> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.philmckinney.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Innovating Network Operations: Connected, Secure, Visible S14 Ep45 - URL: https://www.philmckinney.com/innovating-network-operations-connected-secure-visible/ - Published: 2019-01-15T13:00:28.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-01T14:09:21.000Z - Author: Phil McKinney - Tags: Past Shows, Studio Sessions, David Erickson, Forward networks, grains of sand, innovating network operations, #CES2019, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-03-26 05:08 Download [Innovating\_Network\_Operations\_Connected\_Secure\_Visible\_S14\_Ep45.mp3](http://traffic.libsyn.com/philmckinney/Innovating%5FNetwork%5FOperations%5FConnected%5FSecure%5FVisible%5FS14%5FEp45.mp3?ref=philmckinney.com) Keeping networks connected, secure, and visible is easier thanks to one startup. Here at the Consumer Electronics Show, David Erickson joins me. David is Co-Founder of Forward Networks. His company is innovating network operations. Their products transform how businesses manage networks. ## Gaming to Innovating Network Operations David’s interest in networking began as a kid [playing video games](https://www.philmckinney.com/accessible-innovation/). He was always trying to optimize that connection. That interest led him to Silicon Valley and Stanford. As a post-grad at Stanford, David focused on software defined networking (SDN). After completing Ph.D. work, David and [three fellow Ph. Ds](https://philmckinney.com/the-law-of-resources-what-does-innovation-need-to-thrive/?ref=philmckinney.com) founded Forward Networks. They saw new opportunity. Innovation on the operations side of networking was scarce. Co-founder Peyman Kazemian developed unique technology. Forward Networks applies that technology to network operations. Their software maximizes network connection, security and analysis. Based in Palo Alto, Forward Networks has been developing network solutions for five years. Their clients include a growing number of mid to large size businesses. ## Grains of Sand With the volumes of data traversing networks, innovating network operations has been a challenge. Others have tried to develop similar technology without success. [One company refused to believe](https://philmckinney.com/thanks-but-no-thanks-for-your-ideas-now-please-go-away/?ref=philmckinney.com) Forward Networks’ product could do what they claimed. That company had been trying for 15 years. Forward Networks solutions do the work no human can do. Tracking network traffic flow going in five octillion directions, it’s impossible for people to see it all. Like grains of sand or known stars in the universe, a massive volume of data requires a smart solution. Forward Networks technology explores and proves network properties to ensure they’re secure and connected. ## Solving Core Problems and Beyond The advantages Forward Networks solutions offer [customers](https://www.philmckinney.com/creating-customer-value-through-cost-innovation/): - Opens layers of visibility - Creates a digital twin of the network - Verification: proves correctness of connections and security They have focused on user interface making ease of use a priority. Their products require minimal upkeep and maintenance. \[shareable cite="David Erickson, Co-founder Forward Networks"\]We're determined to bring all of the innovation that has happened in the software development world to networking to really improve the state of network operations.\[/shareable\] A new area Forward Networks is moving into is cloud systems. This latest development will give a “holistic picture” of “hybrid environments.” At the heart of it, David says their software solves the core problems. ## Lessons Learned The founders of Forward Networks had a trial run in the startup process. Out of Stanford, they started a company that created SDN training. That was “the startup before the startup.” It gave them the experience to understand the process. Key things David learned along the way: - [Talk to customers](https://www.philmckinney.com/a-change-maker-in-the-innovation-game/) - Know what the competition is doing - Be [patient](https://philmckinney.com/incorporating-law-patience-innovation-culture/?ref=philmckinney.com) if innovating in a technical space Innovating network operations, Forward Networks meets a demand in an overlooked area that’s ever-expanding. To track what Forward Networks is doing, visit [https://www.forwardnetworks.com/](https://www.forwardnetworks.com/?ref=philmckinney.com). For the latest, check out their blog (upper right of website) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/fwdnetworks?ref=philmckinney.com). To hear the interview with David Erickson at #CES2019, listen to this week's show, [**Innovating Network Operations: Connected, Secure, Visible S14 Ep45**](http://traffic.libsyn.com/philmckinney/Innovating%5FNetwork%5FOperations%5FConnected%5FSecure%5FVisible%5FS14%5FEp45.mp3?ref=philmckinney.com). \[xyz-ihs snippet="Innovating-Network-Operations-S14-Ep45"\] Thanks for listening to the show today. On March 5, we’ll kick off Season 15 of *Killer Innovations*. Long time listeners, do you have an anecdote or story to share about the show? Any thoughts on going forward in Season 15? I’d love to hear from you. [Drop me a note](mailto:phil@killerinnovations.com).