Meet Jonathan Hart, HPE Master ASE, Aruba Certified Expert and networking Solutions Architect with ASI, Inc.
Name: Jonathan Hart
Company: ASI, Inc.
Title/Role: Solutions Architect
Location: Sarasota, FL
Education: B.S. Information Technology, University of South Florida
LinkedIn Profile: Jonathan Hart
Certifications:
- HPE Master ASE - FlexNetwork Solutions V2
- HP Master ASE - Network Infrastructure [2011]
- Aruba Certified Design Expert (ACDX) V6.4
- HP ASE - Network Infrastructure [2011]
- HPE ASE - Data Center Network Integrator V1
- HP ASE - FlexNetwork Integrator V1
- Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional (ACCP) V6.2
- Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP) V6.3
- HP ASE - TippingPoint Security V1
- HP ASE - TippingPoint Security V2
- HP AIS - Network Infrastructure [2011]
- HP ATP - FlexNetwork Solutions V1
- HP ATP - FlexNetwork Solutions V2
- HP ATP - FlexNetwork Solutions V3
- Aruba Certified Sales Specialist (ACSS) [2012]
- ClearPass Sales Specialist (CPSS) [2012]
- HPE Sales Certified - Enterprise Solutions [2016]
How did you get started?
I really backed into my role in networking. Growing up, I loved video editing; specifically non-linear video editing. At the time it was still in its infancy, and you could not purchase a computer off the shelf to meet the specs needed. So building one was the only way. I started my career working for several TV stations, but I never really loved what I was doing. While the content changed on a day-to-day basis, the everyday routine was essentially the same.
I transitioned into IT doing helpdesk for a short bit, before moving into the VoIP telephony world. While networking wasn’t initially my primary focus, everything that I did was affected by it, and once I started delving more into networking, I was truly fascinated by it.
What do you see the benefits of being a Master ASE?
Having expert level certifications in both Aruba and HPE Networking, I find myself having instant credibility with my clients as soon as I walk through the door. While the end goal for certification is the certification itself, the journey is what proves to be the most valuable. A certification’s true value presents itself when I am designing and troubleshooting issues for a client. The applied knowledge from many, many of hours studying and reading design guides is where the true value lies for the customer.
From a company perspective, these certifications help us maintain our Platinum Networking status with HPE. This trickles down to our clients by allowing us to be as competitive as possible while bringing additional value to the table due to the extra knowledge acquired through certifications.
What is your favorite HPE technology?
Historically, my favorite product has been the HPE Networking products. However, I am excited about the developments around the new Aruba switch line and mobility platforms. By bringing some of the most popular HPE Networking features into the Aruba line, Aruba will be creating a lot of disruption for their competitors. ClearPass is also a beast in regards to its flexibility and capability with securing our clients’ networks.
Any interesting customer stories you would like to share?
I have a client who believed they were operating a secure network. They were running the standard firewall/antivirus setup with no security policies. Their network was enforced largely by the honor system. However, they had no idea what was running on it. After being hit by a series of ransomware attacks, they reached out to us for assistance. We set up ClearPass in conjunction with an IPS. Immediately we began seeing many devices that they didn’t know existed, in addition to several machines infected with malware that was phoning home. The hits on the IPS were in excess of 1 million over a 5-day period, with several of the machines located in their very own IT department.
What's your tip for others interested in HPE certifications?
Certifications drive the IT world. With knowledge and methodologies constantly shifting, certifications are the tools used to stay current. The HPE Master ASE and Aruba Expert level certifications immediately help acknowledge you as an expert in your field. In our industry, as soon as you stop learning, you will quickly find yourself obsolete. Certifications help prevent that from happening.
As a Master ASE, you will be recognized as having reached the pinnacle of HPE Certifications. Customers will rely on you to bring rich technical skills to design and implement their most complex solutions. You’ll also see personal and business rewards while being able to network and share with one of the most exclusive teams in the industry.
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I’ve been in marketing in high-tech for 20+ years.
