As I think back to my start as a TAC engineer 25+ years ago, it's hard to imagine how far we have come at Cisco. I never imagined back in the day, that I led the 2^ndlargest business at Cisco with such talented and brilliant engineers -who team side-by-side with our customers across the globe to support our technology.

It's also hard to imagine that the CCIE program is turning 25 and we'll be celebrating with you at Cisco Live. I am both humbled and grateful to be leading such an amazing group at Cisco Services, as well as having the privilege to learn from and grow with our customers and partners, and looking forward to imagining all the possibilities with all of you in Orlando during Cisco Live.

25 years have gone by already? Happy 25^thanniversary, CCIE program! 

CCIE has evolved so much in the span of 25 years. Back then, having a CCIE was highly coveted. Now the goal is not just to achieve 1 or even 2 certs, but having the "triple-CCIE." In fact, 94% of IT decision makers believehaving a team member with an IT-related certification brings added value above and beyond the cost of a certification.

We are excited to be celebrating the CCIE program's 25^thanniversary here at Cisco Live. Every CCIE will receive a gift commemorating this milestone. And you can even take a walk down memory lane, by checking out the  Certification program's history timeline  at the Certifications lounge. Imagine the party too! And those to come throughout the year........stay tuned.

Imagine innovative services for your business

I also hope you'll join me on June 12 from 2:00-2:30 pm ET at the Innovation Showcase where you'll hear how we'reTransforming the Customer Experience Through Innovative Services. Imagine the possibilities of how innovative capabilities such as automation, digitized knowledge, and machine learning can be used to your advantage.

We are using these capabilities to maximize effectiveness and availability of your networks in ways that also transform your experience. In a super-connected world, everything is moving fast and through all the changes, we're committed to providing you with intuitive, convenient, and successful experiences while partnering with you to deploy, adopt and operate your networks.

Other cool things happening at Cisco Live US

While you are at Cisco Live, I recommend you experience the services-related activities:

• Immerse yourself in a fun baseball-themed Customer Stories booth.
• Register for one or all of the product and strategy overview (PSO) sessions with deeper dives into automation, analytics, adoption and security services.
• Check out the Technical Services Clinic and the World of Solutions demos.
• And be sure to schedule a seat in one of three services-related campus theatre presentations centered on business critical services, technical onboarding & adoption, and how successful partners are using Cisco Services as part of their portfolio.

Find all the fantastic Services sessions and more here and have a great time imagining the possibilities.