Here at Network Computing, we're gearing up for our annual immersion into all the IT education Interop ITX offers. Every year, tech pros can count on the conference for both strategic and practical guidance on key technologies and IT trends. With seven tracks, including infrastructure, cloud, and security, Interop ITX provides comprehensive insight across today's IT landscape.
This year, Interop ITX attendees can look forward to some new events alongside the packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and keynotes. One of the big new addition this year is a DevOps certification course, offered in partnership with the DevOps Institute. DevOps skills are becoming increasingly critical for IT pros as enterprises look to boost their agility and production, so this is a great opportunity to expand your skillset.
Also new for this year are hands-on sessions, where attendees can get in-depth instruction on technologies such as Kubernetes, IoT security, and neural networks. What better way to learn about a new technology than getting some experience using it?
Another new addition to Interop ITX is a government track, which will provide education tailored to the unique issues IT leaders in federal, state, and local government face.
Of course, alongside all the educational opportunities at Interop ITX 2018, you'll find plenty of fun activities and ways to relax after a busy day of learning. There's the annual fun run, morning yoga, a bowling party, prizes, and much more.
On the next pages, check out the new events, certification opportunities, and fun activities at this year's conference and make the most of your trip to Vegas!
Get live advice on networking, storage, and data center technologies to build the foundation to support software-driven IT and the cloud. Attend the Infrastructure Track at Interop ITX, April 30-May 4, 2018. Register now!
DevOps Foundation Certification Course, April 30-May1
Offered in partnership with the DevOps Institute, this two-day program will provide a comprehensive introduction to DevOps, which focuses on communication, collaboration, and automation between developers and IT operations in order to foster agility and speed. The 16-hour course will cover DevOps objectives, automation practices, real-life examples, and much more. At the end of the course, students will receive a code allowing them to take the online certification test free of charge. An RSVP is required for the DevOps Foundation Certification Course.
Interop ITX Certification
Want to let your employer – and future employers -- know that you're up to speed on today's top technologies, strategies, and solutions? You can earn an official Interop ITX Certification by attending conference sessions. Attend six or more regular conference sessions in any track and earn a certificate in that track; there's also a Full-Stack certification available for attending at least 10 sessions across four different racks. Either one is a good way to demonstrate that you're serious about professional development.
Hands-on sessions
The half-day and full-day workshops are very popular at Interop ITX, and this year, attendees will have even more opportunities for immersive learning through seven hands-on sessions held during the regular conference program. These interactive sessions are longer than the normal conference sessions (90 minutes), and have a limited number of seats, so each requires an RSVP.
Building a Kubernetes Cluster and Pipeline in the Amazon Cloud
Demystifying Deep Learning: Building Your First Artificial Neural Network
How to Safely Integrate Connected Devices into Your Network
Immutable Deployments: Taking Physical Infrastructure from Automation to Autonomy
Tracking Ransomware: Using Behavior to Find New Threats
Turn Your Raspberry Pis into Remote WiFi and Wired Monitoring Sensors
Using IoT and Cognitive Services to Provide a Personalized Experience
Government track
IT pros working in the enterprise and government face many of the same issues, but those working for federal, state or local government agencies have some unique challenges. The new government track at Interop ITX will offer education on topics of particular importance to attendees who work in government IT, such as procurement and regulatory compliance. Guiding the government track is Jonathan Feldman, CIO for the City of Asheville, N.C., who provides keen insight into the state of government IT. Speakers include CIOs who work in government IT, such as Nicole Raimundo, CIO for the Town of Cary, N.C., who will co-present "Bringing Alexa & Waze to Government Digital Transformation."
(Image: mgdn/Shutterstock)
IoT Theater and Demo Showcase
Harnessing data generated from the internet of things is quickly becoming a priority for many organizations. According to a study released last fall by 451 Research, organizations are making changes to their IT resources, including boosting storage capacity and networking infrastructure, in order to support IoT initiatives. At Interop ITX 2018, attendees will get a chance to learn about IoT best practices at the IoT Theater. And while discussion around IoT can be futuristic, the IoT Demo Showcase offers you a first-hand look at how current IoT technology operates.
(Image: jeferrb/Pixabay)
Brooklyn Bowl, May 2, 8:30-10:30
After a busy day of keynotes and sessions, it's time to party! The official Interop ITX Party will be at Brooklyn Bowl, conveniently located inside the LINQ, a quick walk from the conference venue, the Mirage. Brooklyn Bowl combines top-notch traditional bowling lanes with a high-tech cocktail lounge. Whether you want to do some serious bowling, goof around, or just enjoy the open bar (yes, an open bar), odds are you'll have a blast.
Of course, there's more than one party at Interop ITX. On May 1, there's the opening night Block Party in the Business Hall. You'll get a chance to check out products and solutions from more than 100 vendors while enjoying snacks, drinks, and games.
5k #vFit Fun Runs, May 1 and May 2, 7 a.m.
While parties are an Interop ITX tradition, so is the 5k fun run. Join other health-conscious attendees before your packed schedule of sessions for a run around Vegas. Eric Wright, a past Interop ITX speaker and current attendee, promises to design a run that all levels will enjoy. RSVP here.
Yoga, May 2 and May 3, 7 a.m.
Those looking for some mindful movement before busy days of tech learning will want to sign up for Jennifer Huber's morning yoga class. Huber is a well-known WiFi expert and past Interop ITX presenter who also is a trained yoga instructor. She will lead a Baptiste-Inspired Power Yoga flow, including balancing poses, backbends and core work. The class is designed for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. RSVP here.
Passport to Prizes, May 2-3
The Business Hall offers plenty of opportunity to learn about new technologies and solutions, but how about combining that education with a chance to win some cool tech? To play, pick up a passport program at the registration desk or the Interop ITX headquarters office. The more participating sponsors you visit with in the Business Hall, the more chances you have to prizes like an Amazon Echo Plus, Apple Watch, Bose headphones, or Nintendo Switch.
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