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For anyone visiting Cleveland, Ohio, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame is a requisite stop. When it comes to customers of Palo Alto Networks, some exciting things are happening in Northern Ohio. Andrew Kahn, a Principal Security Engineer at Unum, recently took on the role of leading the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group and spoke about why the Fuel User Group has been important to him in the development of professional skills and use of Palo Alto Networks technologies. A video of his interview is available here.

Initial Introduction to Fuel User Group Was Quite Positive

Kahn first learned about the Fuel User Group through a colleague and was immediately intrigued by the community and resources it offered. He said that the group is a “great way to connect with other IT professionals in the area and share best practices and knowledge on how to run and maintain data centers.”

Kahn joined the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group in 2018 and quickly became an active member. He enjoyed the group's regular meetings and events, which provided a forum for discussing industry trends and sharing information on new technologies and best practices. He also appreciated the group's focus on collaboration and community that served as a valuable resource for networking and building relationships.

Reaping the Benefits of the Fuel User Group

One of the main benefits of the Fuel User Group, according to Kahn, is the ability to hear from other IT professionals in the industry and learn about the practices they are implementing in their own organizations. This allows members to see what is possible and to potentially implement similar measures within their own companies. The group also allows for members to present their own practices and ideas to the community, which can help to improve the overall security of everyone's companies.

Kahn highlighted the opportunity to learn from third-party Palo Alto Networks partners. Here, the Fuel User Group invites experts from different companies to speak about new technologies and how they integrate and enhance the firewall capabilities that are currently being used. This provides a learning process for members and helps them stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.

One of the offerings of the Fuel User Group that excites Kahn are the Virtual Test Labs, where users can play with Palo Alto Networks Firewalls and test them out. This is a valuable resource for members as it allows them to work towards certifications or test out new configurations before implementing them in a production environment.

Educational and Training Opportunities for Fuel User Group Members

One of the main goals of the Fuel User Groups, according to Kahn, is to provide education and training to its members. The group organizes regular technical sessions and workshops, which cover a wide range of topics related to data center operations and open source technology. These sessions are led by industry experts and provide valuable insights and hands-on experience for the group's members.

In addition to education and training, the group also focuses on promoting collaboration among its members. Kahn said that the group encourages members to share their experiences and knowledge, which helps to foster a sense of community and collaboration. Fuel is always looking for ways to expand its reach and bring more IT professionals in the area into the group.

From Member to Leader of the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group

Kahn recently was nominated and accepted the role to serve as the Leader of the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group. He said that he wanted to help drive the group's mission and vision, and that he saw the role as an opportunity to contribute to the community and help other IT professionals in the area.

Northern Ohio Fuel User Group Poised for Continued Success

Kahn's interview provides valuable insight into the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group and the benefits it provides to its members. The group's focus on open source technology and its emphasis on collaboration, community, and education make it a valuable resource for IT professionals in the area. Under Kahn's leadership, the group is sure to continue to provide valuable resources and opportunities for its members.

Watch the video of Kahn for more details on his involvement with the Northern Ohio Fuel User Group and what plans look like for this coming year.