As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to maintain their competitive edge. The CDW Executive SummIT, held from April 2-4 at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, provides a unique platform for IT leaders, experts, and industry partners to gather and discuss the latest trends and strategies in IT. This spring’s conference focuses on “Creating a More Agile and Secure Digital Experience,” offering invaluable guidance on minimizing risks while embracing new technological innovations.
The Significance of the CDW Executive SummIT
In an era where digital experiences define customer and employee satisfaction, the ability to create secure and agile digital environments is paramount. The CDW Executive SummIT addresses the complexities involved in transitioning legacy technologies to the cloud and integrating new tools into existing infrastructures. This conference serves as a beacon for IT leaders seeking to future-proof their systems while maintaining operational efficiency and security.
The expectation for seamless technology experiences is ubiquitous, whether it’s an internal user navigating a data center, a customer accessing an app, or an employee traveling between offices. However, achieving this level of ease and efficiency is challenging. As organizations strive to integrate new technologies, the risk of security breaches and operational disruptions increases. The SummIT aims to tackle these dilemmas, providing IT leaders with the insights needed to navigate these challenges effectively.
Standout Sessions and Highlights
The CDW Executive SummIT promises a wealth of knowledge through its keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Panels and sessions are organized around four key tracks: enabling innovation, optimizing costs, increasing agility, and enhancing the user experience. These tracks are designed to address the most pressing questions facing IT leaders today.
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and the SummIT emphasizes the importance of adopting new technologies to drive business growth. Key questions include how leaders can mitigate security risks while introducing new tools and what steps are necessary to protect and manage data effectively to leverage AI, ML, and IoT applications.
For instance, Jill Klein, head of IoT and emerging technologies at CDW, will discuss the transformative potential of IoT in creating more responsive and efficient business operations. Debbie Dove, vice president of sales acceleration, and Bill Polisson, vice president of enterprise data services, will share insights on integrating these technologies into existing frameworks without compromising security or efficiency.
Optimizing Costs
Cost optimization remains a critical concern for IT leaders. The SummIT will explore strategies to maximize ROI while maintaining a balanced budget. Sessions will cover everything from prioritizing tech investments to leveraging cloud services for cost savings.
In the session “The Art of Prioritizing Tech Investments,” Sanjay Sood, senior vice president and CTO, and Al Miralles, senior vice president and CFO at CDW, will provide a strategic framework for evaluating IT investments. This session emphasizes not only financial management but also the importance of investing in team energy and creativity.
Experts like E.G. Nadhan, global chief architect at Red Hat, and Mayank Gupta, director of product marketing at Nutanix, will delve into practical solutions for cost optimization. These sessions aim to equip IT leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions that align with their business goals.
Increasing Agility
Agility in IT infrastructure is crucial for responding to market changes and emerging opportunities. The conference will highlight how businesses can enhance their agility through strategic use of cloud services, microservices, and other modern technologies.
Mike Kraus, senior systems engineering director for networking experiences at Cisco, and Matt Marsh, principal solution architect for customer care at CDW, will discuss how to build agile networks that support seamless connectivity in a “work from anywhere” world. This focus on agility ensures that businesses can adapt quickly to changing circumstances without compromising performance.
Optimizing the user experience is critical for both employee satisfaction and customer engagement. The SummIT will provide insights into reducing latency, ensuring secure access to applications, and implementing zero-trust network security.
Scott Rendell, partner solution architect at Microsoft, will share strategies for optimizing user experiences through global network optimization capabilities. These strategies are essential for maintaining high levels of satisfaction and productivity in a distributed work environment.
Managing Risk in a Digital World
Risk management is a cornerstone of any successful IT strategy. The SummIT will offer guidance on how to incorporate new cloud, networking, IoT, and AI innovations into existing infrastructures without destabilizing operations.
John Fanelli, vice president of enterprise software at NVIDIA, and Todd Felker, executive healthcare strategist at CrowdStrike, will share best practices for managing security risks. These sessions will highlight the importance of a proactive approach to security, ensuring that businesses can protect their assets while leveraging new technologies.
Marcos Christodonte II, vice president and global CISO at CDW, and Christopher Fielder, field CTO at Arctic Wolf, will discuss how to balance the need for innovation with the imperative of maintaining a secure IT environment. This balance is crucial for enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
One of the most valuable aspects of the CDW Executive SummIT is the opportunity for networking and collaboration. IT leaders, experts, and industry partners can share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore solutions together.
Networking chats and breakout sessions provide a platform for participants to refine their IT strategies and collaborate on business goals. These interactions foster a sense of community and shared purpose, helping attendees to build lasting professional relationships.
By engaging with peers who face similar challenges, attendees can gain new perspectives and insights. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone leaves the conference with practical knowledge and actionable strategies.
Conclusion
The CDW Executive SummIT is more than just a conference; it’s a comprehensive guide for IT leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern technology. By focusing on enabling innovation, optimizing costs, increasing agility, and enhancing the user experience, the SummIT provides a roadmap for achieving digital transformation.
As businesses continue to evolve, the ability to adapt to new technologies and integrate them seamlessly into existing frameworks will be critical. The insights and strategies shared at the SummIT will empower IT leaders to make informed decisions that drive business success. In conclusion, the CDW Executive SummIT offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, engage with peers, and develop strategies for the future. By embracing the principles of agility, security, and innovation, businesses can thrive in the digital age and build a foundation for long-term success.
