SolarWinds are real game changers at GITEX 2023

Anita Joseph caught up with Sascha Giese of SolarWinds to discuss how observability helps organisations transition seamlessly to the cloud.

Can you explain the evolution from monitoring to observability?

Monitoring used to be the go-to solution to address challenges in the past, but it no longer suffices in today’s dynamic environment. Everything is constantly in motion, shifting to the cloud or multi-cloud setups, which brings complexity due to various vendors. Observability is the game-changer here. Unlike monitoring, it empowers us to leverage the data we collect and provides invaluable support for users. It eliminates the need for manual scrutiny of individual layers, and our goal is to assist IT administrators in their daily operations, benefiting larger organisations.

What role does observability play in ensuring the success of digital transformation projects and enhancing the user experience?

For many organisations embarking on the journey to the cloud or digital transformation, it can be a complex process. Migrating workloads from on-premises to the cloud is a significant part of this shift. The challenge lies in understanding if these workloads will function smoothly in the cloud and the cost implications. Just moving everything to the cloud can quickly become expensive. Observability steps in to help organisations estimate costs, ensuring a seamless transition. It’s all about making services available 24/7 from anywhere, and observability assists in achieving that.

Are there additional benefits of observability, such as addressing skill shortages and reducing environmental impacts?

Absolutely. Observability is a game-changer for addressing skill shortages. By automating manual tasks and freeing up IT personnel from firefighting or routine issues like password resets, it greatly improves efficiency. On the environmental front, we need to be conscious of our impact. Observability can help organisations optimise resource utilization, ensuring that they don’t waste energy and resources. It’s about changing the way we think about resource utilisation and being more environmentally responsible.

How has GITEX evolved over the years?

GITEX has grown significantly over the years. I’ve been attending since 2018, and it’s been an interesting journey. While 2020 was an exception due to the pandemic, GITEX continues to expand. There are more halls, more vendors, and it feels like it gets more crowded each year. It’s a fantastic platform for engaging with interesting vendors, having insightful discussions, and networking. It’s almost like a family reunion because you get to meet other vendors and partners once a year. Plus, I have to say, I love the food here in Dubai, so I keep coming back.