Cloud Ready Networks: How to Accelerate Modernization and Reduce Risk

State and local agencies are implementing cloud platforms and software-as-a-service solutions to modernize faster and meet emerging needs. But layering new cloud solutions atop existing data center systems dramatically changes network requirements. Instead of funneling traffic to central data centers to connect with services and enforce security, today’s networks must efficiently and securely link multiple cloud services with multiple locations.

Join Government Technology and Cisco on July 24 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern for expert advice on creating Cloud Ready Networks – sophisticated technology that optimizes traffic flows, improves user experience and strengthens security across complex new IT environments. Cloud Ready Networks use software-defined WAN technology to provide simple, scalable and secure connectivity that meets growing demands now and adapts to changing requirements in the future.

Why network modernization is key to accelerating cloud adoption and mitigating risk
How Cloud Ready Networks deliver consistent unified threat protection across hybrid and multi-cloud environments
How software-defined network fabrics continuously measure application performance and adjust dynamically to work around failures and bottlenecks

Speaker and Presenter Information

Teri Takai

Executive Director, Center for Digital Government

Teri Takai is the Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors.

A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California, and subsequently the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan. She is a member of several industry advisory boards.

Teri has won numerous awards including Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Abel Ramirez

Senior Solutions Architect, Cisco Systems

Phil Bertolini — Moderator

Co-Director of the Center for Digital Government

Phil Bertolini is the Co-Director of the Center for Digital Government (CDG), a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan.

During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement.

Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named one of Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change for 2012.