About

calendar Feb 28, 2019 · 3 min read  ·
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Welcome to my blog

Welcome to vPackets.net ! The purpose of this blog is to share my experience regarding the diversify subjects that I am passionate about. Networking has been very static at the begining of my career and I can't believe the number of current innovations in our industry right now.

Who am I ?

My name is Nicolas MICHEL. I am a french networking engineer and expatriate.

I have spent 15 years in the IT industry and I primarily focus on networking (Data Center – Enterprise Campus – WAN) and Unified Communications. After focusing on traditionnal networking I realized that our industry was completely shifting to new frameworks and ways to deliver technological outcomes that would answer some business challenges that companies are struggling with. I decided to stay a networking expert but with a focus on Automation and Devops.

I have designed and implemented several networking solutions for my customers with either a local or international presence.

I have 3 wonderful kids and we live with my wife in Austin, TX. I am an ex national swimmer with a desperate love for endurance sports. I am training for Ironman races. I also enjoy photography, movies and MMORPGs from time to time.

What do I do and who do I work for?

Me

I am currently a Solution Architect at Cisco focusing on Hyperscalers. I had the privilege to experience multiple roles in my career. I have been delivering networking solutions. In the past I have been a Network architect for several VARs, a Technical Product Manager (Technical marketing engineer) at VMware in charge of the networking features of NSX (formerly NSX-T) and a Principal Product Manager at Aviatrix.

  • Understand new use cases to be addressed in the platform by developing deep technical relationships with the customers and field teams, and by maintaining a broad understanding of the cloud networking market.
  • Design new, excitingnetworking features that address these use cases. Partner with the engineering team to validate the feasibility and the development effort. Identify tradeoffs when necessary.
  • Follow the feature during the coding and testing phase to ensure that the implementation is aligned with the requirements.
  • Work with key customers prior to the release with the Customer Preview Program.
  • Launch the feature externally by collaborating with the product marketing and technical marketing groups.
  • Monitor the customer feedback and continuously improve the feature after the launch.
  • Provide technical and architectural expertise for the feature to customers and field teams.
  • Deliver roadmap sessions to customers.

Certification and Awards

I currently hold the following certifications:

  • CCIE #29410 Routing & Switching - Emeritus
  • CCIE #29410 Data Center - Emeritus

CCIE RS
CCIE DC

When I was part of the French Air Force, I have received the bronze national defence medal. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence and established by decree on April 21, 1982. It rewards particularly honourable service rendered by military personnel for their participation in operational activities.

Bronze Defence Medal

Goals ?

I am getting certified in cloud technologies:

  • AWS SAA-CO3 in progress

Resume

You can find my resume here

Resume

Sports

I have multiple races scheduled for 2023:

IM