Current data center network infrastructure is undergoing a fundamental change with the abstraction of various functions from hardware.  From storage, networking, security and compute – every function within the data center is becoming disassociated from hardware and becoming software driven.  For enterprises and telcos this transformation offers many new possibilities, including best of breed interoperability, but this transformation is not without it challenges.  For incumbent hardware vendors, the transition from hardware-based value to software-based value calls for new and unfamiliar offerings and new partners. 

This session will address the current state of infrastructure agnosticism – who is calling for it and what the industry is saying about – and what realities are in store for the industry.

Moderator:	Speakers:
Rick Talbot Current Analysis	Amy Copley BTI Systems	Charles Conte Dell

• Rick Talbot, Principal Analyst, Optical Infrastructure, Current Analysis
• Amy Copley, Director, Solutions Marketing, BTI Systems
• Charles Conte, Director, North American Strategy – Open Networking, Dell

A host of new and emerging threats face data center operators. This session explores ways to mitigate risk and utilize best practices in the implementation of physical security for data centers. Elements, tools and cost effects of implementing physical security that are applicable in the design or retrofit stage will be addressed. This includes reviewing the newest technologies that integrate with analytics and provide recording and reporting functions, implementing measures on the best approach to integrate systems, and examining ways to anticipate, project and save on the costs of a data center security project.

As almost every facet of government, commercial, and individual life becomes increasingly digitized within an all-IP world – the Internet of Things – through innovative solutions such as network virtualization, ongoing negotiation of key international agreements hold the potential to balkanize the Internet and reduce the many benefits of its open architecture.

This session will give attendees an overview of the challenges and solutions to cross-border data flows, including updates on existing and approaching trade negotiations that impact the evolution of data centers. Topics to include:

• Current, practical solutions to regulatory compatibility for cross-border data flows that are administered by the Department of Commerce (e.g. U.S.-EU Safe Harbor and APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules).
• The regulatory challenges in other countries that can restrict the ability of data centers to send data from one legal jurisdiction to another (i.e. cross-border data flows).
• Future policy solutions through the use of trade agreements being negotiated by the U.S. and other countries (e.g. TPP and T-TIP).

We'll address the evolving methodology in data center design, the factors that are driving new design, and how vendors can meet the evolving needs of data center operators.

Moderator:	Speakers:
Franklin Flint TIA	Jackson Metcalf Gensler	Jim Leach RagingWire Data Centers	Bill Charuk Sumitomo Electric Lightwave

• Franklin Flint, CTO, TIA
• Jackson Metcalf, Associate, Gensler
• Jim Leach, Vice President of Marketing, RagingWire Data Centers
• Bill Charuk, Sr. Product Mgr, Data Ctr Solutions, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave