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 Raould Traore, Senior Technical Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here.
From an MBA to Technology
Raould’s cloud networking journey merges business knowledge with technical insight. He began his career in management after achieving a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, but he was always attracted to technology. He returned to work as a systems administrator, primarily working on Windows Active Directory. This role gave him a solid foundation in understanding the basis of networking resources.
After gaining experience in system administration, he transitioned to the field of security, where he focused on protecting enterprise networks from various threats. Today, he specializes in service provider networking, designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures.
“With over two decades of experience in the industry, my journey has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation to the evolving landscape of technology,” he said.
The Transformation of Networking
Over his career, Raould has witnessed networking technology transform how businesses scale, operate, and make decisions. He calls attention to how technical innovations affect the market:
- Hardware to software – “When I started, networks were largely static, hardware-centric, and required manual configuration,” he said. “With the advent of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), we have moved towards more dynamic, software-driven networks.”
- Automation and orchestration – These tools have streamlined network management, reduced human errors, and increased efficiency.
- Traffic engineering and operations – The introduction of segment routing MPLS (SR-MPLS) and segment routing v6 (SRv6) has further revolutionized how we handle traffic engineering and simplify network operations.
- Paradigm shift – The rise of cloud networking has transformed traditional networking paradigms, allowing for more scalable, flexible, and resilient network architectures that support modern application demands.
Raould describes an “aha” moment in networking when his team started exploring how to extend their on-premises network to the cloud, opening up opportunities for business growth.
“The ability to seamlessly connect on-premises infrastructure with cloud resources, leveraging technologies like VPNs, and direct connects, is a game-changer,” he said. “We favor the power of cloud networking to provide scalability and flexibility while maintaining control and security. The potential of cloud networking and cloud adoption to transform how our businesses operate, making it possible to adapt quickly to changing demands and optimized resource utilization, is an exciting perspective for us.”
The Network is the Cloud: “A Unified and Dynamic System”
When asked what “the network is the cloud” means to him, Raould explained it as signifying the seamless integration of networking and cloud computing.
“It reflects the idea that modern networks are no longer confined to physical infrastructures but extend into the cloud, enabling flexible, scalable, and on-demand connectivity,” he said. “This paradigm shift emphasizes the importance of networking as a critical component of cloud services, where the boundaries between traditional networks and cloud environments blur, creating a unified and dynamic system.”
Outside of Work
Outside of business hours, Raould enjoys spending time with family, including social dancing, and engaging in outdoor activities. “Fishing at our family camp is a favorite pastime, providing a peaceful escape and a chance to bond with loved ones. I also love running Spartan races during the summer, which challenge my physical endurance.”
Like another Cloud Networking Hero, Mark Noorman, Raould would have loved to be a pilot for a commercial airline if he didn’t work in networking. “I have a fascination for big turbo jets,” he said. “The thrill of flying, the precision required, and the opportunity to travel the world are incredibly appealing. The aviation industry fascinates me, and being a pilot would have allowed me to combine my love for technology with the excitement of exploring new horizons.”
Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Raould?
- We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.
- Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.