Insights from a recent discussion among Network Automation Forum (NAF) community members about the challenges organizations face when building effective network automation capabilities - and how to solve them.

In the networking community, there's ongoing debate about the role of Command Line Interfaces (CLIs) in network operations. A recent discussion in the Network Automation Forum (NAF) Slack channel explored whether network engineers are "addicted" to the CLI - either through process familiarity or nostalgia. This blog post summarizes the key insights shared by various community members.

AutoCon has solidified its place as a premier event for advancing network automation and fostering professional growth. AutoCon 2 reaffirmed the importance of building a supportive and evolving community to drive network automation adoption. The event provided a platform for meaningful connections, practical learning, and shared inspiration. Attendees left with renewed enthusiasm, new ideas, and a stronger sense of direction, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Our second event, AutoCon 1, was held in Amsterdam in May of 2024. As evidenced by the post event survey, our first European event showcased the elements that make AutoCon a standout gathering for our industry. Let's delve into the key themes and favorite moments that attendees found most impactful.

Let's recognize that the resistance to change stems from a deep-seated attachment to identity. By acknowledging this reality, fostering understanding, and showcasing the boundless potential of the automated future, we can pave the way for a network engineering renaissance.