Link will be made available during MMC 2021

In a dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, acclaimed author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths show how the algorithms used by computers can also untangle very human questions. This keynote session examines how computer algorithms work, why their relevancy isn’t limited to the digital world, and how to strategically use the right algorithm at the right time. We can all find an easier balance in life by making better decisions, having better hunches and also knowing when to leave things to chance.

Michigan Moonshot and the Current State of Broadband Expansion

Broadband Jumpstart

Michigan Broadband Jumpstart (MBJ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and communities get started on closing their broadband gaps. Ben will provide a brief overview of the organization and how MBJ helps people understand where to begin, how to build a team, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Michigan Moonshot Pathfinder Program

The process of early-stage broadband planning can be complex. From data collection to grant application, or RFP creation to feasibility studies, communities face endless decisions in network pathfinding. This presentation will walk through the foundational steps of local broadband expansion.

Data Collection as a Tool for Community, Municipal and Educational Engagement

Data gathering is an imperative first step in broadband planning and expansion efforts. A grassroots approach to data collection and engagement creates stronger relationships between public and private partners, anchor institutions, community organizations, broadband champions, elected officials, educational entities and residents. Working together to solve the first steps of equitable connectivity has served to further these explicit goals while reinforcing bonds between those working to solve our shared challenges. Community and educational institution-directed outreach is a mechanism for engagement that reinforces the conclusion that we’re stronger together.

The Grant Landscape, Federal and Statewide Opportunities, and the Michigan Moonshot Community Grant Fund

Oftentimes municipalities seeking to build their community networks need expert support for early planning stages to assist broadband expansion efforts and to pursue funding avenues. This presentation will provide information on current and future state and national grant opportunities. The Moonshot Community Grant Fund, a program intended to subsidize tangible projects in pursuit of community network development, will also be discussed.

Q+A

Malicious network database attacks at the local government and campus-wide level are becoming ever more common, potentially harming cities and educational institutions on an unprecedented level.

Merit’s free municipal network security framework is based on the Center for Internet Security’s “Top 20 Security Controls” and is tailored toward the elements that need to be addressed as operators of community and educational networks. By following this framework, you can elevate your cybersecurity program to an extremely defensible position, able to resist even the most complex and involved attacks. The organizational importance of each topic will be discussed first, including an honest look at how an attacker would take advantage of you in that particular situation. Simple solutions are provided to address each of these concerns, and where possible, low-cost or free options and processes are included to help jump-start your security initiatives.

The workshop will conclude with an overview of the Merit security service portfolio. David Dennis will provide insight into how Merit can assist your organization in implementing some of these top security service controls.

Amazing hosts lead groups through a series of preselected mini-games, such as trivia, puzzles, fact match, Pictionary and more, all paced to provide a great opportunity to relax, say hello to friendly faces and have fun!

Link will be made available during MMC 2021

Bob Stovall and Michael Milliken will make the case for automation in every organization. An overview of the benefits and potential approaches will be provided, along with pointers for overcoming personnel hurdles. What is automation, why you shouldn’t be afraid of it, but also instill a sense of urgency in starting automation in your org. The uphill is only going to get steeper.

Kevin Hayes provides guidance and best practices in automation foundation building through the lens of information and cyber security and will also explore the ways in which the Michigan Cyber Range has begun to embrace automation.

Every size and type of organization can benefit from networking automation. Often, the hardest step in implementation is the first. The University of Michigan will provide a high level overview of potential productivity efficiencies and automation planning basics, in addition to identifying publicly available resources.

Moving towards automation within an already existing network can seem complex and overwhelming. GlobalNOC, a world-class research and educational network supporter, will discuss realistic automation timelines and framework implementation from a pragmatic perspective.

Internet2 will discuss the ways in which their organization has leveraged Cisco’s networking automation tools and their greater long term network vision.

Kevin McCartney discusses how the industry is enabling new models for service delivery based on open hardware and software that automates the entire process from factory to branch activation. ADVA highlights how enterprises are able to take advantage of services like SD-WAN, firewall, and more traditional IT applications on a common, shared platform in the branch, and how it can be delivered directly from the factory and automatically activated-with no manual involvement.

Network Automation Success. How customers are winning with automation today.