‘All in’ and all out to win: the NTT preview of Cisco Live 2022

Cisco Live is exactly as the name suggests.

It’s Cisco’s annual conference for customers, partners, prospects, technology experts and C-suite leaders. After two years online it returns as an in-person event in Las Vegas, Sunday 12 to Thursday 16 June, with delegates due to descend on the desert and discover a new oasis of opportunity.

As one of Cisco’s key partners, Cisco Live is a must-attend event for NTT. It’s a time for education and inspiration; for exchanging knowledge and know-how; for networking and developing working relationships.

Helping customers now and well into the future

This year’s gathering kicks off with a keynote from CEO Chuck Robins. His ‘ALL IN’ kick-off presentation will set the scene and highlight the latest innovations that can help customers now – and well into the future. Beyond the main presentations there’s a dizzying choice of deep-dive sessions to delve into, with more than 1000 business and technical sessions covering applications, networking, security, cloud, SD-WAN and much more.

Here, some of my NTT colleagues talk about what they’re looking forward to at Cisco Live.

A chance to learn about the latest technology solutions

‘Cisco Live is a chance to learn all about the latest technology solutions,’ says Alvin Laguerta, Senior Solutions Architect. ‘This year we’ll hear how Cisco are addressing the unique challenges presented by the pandemic and can help clients to get back on track with their business growth.’

It’s a sentiment agreed with by Jeff Fry, Advanced Technical Consultant. ‘It’s always good to hear how Cisco see things developing, and how they are staying ahead. As more companies migrate from physical network ‘infra’ to cloud-based, we’ll hear how they are enabling that and keeping their partners relevant.’

Given the breadth of expertise and interests among NTT delegates, each person has - literally – a personal agenda. ‘I hope to learn more about Cisco ACI, Nexus Dashboard, and other data center networking and automation topics,’ notes Josh Pelley, Advanced Consulting Engineer, Technical Services. For Landon Ellmers, Technical Consultant, ‘a key priority is to learn more about innovations around Cisco’s Cloud Collaboration Solutions, Webex Calling and Direct Instance.’

Networking also looms large. ‘I’m interested to hear Cisco’s messaging around accelerating clients’ transition to a cloud-managed network experience and their perspective on simplifying network operations, increasing predictability - via AI - and visibility,’ says Debbie Anders, VP, Strategic Partnerships. She’s also keen to hear how recent Cisco acquisitions will be integrated, noting that, ‘as the likes of ThousandEyes, Meraki, and AppD are embedded into traditional Cisco Networking Products, there’ll be lots of opportunities for interesting, outcome-based conversations with our clients.’

In her role for NTT’s SI Business and Partnership Management Leadership team, Debbie is also attending a variety of ‘by invitation only’ events and meetings with Cisco leaders. It’s a similar story for Greg Lonsway, Area Vice President, GTM Management & Governance. ‘My primary time will be spent meeting with Cisco leadership, as well as some key clients,’ he reports. ‘I’m keen to understand Cisco’s strategy for managed services and particularly around its UCM strategy for managed service providers like NTT.’

Luckily, the online schedule builder lets you plan your days in full, which is exactly what Alvin Laguerta is doing: ‘I’ve got sessions planned right across the board’, he says, ‘including IoT, 5G and WiFi-6, cybersecurity, data privacy, predictive AI, SASE, hybrid cloud and hybrid work, as well as DevOps and automation.’ Clearly, Alvin’s ‘ALL IN’ . And you can be, even if remotely, watching live or on-demand.

Of course, for those attending, there’s one huge bonus. Meeting people in person!

An opportunity to catch-up, check-in on each other and have a good time

‘This will be my 17th Cisco Live’, says Jeff Fry. ‘I’m looking forward to networking with people I’ve known for a long time. It’s our chance to catch-up, check-in on each other, and have a good time.’

Unsurprisingly, others feel the same way. ‘It’s going to be great to finally meet with colleagues in person that I’ve worked with for years but never met or not seen in a long time,’ says Landon Ellmers.

‘Absolutely,’ says Joe Fisher, Solution Architect. ‘Meeting with people I typically only communicate with remotely is going to be special.’

Debbie Anders agrees: ‘There is no substitution for in-person interactions for engaging, listening and connecting. I’m very much looking forward to strengthening relationships and cultivating new ones at Cisco Live.’

The show also means chances to mingle – as well as to meet. As Cisco puts it on the invitation to their closing-night social party: ‘Let’s reunite and reconnect in Las Vegas, the home of spectacle and night life.’ Says Josh Pelley. ‘I’m looking forward to networking with colleagues and clients during the event – as well as the enjoying the Cisco Live! Celebration.’ And well he might, with food, drink and live music on the menu – including performances from Dave Matthews Band and solo-star Brittany Howard.

I’ll leave the last word on the subject to Jeff. ‘We learn a lot while we are there, but the relationships that we can build will stand longer then the lifespan of a Cisco switch/router.’

 Be ALL IN too with Cisco Live!

• Register for Cisco Live 2022 and watch online
• Join these NTT sessions at Cisco Live 2022
  • Edge as a Service: Combine the power of IOT, high performance of P5G and Edge Compute Stack to drive outcomes such as predictive maintenance, lower carbon emissions (sustainability) and enhanced worker productivity.
  • Full Stack Observability (FSO): Transform operations by bringing together a full stack solution that provides actionable insights for driving business.
  • Software Lifecycle Management Services: NTT is helping clients drive cost savings, contract consolidation, and operational efficiencies in their software environments with Cisco Enterprise Agreements and NTT Software Lifecycle Management services.
• Engage with NTT at Cisco Live
  • Meet with us in the World of Solutions meeting suites (CL22-113).
  • Mon: 10am-6pm, Tue: 10am- 5pm, Wed: 10am - 5pm, Thu: 10am - 1pm.