Cisco DevNet Programmable Networks and Automation

This course prepares Network Automation Engineers to build automated workflows and infrastructure as code for programmable networks using Cisco DevNet tools.

Executive overview and business relevance

In today's rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, telecom operators are aggressively decommissioning manual processes. This shift necessitates immediate upskilling for professionals to avoid obsolescence and project exclusion. The Cisco DevNet Programmable Networks and Automation course is designed for individuals and organizations seeking to master the tools and API skills essential for building automated workflows and infrastructure as code for programmable networks. This program is crucial for organizations undergoing transformation programs. You will gain the practical expertise needed to transition from manual configurations to modern automated solutions, ensuring your organization remains competitive and efficient. This course provides the strategic advantage required for success in the modern network environment. Transitioning from manual network configurations to automated workflows using Cisco DevNet tools and APIs is no longer optional but a critical imperative.

Who this course is for

This course is specifically designed for a discerning audience of leaders and professionals who are instrumental in driving organizational change and ensuring operational excellence. It is ideal for:

• Executives and Senior Leaders seeking to understand the strategic implications of network automation.
• Board-facing roles and Enterprise Decision Makers responsible for significant technology investments and strategic direction.
• Leaders and Managers tasked with overseeing teams and projects that require modern, efficient network infrastructure.
• Professionals who need to understand and influence the adoption of new technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Anyone responsible for governance, risk oversight, and ensuring the successful outcomes of large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

What the learner will be able to do after completing it

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will possess the strategic understanding and practical insights to:

• Champion the adoption of programmable networks and automation within their organizations.
• Oversee the strategic planning and governance of network automation initiatives.
• Evaluate and select appropriate Cisco DevNet tools and APIs for specific business needs.
• Understand the organizational impact of transitioning to automated network workflows.
• Make informed decisions regarding infrastructure as code implementation and its benefits.
• Ensure robust risk management and oversight for automation projects.
• Drive measurable results and positive outcomes through effective network automation strategies.

Detailed module breakdown

Module 1 Network Automation Strategy and Governance

• Understanding the strategic imperative for network automation in telecommunications.
• Establishing robust governance frameworks for automation initiatives.
• Aligning automation strategies with overall business objectives.
• Assessing organizational readiness for large-scale automation.
• Defining key performance indicators for automation success.

Module 2 The Role of Programmable Networks

• Exploring the fundamental concepts of programmable networks.
• Understanding how programmability drives agility and efficiency.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation through network programmability.
• Analyzing the business case for investing in programmable infrastructure.
• The impact of programmability on service delivery and customer experience.

Module 3 Cisco DevNet Ecosystem Overview

• An introduction to the Cisco DevNet platform and its core offerings.
• Understanding the value proposition of DevNet for enterprise transformation.
• Key components of the DevNet ecosystem relevant to automation.
• Resources available for learning and development within DevNet.
• Strategic integration of DevNet into existing IT strategies.

Module 4 API Fundamentals for Network Professionals

• Core principles of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
• Understanding RESTful APIs and their application in networking.
• Data formats commonly used in APIs (JSON XML).
• Securing API communications and managing access.
• The business impact of leveraging APIs for network management.

Module 5 Infrastructure as Code Principles

• Defining Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and its benefits.
• Comparing IaC with traditional infrastructure management.
• Key concepts: idempotency configuration management and orchestration.
• Strategic advantages of adopting IaC for scalability and consistency.
• Governance considerations for IaC deployments.

Module 6 Automation Workflow Design

• Designing efficient and scalable automation workflows.
• Mapping business processes to automated network tasks.
• Ensuring fault tolerance and error handling in workflows.
• Best practices for workflow documentation and maintenance.
• The role of automation in accelerating service provisioning.

Module 7 Data Modeling and Network State Management

• Understanding network state and its importance in automation.
• Using data models to represent network configurations and states.
• Techniques for collecting and analyzing network state information.
• Ensuring data integrity and accuracy in automated systems.
• The impact of accurate state management on operational efficiency.

Module 8 Network Automation Use Cases in Telecom

• Exploring common automation use cases in the telecom industry.
• Automating network provisioning and configuration.
• Implementing automated network monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Streamlining security policy enforcement through automation.
• Automating compliance and reporting processes.

Module 9 Risk Management and Oversight in Automation

• Identifying potential risks associated with network automation.
• Developing strategies for mitigating automation-related risks.
• Establishing oversight mechanisms for automated systems.
• Ensuring auditability and compliance in automated environments.
• The role of leadership in managing automation risks.

Module 10 Organizational Impact and Change Management

• Understanding the organizational shifts required for successful automation.
• Strategies for effective change management and stakeholder engagement.
• Developing a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
• Measuring the business impact of network automation initiatives.
• Addressing talent gaps and upskilling requirements.

Module 11 Strategic Decision Making for Automation Investments

• Evaluating the ROI of network automation projects.
• Prioritizing automation initiatives based on business value.
• Making informed decisions about technology adoption and vendor selection.
• Building a compelling business case for automation investments.
• Long-term strategic planning for network evolution.

Module 12 Future Trends in Network Automation

• Emerging technologies and their impact on network automation.
• The role of AI and machine learning in future automation.
• Intent-based networking and its implications.
• Cloud-native approaches to network automation.
• Adapting strategies for evolving network architectures.

Practical tools frameworks and takeaways

This course provides participants with essential frameworks and practical insights to drive automation initiatives effectively. You will gain access to strategic decision-making models, governance structures, and risk assessment methodologies. The emphasis is on understanding the 'why' and 'what' of automation from a leadership perspective, enabling you to guide your organization's transformation. Key takeaways include frameworks for evaluating automation opportunities, templates for developing business cases, and guidance on establishing effective oversight mechanisms. These resources are designed to empower you to make confident, strategic decisions that yield tangible business results.

How the course is delivered and what is included

Course access is prepared after purchase and delivered via email. This ensures a smooth and efficient onboarding process. The learning experience is designed for flexibility and long-term value, offering self-paced study that allows you to progress at your own speed. We are committed to keeping our content current and relevant, providing lifetime updates to ensure you always have access to the latest information and best practices. Our commitment to your satisfaction is paramount, backed by a thirty-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. This course is trusted by professionals in 160 plus countries, reflecting its global relevance and impact. The program includes a practical toolkit with implementation templates, worksheets, checklists, and decision support materials to aid in your professional development and application of learned concepts.

Why this course is different from generic training

This course distinguishes itself from generic training by focusing on the strategic and leadership aspects of network automation, rather than purely technical implementation. We address the critical business drivers, governance requirements, and organizational impacts that are paramount for executives and decision-makers. Unlike courses that focus on specific tools or tactical steps, this program equips you with the understanding to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks effectively, and oversee large-scale transformation programs. Our content is tailored for a leadership audience, emphasizing accountability, strategic decision making, and organizational impact. We provide the insights necessary to champion automation initiatives and ensure their successful integration into your business strategy, offering a unique perspective that goes beyond technical proficiency.

Immediate value and outcomes

The immediate value of this course lies in its ability to equip leaders and professionals with the strategic foresight and decision-making capabilities necessary to navigate the complex landscape of network automation. By understanding the core principles and business implications, you can immediately begin to influence your organization's transformation programs. A formal Certificate of Completion is issued upon successful completion of the course. This certificate can be added to LinkedIn professional profiles, serving as a testament to your commitment to professional development and enhanced leadership capabilities. The certificate evidences leadership capability and ongoing professional development, showcasing your expertise in a critical area of modern business operations. This course is designed to deliver decision clarity without disruption, providing a significant return on investment by enhancing your strategic acumen and your organization's operational efficiency. Comparable executive education in this domain typically requires significant time away from work and budget commitment. This course is designed to deliver decision clarity without disruption.

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