for data infrastructure technologies at Hitachi Vantara.