Meet Ken Beck, Aruba Mobile First Expert (AMFX) and Solutions Architect with Vector USA. Ken is dedicated to honing his expert networking skills, staying on top of the latest technology trends and delivering solutions for his customers varying business objectives.
The AMFX badge is the highest level of achievement within the Aruba certification program. The AMFX Hall of Fame celebrates the elite network professionals that chose to align themselves with Aruba, the most innovative industry disrupter.
Company: VectorUSA
Title/Role: Solutions Architect
LinkedIn Profile: Ken Beck
Airheads Profile: @KiloByte
Certifications:
- Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX)
- Aruba Certified Design Expert (ACDX)
- Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX)
- Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA)
- Aruba IntroSpect Specialist (AIS)
- HP Master Accredited System Engineer Network Infrastructure [2011] (MASE)
- HPE Master Accredited Solutions Expert FlexNetwork Solutions V2 (MASE)
- HPE Accredited Solutions Expert Data Center Network Integrator V1 (ASE)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Collaboration #26726
Jenna: How did you begin your career journey in mobility?
Ken: I started out deploying VoIP applications from Vocera and wireless handsets from Ascom, Avaya and Cisco. Maintaining the proper QoS from and to the wired/wireless network is a fine art. You really learn a lot of network tuning for real-time applications.
Shortly thereafter, I dove into outdoor networks for the Port of Los Angeles and later on the East Coast at the Port of Bayonne. Outdoor networks are a lot of fun. There are just so many variables and I love getting into the all the details that make a solution successful.
Jenna: What is your technical area of focus at this stage in your career?
Ken: I’m currently focusing on automation. I’m trying to take everything I’ve learned so far and convert it into an “easy” button. I’ve joined Slack groups like Network to Code and I get my hands on anything that says Python, Ansible and REST APIs, to name a few.
Jenna: What made you invest in learning about Aruba and become an AMFX?
Ken: I started out in an Aruba boot camp at the old headquarters long ago. It was very inspiring because the class focused on all the right things. I was really impressed how much security is built right into the product. My firewall experience really helped me learn the way Aruba does things. That boot camp is also where I learned that the hardest thing about wireless networking is the wired part.
For the next step, I took the ACMX test to get my company to the Platinum Partner level. After that, the AMFX just made sense to continue learn and grow. Find something you love and never stop doing it.
Jenna: How has becoming an AMFX affected your interactions with customers, colleagues and managers?
Ken: Becoming an AMFX shows everyone how dedicated you are to your craft. That dedication translates into more meaningful interactions with customers, colleagues and managers. We become trusted advisors when solving for business outcomes.
Jenna: What motivates you to continue learning?
Ken: Knowing that what I know now is only good for 18 months is a great motivator to continue learning just to stay relevant!
Jenna: Can you share a story or an example of something you learned by helping someone else?
Ken: I’m always learning from everyone I deal with because I listen to what they are saying before I react or respond. I make sure we are all on the same page before we execute a new solution, so it meets the business objectives. Experience is what you get just right after you needed it!
Jenna: Do you have any suggestions for individuals who are preparing to become an AMFX?
Ken: Learn all the technologies individually before putting it all together. Learn how to project manage your way through the exam. HPE now has these great mini mock labs you can practice with. Everything you know how to do in the GUI, learn how to do it in the CLI. Practice, practice, practice.
Jenna: What would you say to encourage your peers to learn more about Aruba technology?
Ken: Do you like the color orange? Would you like to learn about one of the biggest disrupters in technology today? Check out www.arubanetworks.com.
Jenna: Who is your biggest hero?
Ken: My biggest hero is my mom, who never stopped listening, learning and loving.
