We discuss Symbolic AI via LLMs for advanced reasoning in manufacturing and real-time analytics. Key points included leveraging symbolic representations and algebraic equations, utilizing knowledge graphs to improve model accuracy, and exploring agentic AI frameworks with specialized agents working together using swarm intelligence principles to tackle complex problems like anomaly detection and process optimization. The group also discussed the challenges of building trust in AI systems and the importance of capturing and storing questions and answers to build a knowledge base.
Category Archives: All
Software Defined Edge
We revisit edge infrastructure and the motivations behind building and managing edge infrastructure with an unusual take. In this case, we ask ourselves if all of these edge devices are becoming more software defined or becoming more standardized, off the shelf component tree. And will that change how we look at managing and running edge infrastructure? Will we shift compute and operations processes into these ever smarter devices? The answer is going to surprise you.
Transcript: otter.ai/u/tGIcIC1bijvaW4OkJN…?utm_source=copy_url
UEFI Secure Boot Issue Discussion
We explore the certificate issue in which secure boot is potentially compromised because of certificates that have been compromised in ways they could be easily used as for an attack vector. This is a very significant flaw and something that should be on your purview and radar to fix.
We’re going to talk about what the issue is, why it’s important, how secure boot works, and what you can do to mitigate this problem in your own infrastructure. This is a really important episode for anybody running or managing desktops, data centers or infrastructure of any type.
Transcript: otter.ai/u/59uYpJpra5SutJOpEB…?utm_source=copy_url
Nonviolent Communication [Book Club]
Today we go back to our book club and talk about Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. It’s really foundational work that has elements pulled into a lot of other books that we’ve already discussed, and I think it’s essential for people who are looking to be better leaders. It’s also great to learn how to communicate with more empathy, to frame and phrase questions and engagement that explains your feelings, needs and intents, and hear other people’s needs.
If that sounds a little bit too foo-foo for you, bear with me. This is a really, really, really powerful communication technique.
Transcript: otter.ai/u/2p1NpJOZbuLxixQVOK…?utm_source=copy_url
State Of VCs
We dive deep into the current state of the venture capital (VC) market, exploring the significant shifts and challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors alike in the post-COVID landscape.
Key topics discussed include:
The decline in the allure of VC funding and the impact of “pump and flip” models
The market volatility and caution among venture firms due to economic factors
The changing focus of VCs towards sectors like healthcare, fintech, and deep tech
The challenges in building sustainable, billion-dollar companies
The rise of corporate venture capital and strategic investments
The potential for rational valuation adjustments and market consolidation
The importance of clearly articulating the problem being solved and achieving product-market fit
The conversation provides valuable insights for founders navigating the evolving VC ecosystem, as well as investors seeking to adapt their strategies to the changing market dynamics. Join Rob and Rich as they explore the future of VC and the strategies needed to succeed in this dynamic landscape.
BootC created Bare Metal Containers [TechOps]
We dive deep into the technical details of BootC – a Red Hat-led technology that uses container-like definitions to describe machine boot processes. BootC is an important development, especially as companies embrace containers and seek a unified approach to machine configuration.
RackN CTO, Greg Althaus, provides an in-depth overview of how BootC works, its key capabilities, and the potential benefits and challenges for operations teams. They explore topics like BootC’s relationship to containers, the concept of immutability, different deployment methods, and the operational considerations around managing BootC at scale.
This conversation offers a balanced, non-Red Hat perspective on BootC, highlighting both its technical merits and the significant operational work required to successfully adopt and integrate it. Listeners will come away with a nuanced understanding of this emerging technology and the factors organizations should weigh as they evaluate BootC for their infrastructure.
Eve Of A Nuclear Renaissance?
Reference: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pebble-bed_reactor
Do nuclear power and a potential renaissance in nuclear power, driven by the voracious power demands for data centers, have the potential of becoming accepted, local and an economic boom for communities? If you’re scratching your head thinking, no way, maybe this conversation will change your mind. Enjoy!
Transcript: otter.ai/u/yUJapxBhVAhGnPUKgJ…?utm_source=copy_url
Reading Logs and Events [TechOps]
This TechOps episode explores the challenges of processing events and logs in technical operations.
The discussion covers the importance of understanding the intent and purpose of building systems downstream from eventing and logging systems. Key topics include the trade-offs between real-time and delayed event processing, the principle of least privilege, and strategies for handling event buffering and dropping. The conversation also touches on security concerns related to event and log data.
The episode concludes with plans for future discussions on adding events and logging to scripts to make them more useful.
Training Small LLMs
In this episode, we dive deep into the emerging world of building and training small language models. We’ll discuss the benefits, risks, and challenges companies face as they work to create more targeted and efficient AI models. From managing hardware and power requirements to ensuring data privacy and governance, we’ll cover the key considerations for enterprises looking to leverage the power of small language models. Join us as we unpack this fascinating topic and consider the implications for the future of AI and infrastructure operations.
Transcript otter.ai/u/xJ5T-x70WUFQ55ZAsRQr57q6zwE
Reference: www.composabl.com/
Process: Good, Bad And Ugly
This podcast episode explores the challenges of process improvement in IT operations, using examples from data centers, automotive, and cybersecurity.
The discussion covers the slow evolution of secure boot, the difficulties cloud providers face in translating their processes to the broader market, and the emergence of vehicle-to-anything ecosystems. The group delves into the need for standardization and security in vehicle ecosystems, as well as the policy management and automation challenges enterprises face.
The conversation also examines the balance of trust in technology versus human expertise, particularly around the use of AI and the risks of generative AI. The CrowdStrike incident is analyzed, with debate around the responsibility of CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and Delta’s operational controls. The impact on cyber insurance and the need for broader risk management approaches are also discussed, highlighting the interconnectedness of process improvement and risk management, and the call for greater industry collaboration to address these challenges.
Transcript: otter.ai/u/93JhNjmekqf0ttX21g…?utm_source=copy_url