Let’s be honest: automation isn’t optional anymore. If you’re a network engineer wondering how AI and automation will change your job, here’s the reality. Engineers who automate will outpace those who don’t.
See what’s possible with Cisco at AutoCon 4
AutoCon 4, November 17–21, 2025, in Austin, TX, is where the community compares notes on what actually works—code, playbooks, telemetry, and the people/process shifts that make it all stick. Come see what’s possible at the Cisco booth, or start free today at Cisco U. and turn a boring repetitive task into your first automated win.
“My main takeaway from AutoCon was seeing how our customers organize themselves to actually do NetDevOps—
what network engineers learn, how they partner with developers, and how mutual understanding shapes success at scale.”
—François Caen, Product Manager, Learn with Cisco
Why teams stall on automation (and how to move forward)
Many organizations have a few scripts or pilots but struggle to scale their automation practice.
The usual blockers:
- Rework & inconsistency: every site is a snowflake.
- Limited visibility: no useful telemetry or dashboards.
- Skills gap: engineers aren’t sure where to start, or how deep to go.
What gets momentum back:
- API-first workflows with clear intent and guardrails.
- Model-driven telemetry that turns data into action.
- Shared patterns (Git, reviews, tests) across network + software teams.
Automation you’ll find at the Cisco booth at AutoCon 4
Hands-on demos that show how to get from manual tasks to repeatable pipelines:
- Operational Automation: intent-based, API-first workflows that cut tickets and toil.
- Scalable Observability: Turn telemetry into insights for capacity, security, and SLOs.
- Programmability: Python, SDKs, and open APIs—use what fits your stack.
- Skill-Building with Cisco U: tutorials, labs, and learning paths mapping the technologies above to CCNA → CCNP → CCIE.
Bring us a task that wastes your time. We’ll show a path to automate it, or where to start learning.
Can’t make it to Austin? Start in 30 minutes
You don’t need a plane ticket to Austin to make progress. Follow François’ advice: “Find one repetitive task, automate it, and come to Cisco U. to learn how. Start with a free tutorial or Python for Network Engineers, then grow and test your skills along the Automation CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE path.”
Join our vibrant and free community of learners and get help and advice there.
Start right now at Cisco U.—get a free account in minutes.
FAQs
What is NetDevOps?
Applying software practices (version control, CI/CD, testing) to network deployment and operations.
Do I have to be a developer?
No. Start small with Ansible, Python, or low-code tools and build depth over time.
What does Cisco show at AutoCon?
Operational automation, observability, and programmability—plus hands-on demos, learning, and certifications prep via Cisco U.
Where do I start today?
At u.cisco.com—free tutorials, guided labs, and structured learning paths.
Automation doesn’t scale alone—it takes a community
The technology is ready. What’s needed now is shared experience, clear paths, and collaboration across roles and vendors. AutoCon is where that happens.
We look forward to seeing you in Austin for AutoCon 4! Let’s accelerate automation—together.
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