As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.

Our next hero spotlight is on Weigner Co, Principal Cloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here.

Background: From Internet Seminars to Global Solutions

As a college student, Weigner got a privileged view of the early days of networking. “Back when I was in college, I remember hearing that my university was one of the pioneers in connecting the country to the internet. I even have a school-issued certificate for attending an ‘internet’ seminar, if you could believe that,” he said.

After he graduated, Weigner continued to watch the growth of networking from an IT perspective. He started out in technical support, where he developed a hands-on understanding of networking fundamentals and early internet technologies. “In my early days, I worked with dial-up connections, setting up PCs, and managing the transition from basic networking to more complex, multi-user environments,” he said.

He built on this foundational experience at Globe Telecom, a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines, where he spent over a decade. This role gave him a “front-row seat to the evolution of telecommunications.”

“I supported the transition from 2G networks to more advanced 3G, HSPA+, and 4G/LTE networks, gaining deep insights into the complexities of large-scale network infrastructures,” he explained. He applied his networking expertise to designing and optimizing cloud architectures that ensure seamless connectivity and performance across hybrid and multicloud environments.

Today, as a Principal Cloud Architect, his role involves guiding organizations through cloud adoption with a focus on networking, security, and efficiency. “My experience across major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI allows me to design resilient, scalable solutions that integrate modern networking principles, ensuring businesses can operate smoothly and securely in the cloud,” he said.

Challenges: Managing Solutions, Expectations, and People

One of the greatest challenges of Weigner’s current role is balancing all the latest innovations with the practical need to keep things cost-effective and efficient. “Cloud technology moves so quickly, so it’s a constant effort to stay on top of changes while ensuring that every solution delivers real value without overcomplicating things,” he said. “Plus, managing expectations from different teams with different priorities adds its own layer of challenge.”

Weigner had some advice for networking peers facing issues with managing expectations and other key issues:

• Going outside the box — “For example, I use a ‘show, don’t tell’ approach—building small proofs of concept so people can see the potential firsthand. It’s easier to get everyone on the same page that way, and it builds trust in the process.”
• Keep up with the latest innovations — “I also make it a habit to stay on top of emerging tech, sometimes shifting direction based on new insights, which keeps us agile and ready to pivot when needed. This approach has helped me turn potential roadblocks into opportunities to push forward.”
• Being proactive with security — “Security is always a top priority in the cloud because the risks increase significantly due to internet connectivity. The real challenge isn’t whether your infrastructure is in the cloud or on-premises; it’s about managing the risks associated with being connected to the internet to support your business operations. This interconnectedness demands a proactive approach to security, ensuring that all aspects of your architecture are safeguarded against potential threats.”
• Weighing the total costs — “Controlling costs is always a key consideration for any business, but many fail to take the overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) into account. Cost savings extend beyond just monetary investments and service subscriptions; they also encompass the hours saved through automation and the ability to get up and running in minutes. Additionally, focusing on delivering business value rather than getting bogged down in the underlying ‘plumbing’ of operations contributes significantly to cost savings. By considering these broader aspects of TCO, businesses can better understand the true value of their investments.”

Networking Then and Now: The Progress of Abstraction

Since he began in the industry, Weigner described some of the changes in networking as the continued progress of abstraction. “I’ve seen networking transform from something very physical and hardware-centric to an increasingly virtual landscape in the cloud. Looking ahead, I believe networking will continue to abstract even further,” he said. “AI will play a significant role in optimizing and monitoring performance. However, I suspect we’ll still be grappling with IPv4 instead of fully transitioning to IPv6. Overall, it’s exciting to think about where networking is headed, especially with the rise of automation and the need for agile, scalable solutions in the cloud.”

The Network is the Cloud: Deep Integration

When asked what “The Network is the Cloud” means to him, Weigner gave his personal take: “The Cloud is under the sea—on submarine cables.”

He expanded this definition: “To me, ‘The Network is the Cloud’ signifies the deep integration of networking and cloud computing, where the traditional boundaries between the two are increasingly blurred,” he said. “It reflects how networking has become the backbone of cloud services, enabling seamless connectivity and accessibility for applications and data hosted in the cloud.”

If networking is the backbone, networking teams must have the necessary skills to deploy and manage their architectures. “Companies like Aviatrix are making it easier for network admins to set up cloud networking, but knowing the foundational principles is crucial for grasping how everything works under the hood,” he said. “Ultimately, the performance and reliability of cloud services depend on the strength and capabilities of the underlying network, reinforcing the idea that to truly harness the cloud’s potential, we must prioritize and optimize our networking strategies.”

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Weigner enjoys music. “I played bass for a few local punk bands, even opening for some well-known acts in the underground scene,” he said.

But he also remembers an important road not taken: he once auditioned for a TV commercial in secret. “Simply because I wanted to freak out my friends and family – if I had gotten the part, but I never did,” he explained.

Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Weigner?

• We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.
• Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.