Over the decades' many songs have been written about Germany's capital city with one song stating that "Berlin ist eine Reise wert" or Berlin is worth a visit. I have been to Berlin a few times and agree if your time allows I encourageyou to explore the many sights and attractions the city has to offer. With Cisco Live EMEA 2017 happening in Berlin from February 20 -24, one additional attraction and reason to visit is just around the corner and you may want to register and book your trip ASAP. Whether you are alumni (aka a NetVet) or a first-time attendee, we want to make sure that your experience is like our motto says: Your Time is Now.

In this blog, I'd like to be your tour guide for ourData Centeractivities and learning opportunities for you to make the most of your time while attending this year's event.

On Tuesday, February 21,after catching the opening keynote'Future Proof Your Business' from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. make sure you block your calendar from 2.15 to 3.45 p.m. as you don't want to miss the'Next Generation Data Center'Innovation Talk  [Session ID: INTGEN-2002].

Cisco is Your foundation for Digital Transformation, see here for more information and customer stories that have made the journey with us. Berlin itself has undergone tremendous change over the years and is constantly reinventing itself which makes it worth a (repeat) visit. With digital disruption redefining what it means to be successful for industries and companies, states and cities, the city has its own Center for Digital Transformation. While with that many sessions and opportunities to learn, network and engage, you probably don't want to venture too far from the Messe Berlin grounds during the week of Cisco live.

I encourage you to not only attend the above-mentioned keynote and innovation talk but also theover 200 Data Center sessionsoverall and to see us in theWorld of Solutionsto find out more how Digital Transformation starts with an ASAP Data Center. ASAP stands for Analyze, Simplify, Automate, and Protect.

The article Why Data Centers Are More Important Than Ever introduces the importance of a consistent policy model for analytics, simplification, automation, and protection in the ASAP data center. I recommend to read it before your trip to Berlin.

Let me highlight the Product or Strategy Overview (PSO) sessionsamong the many Data Center sessions to help you plan your days. Click on the Session ID PSO number to enroll:

Tuesday, February 21 | Start time: 1:00 p.m.| Start time: 1:00 p.m.

• Building out your Data Center and Cloud Strategy
  • Session ID: PSODCT-2088
• Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) -Changing the Economics of the Data Center
  • Session ID: PSODCT-1014

 Wednesday, February 22 |Thursday, February 23 | Start time: 1:15 p.m.| Start time: 1:15 p.m.

• Hybrid Cloud on Cisco UCS for Microsoft
  • Session ID: PSOCLD-1300
• What's New with HyperFlex & Learn How ForePaaS Built a Hybrid Cloud Service on HyperFlex
  • Session ID: PSODCN-2375  (Panel)
• Scale Big, Scale Fast: UCS Solutions for Big Data and Analytics
  • Session ID: PSODCT-2020
• Next Generation Hybrid Cloud -Cisco ONE Enterprise Cloud Suite
  • Session ID: PSODCT-2333

Thursday, February 23 | Start time: 1:15 p.m.

• Tetration Analytics, the secret ingredient for every Data Center
  • Session ID: PSODCN-1800
• Policy Unites the Hybrid Cloud, ACI, and Tetration Stack
  • Session ID: PSOACI-2200
• DevOps with Cisco Data Center and Cloud Solutions
  • Session ID: PSODCT-1299

All 200 plus Data Center Learning Path sessions, technical breakouts, learning labs can be found here. It pays to plan ahead:

• Application Centric Infrastructure
• Big Data
• DC Compute
• DC Hyperconverged Infrastructure
• DC Networking
• DC Storage
• Infrastructure Management & Private Cloud

World of Solutions

• Engage with our experts in theCisco Campus Hall 3.2-Data Center and Cloud
• Learn with hands-on solution demos, check out latest products on display,  interact in the education zone and get a T-shirt, play games, and sign up for a DC User Group
• Days and Hours:
  • Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cisco Live delivers education and inspiration for technology innovators worldwide. Join us and transform your outlook, your career, and your potential with 5 days of education, networking, and fun!

See you in Berlin.