The oil and gas industry has been digitized since the 1960s -perhaps longer than any other sector. From digital computers to digital oilfields, the industry has evolved from a monitor and react model, to one of real-time and predictive decision making.

Now, change is coming to the industry. Some compare the scale of this change to what was seen in the Industrial Revolution, one of the most pivotal technological shifts in in history. In that transition, new processes and innovative techniques caused industries to change literally overnight.

Today, we are in the midst of a digital revolution. And once again, industries across the board are on the cusp of radical changes to how they operate and innovate.

During ournext#CiscoChat onTuesday, July 28, 9-10 a.m. PST, we'll take a deeper look at how the oil and gas industry has embraced this digital revolution, why digital technologies are making companies more competitive, and what it means for the future of the industry.

Digital oil fields, with their sensors and industrial control systems, are a marvel to be proud of. Yet, oil and gas leaders increasingly recognize that this model is plagued with process silos that add expense and cripple agility.

The oil and gas companies that see opportunity are integrating IT, industrial controls, and business processes end to end. They're breaking silos. They're defying bandwidth constraints by bringing computing to the data deluge being generated in remote locations.

They're making sure everything is secure end to end, from board room to well head. They're using digital technologies to communicate better, keep people safer, and collaborate more effectively.

They're getting immediate data and better information to make better decisions, faster. And they're looking toward tomorrow, bridging the talent gap and setting the foundation for an even more amazing digital future.

"How is all this possible?" you ask. This#CiscoChat is where you'll find the answers.

During our #CiscoChat, @EnergyCisco will be joined by Nicolaas Smit, director of Cisco's Energy Industry Global Industries Center of Expertise, along with Luis Gamboa, oil and gas market development lead at Rockwell Automation, and Zeus Kerravala, founder and principal analyst of ZK Research. Our panelists will answer questions and provide insight into how an oil and gas firm can transform to be a digital integrated organization through the Internet of Everything.

The digital revolution is a major catalyst for oil and gas companies who want to emerge as industry innovators and survive long-term. There is a new digital reality emerging for the industry, so be sure to join and follow the conversation onTuesday, July 28, 9-10 a.m. PST, using hashtag#CiscoChat.