Pavan Vovveti Principal Engineer, Information Technology T-Mobile USA Inc An Exclusive Conversation with Jasmine Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Pavan Vovveti Published on :- 14 Dec 2024 “The greatest innovations occur when we bring curiosity, creativity, and collaboration together” The technology industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector that spans various domains, including information technology (IT), cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. This industry plays a crucial role in shaping modern economies, with businesses and consumers relying heavily on digital solutions for communication, commerce, and entertainment. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for robust cybersecurity solutions has reached an all-time high. Companies are increasingly investing in secure systems, data protection measures, and innovative AI-driven security technologies to ensure safety and privacy for users and organizations alike. The industry thrives on innovation, pushing boundaries and creating potential across sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and telecommunications. Pavan Vovveti is a Principal Engineer at T-Mobile USA with over 15 years of experience in software development and cybersecurity. His expertise lies in cloud computing, API security, and advanced authentication technologies. Recognized with multiple industry awards, Pavan has been featured in esteemed tech journals and regularly presents at conferences, demonstrating his thought leadership. The Beginning of Application Development Pavan developed a robust foundation in application development over 15 years ago, honing his skills at organizations like HSBC Bank, AT&T, and Sears Holding Corporation. These experiences not only sharpened his technical expertise but also gave him versatile skills in software development and architecture. Over time, he recognized the critical need for embedding security in the development process. With security-focused roles, Pavan leveraged his development background to enhance security protocols. As his roles evolved, his ability to seamlessly integrate application development with cutting-edge security measures became a defining aspect of his career. Currently, as a Principal Engineer at T-Mobile USA, he applies his expertise in cloud computing, API security, and advanced authentication technologies to drive innovation and strengthen enterprise security.  Three Personal Qualities That Fuel Success According to Pavan, three significant personal qualities have been instrumental in his successful career: 1. Adaptability: Pavan thrives in the fast-paced dynamics of the tech industry, consistently staying ahead by embracing the latest technologies and trends, from AI-driven security to advancements in cloud computing. 2. Pragmatism: His methodical approach to solving complex security challenges enables him to design scalable, secure solutions within tight deadlines, balancing functionality with safety. 3. Collaboration: Pavan fosters cross-functional cooperation, creating unified teams and encouraging collective problem-solving to achieve impactful results. The Ideals and Aims That Guide Him Pavan’s professional philosophy centers on creating secure, scalable, and user-centric solutions. For him, security is not an afterthought but the foundation of technological innovation. His work spans various initiatives such as cloud security and API security, ensuring that every solution is robust, resilient, and compliant with the highest standards. Pavan also believes in lifelong learning and mentoring. Sharing knowledge and guiding young professionals in the tech community are as important to him as his own achievements. By fostering growth in others, he contributes to the broader development of the industry. Overcoming Career Obstacles Despite his impressive accomplishments, Pavan has faced challenges, notably in balancing functionality and security. One of his most significant projects involved modernizing enterprise-wide authentication and authorization systems, adhering to zero-trust principles while minimizing downtime and maintaining user experience. Another key challenge was addressing the cybersecurity talent gap. Pavan tackled this by mentoring his team, simplifying security implementations, and making complex concepts accessible. His approach has left a lasting impact, empowering team members to contribute effectively to security initiatives. Recognitions and Delegation Pavan’s contributions to technology and security have earned him widespread recognition, including: – Globee Awards: Silver Winner for Cyber Security Executive of the Year and Professional of the Year – IT (2024). – Titan Awards: Platinum Winner for Technical Professional of the Year, Innovation in Services, and Cybersecurity Technology (2024). – Claro Awards: Silver Winner for Technology and Data Analytics Tiers (2024). In addition to these accolades, Pavan serves on the Editorial Review Boards of the Journal of Recent Trends in Computer Science and Engineering (JRTCSE) and the International Journal of Computer Science and Engineering Research and Development (IJCSERD). His articles on API security, Automation in IoT billing, Balancing Functionality & Security and Unified Cart Systems have been published in TechBullion, IBTimes, and Analytics Insight, showcasing his thought leadership. As a speaker, Pavan regularly shares his knowledge at prominent events, such as Conf42, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing industry practices. Looking Towards the Future & Advice to Future Leaders Pavan envisions expanding his knowledge and influence within the tech community by acquiring advanced cybersecurity certifications and deepening his expertise in emerging technologies. His passion for AI and automation in security continues to drive his contributions to innovative solutions, particularly in cloud environments, where AI-driven security technologies address the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Over the next five years, Pavan aims to be a recognized thought leader, contributing impactful research, mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the industry. His vision is to build scalable, secure systems that align with organizational goals while meeting the highest security standards. For aspiring leaders in technology, Pavan emphasizes three key principles: 1. Lifelong Learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly; staying ahead requires curiosity and a commitment to continuous education. 2. Collaboration: Strong leadership is rooted in building unified teams that empower individuals to thrive and contribute to collective success. 3. Balancing Risk and Innovation: Effective leaders take calculated risks, ensuring they align with broader strategic visions and deliver long-term value. Pavan Vovveti : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavan-vovveti-0b902719/

Vijay Kumar Valaboju Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft An Exclusive Conversation with Maria Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Vijay Kumar Valaboju Published on :- 13 Dec 2024 “Innovation is not just about technology; it is about creating solutions that leave an impact on society” The technology industry is one fast-paced, dynamic area that leads worldwide innovation and incorporates the sectors of software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and even digital transformation. Thereby, the industry has immense power to revamp businesses, heighten productivity and serve practical challenges with technological frontiers. Businesses here are constantly adapting to remain abreast of their technology advances and thereby produce newer scopes for growth that help the lives of people worldwide go better. Vijay Kumar Valaboju has been an indispensable part of this industry, displaying prowess in software engineering and innovation. With influential positions in companies like Microsoft, he has brought legacy systems up to date, managed cross-cultural global teams, and catalyzed digital transformation that continues to have a lasting impact on the technological space. Excellence and innovation remain core tenets that define standards in this industry. Shaping the Future Through Excellence and Innovation  Vijay Kumar Valaboju’s career epitomizes resilience, innovation, and transformational leadership. Beginning in 2005, from his journey from being a software engineer in India to being a senior software engineer at Microsoft, he demonstrates commitment to excellence and the delivery of impactful solutions. During the journey, he has earned accolades, led global teams, and significantly contributed to technological advancements. He joined Accenture as a software engineer in India. Since his early days at the company, he had proven to be highly dedicated and contributed significantly to the Forte project for Verizon, receiving numerous awards for excellence in such endeavors. Such initial success marked the foundation for his stellar career, characterized by innovative solutions and results-driven results. He was made in 2008 to shift into Singularity (now Kofax), a product-based company, where his strategic and technical acumen shone bright. He played a major role in winning a flagship project with K2 that outperformed the competitors. This achievement earned him a Star Award, an accolade for his ability to deliver under competitive circumstances. In 2011, Vijay joined HCL Technologies, working closely with Microsoft as a client. Over six remarkable years, he became the main point of contact and lead presenter for key projects. His efforts helped HCL win many high-stakes contracts, and his consistent excellence earned him the Outstanding Award for six consecutive years. This period demonstrated Vijay’s ability to lead, inspire, and deliver results. Elevating Excellence at Microsoft In search of more challenging roles, Vijay joined Microsoft in 2017 as a software engineer. It has been a story of steady progression and impactful contributions for him at Microsoft. He has moved from Level 61 to Level 64, where he has led global projects and has received prestigious accolades, such as the Titan Award, Titan Innovation Award, and Globee Bronze Awards for Innovative Leadership in Product Development and Digital Transformation Leadership of the Year. Among his key contributions to Microsoft is the modernization of certification systems, which is a very complex process that requires innovation and smooth execution. His leadership and technical expertise were further highlighted when he received the Claro Silver Award for his strategic problem-solving and leadership. Pillars of Success: Resilience, Vision, and Collaboration  Vijay’s success can be attributed to three key personal qualities: resilience, vision, and collaboration. His resilience and adaptability have been evident throughout his career, from navigating technological transitions to leading diverse teams across global geographies such as Argentina, Romania, India, and China. His ability to embrace challenges and consistently deliver high-quality results has been a hallmark of his journey. Additionally, Vijay’s vision and innovation have played a pivotal role in driving meaningful impact in every role he has undertaken. Whether it is winning competitive projects at Singularity or modernizing legacy systems at Microsoft, his focus on building transformative solutions has resulted in success. Finally, Vijay’s leadership and collaboration skills have fostered a culture of excellence. His emphasis on building cohesive and inclusive teams has been key to achieving organizational goals, empowering individuals, and inspiring collective success. Guiding Principles and Ideals  Vijay’s career is an integral part of values set by guiding principles, a reflection of his commitment towards excellence, innovation, and continuous growth. He delivers solutions of prime quality, which sets the benchmark for others to be followed by his commitment toward excellence. He focuses on innovation for impact when he creates transformative solutions meant to tackle actual-world challenges and advance technological progress. By fostering growth and teamwork, Vijay mentors teams and fosters inclusive environments that guarantee collective success. He also prioritizes lifelong learning, staying updated on new trends and exemplifying the value of lifelong education. At the core of it all, he is devoted to making a difference by setting goals in line with impact in society and striving for a legacy of meaningful contributions. Overcoming Challenges Vijay’s career has not been without his fair share of challenges, all of which have shaped him into the growth and resilience person he is today. Some of the challenges include managing complex technological transitions, for example, modernizing legacy systems without disrupting service, demanding very careful planning and execution. He has managed high-stakes projects in competitive environments, testing strategic thinking and technical expertise, while managing diverse global teams across cultures and time zones, which tested his leadership and collaboration skills. Transitioning from managerial roles to technical positions at Microsoft was another significant hurdle, requiring him to update his skills and adapt to a new focus, ultimately fostering personal and professional growth. Additionally, balancing demanding projects with personal well-being has been an ongoing effort, highlighting his dedication to maintaining work-life harmony amidst high expectations. Recognitions and Achievements Vijay’s outstanding contributions have been celebrated through numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. He received Globee Bronze Awards for Innovative Leadership and Digital Transformation and Titan Awards for exceptional leadership and innovation. He won the Claro Silver Award for strategic problem solving and membership in prestigious organizations, including Sigma

Praveen Kumar Valaboju DevOps Engineer at Landauer Inc. An Exclusive Conversation with Dana Martin, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Praveen Kumar Valaboju Published on :- 13 Dec 2024 “Adaptability is the key to thriving in an ever-evolving digital landscape, embracing change and turning it into opportunity.” The Technology and IT services industry revolves around building and managing digital solutions that allow businesses to optimize operations. Sectors within this industry are key in cloud computing, DevOps, infrastructure automation, and cybersecurity that help enhance the scalability, security, and efficiency of a process for effective transformation into digital technology. It affects different industries such as health, finance, and enterprise technology, helping them increase efficiency and adaptability within a fast-changing digital environment. Praveen Kumar Valaboju is a DevOps Engineer at Landauer Inc. His career has been based on adaptability and technical expertise. His journey, from a developer to a key driver of digital transformation, reflects his commitment to innovation and continuous professional growth, making significant contributions to the field of technology. The Outset of a Remarkable Career Praveen started off by working on developing Java, building a firm foundation of developing robust applications. He was involved in the development of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engines and developed data extraction tools from images. This made him further interested in working with Enterprise Content Management. As he delved deeper into ECM, Praveen specialized as a Documentum Developer, creating systems using metadata and advanced content search techniques to store and retrieve documents. These systems streamlined the accessibility of data for enterprises and enabled them to operate with more efficiency. His expertise extended to Documentum Business Process Management (BPM) workflow design, where he developed automated workflows to improve operational efficiency and eliminate manual processes. Praveen then moved into a support engineer role where he could get hands-on experience in troubleshooting, system maintenance, and performance optimization. That was actually sharpening his technical problem-solving skills as well as giving him an understanding of enterprise systems and their operational issues. The turning point in Praveen’s career came when he adopted microservices architecture and stepped into the dynamic field of DevOps. He soon mastered cutting-edge tools and methodologies, which laid a good foundation for a successful career in a domain that thrives on innovation and adaptability. Mastering the Field of DevOps Praveen’s entry into DevOps marked a new chapter in his career, as defined by the automation of the deployment pipeline, efficient data migrations, and the incorporation of advanced tools and frameworks. His expertise in platforms like Pivotal Cloud Foundry, Azure, and AWS, and orchestration tools like Kubernetes, EKS, and AKS helped him design scalable and cost-effective solutions for enterprises. Another high point for Praveen was the implementation of Terraform scripts that automatically scale non-production resources down during weekends and holidays, which greatly reduced operational costs without affecting efficiency, hence showcasing his skill in aligning technical solutions with business goals. In addition to his work at Landauer Inc., His broad spectrum of skills ranges from automation tools and monitoring frameworks such as Prometheus, Grafana, Datadog, and Splunk to database management with MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis Cache, as well as cost-saving strategies. His efforts toward innovative solutions have always led to delivering results for organizations and have allowed them to reach scale and peak performance. Three qualities that define Praveen as a successful individual are his adaptability, problem-solving, and customer-centric approach. His adaptability allows him to confidently embrace new tools and technologies and navigate diverse roles with ease. A strong problem-solving mindset allows him to identify inefficiencies and develop innovative, scalable solutions that deliver impactful results. His customer-focused approach ensures that he consistently delivers reliable, cost-effective, and high-performing solutions tailored to client needs. These traits have distinguished Praveen as a leader in his field and shaped his professional journey. Guiding Aims and Ideals Praveen’s professional philosophy is one of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence. He says that the core aspect of his professional philosophy is to bring functionality together with efficiency by developing systems that are robust, secure, and optimized for cost and resource usage. He is a strong advocate for collaboration and mentorship. He believes in guiding teams and the aspiring engineers to encourage innovation and professionalism. His dedication to leveraging technology with meaningful impact drives him to create value solutions that benefit organizations as well as customers. Overcoming the Challenges Praveen’s journey has not been easy, one of the toughest obstacles that he had to face was transitioning from a development-heavy role to a DevOps-focused career. This transition involved him learning new tools and frameworks, including Terraform, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines, and managing the complexities of legacy systems. The second thing is to optimize systems to ensure that one handles peak performance with minimal resources. Using auto scaling strategies, managing data migrations, and ensuring seamless operations during high demand makes Praveen understand complex issues and delivers innovative solutions. Despite these challenges, Praveen’s determination, adaptability, and focus on innovation enabled him to handle challenges and deliver impactful results. Praveen has earned various awards in his career, indicating expertise and contribution to the industry, including Customer Excellence Awards for providing cost-cutting and high-performance solutions and Automation Awards for scripts developed, reducing operational costs. He has also delivered talks at conferences like Conf42, where he has spoken on topics like “Integrating Cloud Technologies for Advanced Healthcare.” He is also a member of IETE, IAEME, IEEE, and Sigma Xi, and he is awaiting membership in the British Computer Society (BCS), which further enhances his reputation as a thought leader. Future Initiatives and Vision Landscape In the near future, Praveen intends to lead digital transformation initiatives that increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and provide significant value. His focus areas include implementing advanced DevOps practices using tools like GitLab CI/CD, Kubernetes, and Terraform for streamlined deployments. He aims to embed DevSecOps to ensure security integration throughout development, adopt multi-cloud and hybrid strategies for flexibility and cost optimization, and leverage AI/ML for predictive analytics and intelligent automation. Moreover, Praveen wants to expand observability frameworks with

Mr. Kevin N Shah   An Exclusive Conversation with Maria Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Mr. Kevin N Shah Mr. Kevin N Shah for being awarded “Most Promising Architect on AI powered Data Engineering and Automation – Information Technology” Published on :- 11 Dec 2024 Awarded by Bizox Media Network as Global Technology Leaders Awards 2024    Kevin Shah is an architect in the field of cloud, automation, and AI-powered data engineering, with over 15 years of experience in software development, automation, and backend engineering, Kevin has established himself as a visionary leader, driving innovation and excellence in data-driven solutions. Automation and Backend EngineeringKevin is highly skilled in automation and backend development. He has built robust, scalable APIs and microservices using Java, Python, and Node.js, and integrated third-party tools like Playwright, REST Assured, and Docker. His end-to-end automation frameworks are renowned for streamlining testing processes, reducing delivery timelines, and improving software reliability across web, mobile, and API platforms. Expertise in AI-Powered Data EngineeringBeyond his achievements in automation and development, Kevin specializes in leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to design and implement cutting-edge data pipelines, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and precision. His work includes the development of AI-driven ETL processes that integrate, transform, and validate complex data structures from diverse sources. By automating anomaly detection and improving data quality using predictive analytics, Kevin has significantly enhanced the reliability and performance of enterprise data workflows. Commitment to ExcellenceKevin’s work is driven by a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and mentorship. He actively fosters a culture of learning and collaboration within his teams, empowering them to adopt AI-driven strategies and best practices in software engineering and data processing. With a Bachelor’s in Information & Technology and numerous industry certifications, Kevin continues to shape the future of technology by creating scalable, intelligent solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry.   Mr. Kevin N Shah: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinshah2503

Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao Katru Lead Software Engineer | Full-Stack Developer | Test Automation Expert | Data Science & AI Enthusiast | Building Scalable, Intelligent Solutions | AWS Certified An Exclusive Conversation with Maria Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao Katru Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao Katru for being awarded “Digital Transformation & Innovation Leader of The Year – Information Technology” Published on :- 11 Dec 2024Awarded by Bizox Media Network as Global Technology Leaders Awards 2024   1. Kindly brief us about the outset of your career.I began my career in software development, focusing on creating innovative and efficient solutions for complex business challenges. My initial roles allowed me to delve deeply into backend development with Java, Spring Boot, and Hibernate, which set a solid foundation for my technical expertise. As I progressed, I discovered a passion for automation and scalability, which led me to specialize in designing frameworks that revolutionize testing processes across various industries. 2. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? ** 1. Visionary Thinking: The ability to foresee industry trends and align my work with future needs.  2. Resilience: A determination to overcome challenges and adapt to technological advancements.  3. Empowerment: Fostering growth in my team members by mentoring and enabling them to achieve their best. 3. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional?I aim to deliver solutions that drive innovation and efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability. My guiding ideals are continuous learning, integrity, and collaboration. These principles help me bridge the gap between technology and business, ensuring impactful outcomes. 4. What are the primary offerings of your company?Wells Fargo provides comprehensive financial services, including banking, investments, lending, and mortgage solutions. As part of the technology division, my team focuses on creating cutting-edge automation frameworks and ensuring seamless operations across digital platforms to enhance customer experiences and optimize internal workflows. 5. What have been the toughest obstacles you’ve faced in your career?One of the toughest obstacles was driving the cultural and technical shift from traditional manual testing to automation across multiple teams. Convincing stakeholders of the long-term benefits while overcoming resistance to change was challenging but rewarding. Another major challenge was ensuring scalability and reliability in systems like the Wells Fargo Automation Framework, which supports over 820 projects simultaneously. 6. Mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your organization and yourself. ** – Wells Fargo has been consistently recognized for its innovation in banking technology and customer-centric solutions.  – Personally, my work on the Wells Fargo Automation Framework has been highlighted as a benchmark for quality assurance in the banking sector. My contributions to enterprise-scale automation and technical leadership have earned recognition within and beyond the organization. 7. Do you have a mantra that you live by?“Continuous improvement leads to sustainable success.” This mantra drives me to always strive for better solutions and personal growth. 8. Who in your life inspires you the most?I draw inspiration from leaders who combine technical expertise with visionary leadership, such as Satya Nadella. His ability to transform Microsoft into a forward-thinking and inclusive organization resonates deeply with my own aspirations. 9. What would be your future endeavors, and where do you see yourself in the near future?In the near future, I aim to further advance automation and scalability in enterprise applications, focusing on AI-driven testing and deployment strategies. I envision myself leading initiatives that integrate emerging technologies like AI and blockchain to redefine quality assurance and operational efficiency. 10. Your journey has been inspiring, and it sets a great example for aspiring leaders. What advice do you have for them?Stay curious and embrace change. Invest in learning new skills, even if they seem outside your current domain, as they could be crucial for future success. Build strong relationships, focus on problem-solving, and always align your technical work with business goals. Most importantly, lead with empathy and inspire those around you.   Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao Katru: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chandrasekhar-rao-katru

Bhanu Phanindra Babu Gogula Sr. Developer, Web & CMS at RingCentral An Exclusive Conversation with Sandra Rich, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of  Bhanu Phanindra Babu Gogula Published on :- 10 Dec 2024 “Continue to be strong, work together, and always view obstacles as chances to improve. This way of thinking is essential for surviving in the rapidly changing world of technology”The technology industry is changing very fast because of constant innovation and the incorporation of digital solutions in different industries. It’s altering the way businesses operate and connect with their customers through such key areas as software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Companies use advanced technologies to automate processes, enhance efficiency, and improve user experiences, which makes the industry vital for modern business success. Bhanu Phanindra Babu Gogula is very specialized in web development with specializations in content management systems and AI technologies. As an engineer at RingCentral, Sr. Developer Bhanu has utilized his expertise regarding AEM for innovation and optimization work for digital experiences, driving business transformation. His work positions him as an authoritative figure and thought leader, offering his mentorship to aspiring professional technologists and advancing ideas within the industry. Passion for technology and innovation Bhanu comes from a background of passion for technology straight from college days in computer science. He is very keen to know how the systems and applications work, and therefore he started continuing his master’s from the University of Central Missouri. Here he earned his technical and managerial skills. The academic grounding here provides a perfect stepping stone for his career. This is exactly where he developed an enthusiasm for CMS and AEM. “From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the possibility of using technology to solve real-world problems,” Bhanu reflects. “That is when I fell in love with AEM and its capabilities in my master’s program, which later turned out to be the foundation of my career.” The journey of growth: from mastering AEM to Innovation From the very early stages of his career, Bhanu worked toward mastering this platform from scratch until reaching an advanced level of excellence across all modules. And yet, mastering a technology meant much more than that it meant pushing the very limits of what was possible within that technology. From Guides AEM to MSM, AI-driven implementation, and much more, Bhanu has been working toward an integrative approach within the core CMS of the organization: enriching user experiences as much as possible and streamlining workflows in every direction possible. For instance, he brought in the Dialogflow CX for building conversational bots. In AI, Bhanu succeeded in building complex chatbots equipped with customized intents and training phrases that enhance customer contact and optimize business operations. “The future of digital engagement is conversational,” says Bhanu. “It was the logical next step to integrate AI into AEM in a move to revolutionize business-to-business communication.”. Technical experience and an innovative approach soon began to bring industry spotlight to his name, making him a thought leader of digital transformation. His work related to the optimization of AEM’s performance, strategic migrations, and AI-based solutions became benchmarks as he was being recognized by all leading industry bodies and tech communities around. Overcoming Obstacles: The Way to Success Like all other career paths, there is a challenge to each of them. Bhanu was not an exception too. Thinking about those, he feels that adversities have helped him grow both on a personal and professional level. “The toughest challenges often come with the greatest rewards,” he adds. “Each obstacle taught me a valuable lesson and helped me develop the resilience needed to succeed.”. From learning to navigate the complexities of new roles to mastering new technologies, Bhanu has always been adaptive and a learner. His journey from an AEM developer to a full-stack developer specializing in advanced features such as AI-driven chatbots and multi-site management was not without its challenges, but his passion for technology and his commitment to excellence pushed him through. What really drives him is commitment to constant learning, he says, as the tech industry evolves very rapidly, and staying ahead means being open to a change, embracing new tools, and continuously pushing the envelope. Acclaims and Awards: A Heritage of Leadership He didn’t miss out on innovative contributions to the field. In 2024, he received several high-profile awards for his leadership and technical excellence. For instance, he was awarded the Digital Transformation Leadership of the Year and the Innovation in Technology (AI) award. His work has also been celebrated through multiple honors at the Globee® Awards, such as Product-Service Leadership of the Year and the Information Technology Leadership Award. Apart from these awards, professional societies have enhanced Bhanu’s visibility in the society. Being a Senior Member of IEEE and Fellow Member of IAEME, Bhanu has engaged himself in technical societies to share knowledge with fellow members to facilitate mutual collaboration. Research works published in international journals that cover, but are not limited to, topics like headless AEM systems and AI add to knowledge development in subject areas. “Recognition is a humbling experience,” Bhanu says. “But more rewarding for me is knowing that my work is helping to drive real change in the industry and inspiring others to push the boundaries.” Mentorship and Impact on Community Look ahead, and Bhanu has a clear vision: innovate while giving back. The future pursuits are coaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers and leaders. “I would like to inspire young professionals about lifelong learning and to engage in challenges that will be a good opportunity for professional growth, as well as personal growth,” he concludes. Besides his technical contributions, he is dedicated to improving digital literacy and bridging the technology gap in underrepresented communities. Through participation in initiatives that promote access to technology and education, Bhanu looks at making technology more inclusive for everyone. “I see a future where technology is not just a tool for businesses, but a way to empower individuals and communities.” He adds,

  Zeeshan Bukhari Co-Founder at Bitaffix’s “I believe the greatest opportunities arise when we dare to step outside our comfort zones and embrace uncertainty.” Fueled by a deep passion for technology, Zeeshan Bukhari has crafted a career focused on using it to solve complex and evolving challenges. From his early days in IT infrastructure, he focused on transformative projects within the banking sector. These formative years were marked by hands-on experience with core banking solutions, internet banking systems, and various digital transformation initiatives, all of which laid the foundation for his expertise. As his career progressed, Zeeshan observed a recurring challenge in many organizations: outdated and inflexible systems that hindered innovation. This realization spurred him to co-found SilverSolve, a company dedicated to crafting tailored business process automation solutions. His vision extended further when he spearheaded the creation of Bitaffix, a low-code platform aimed at enabling businesses to design and automate workflows independently, fostering efficiency and adaptability. Zeeshan’s professional journey has been defined by a commitment to impactful change. By leading projects that streamline operations, he has contributed significantly to advancements in healthcare and initiatives addressing environmental sustainability. His dedication to leveraging technology for meaningful transformation continues to shape industries and inspire innovation.   The Core Values Driving Zeeshan’s Success For Zeeshan, perseverance is at the heart of overcoming obstacles. Whether faced with tight deadlines, technical setbacks, or unexpected hurdles, he has consistently relied on determination to push through. This unwavering commitment to progress has allowed him to tackle demanding projects and deliver results under pressure. Innovation, another cornerstone of his philosophy, has been pivotal in his ability to think beyond conventional solutions. His passion for exploring creative approaches has led to significant achievements, such as the development of the Smart Flood Resilience System. By approaching problems from fresh angles, he has consistently delivered solutions that stand out for their originality and practicality. Equally important to Zeeshan’s journey is empathy. He believes that understanding the needs of clients, colleagues, and end-users is essential for creating meaningful and effective solutions. By actively listening and engaging with others, he has been able to address pain points with clarity and precision, ensuring his work not only meets but exceeds expectations.   Overcoming Challenges: The Journey of Zeeshan Bukhari Transitioning from the stability of a corporate role to the uncertainties of entrepreneurship was a pivotal moment in Zeeshan’s journey. This shift demanded not only courage but a steadfast determination to build something meaningful from the ground up. Entering the competitive landscape of business process automation (BPA) added another layer of complexity. Competing against established players in the field, he faced the uphill task of convincing clients to place their trust in a nascent platform like Bitaffix. Proving its value required delivering tangible results and consistently exceeding expectations, a challenge he embraced with determination. One of Zeeshan’s most demanding projects was the development of the Smart Flood Resilience System. The initiative involved collaborating with government agencies, integrating advanced technologies, and addressing intricate issues like water management and urban planning. The project’s scale and real-world impact tested his ability to navigate technical, logistical, and organizational hurdles. These experiences underscored the importance of perseverance and highlighted his ability to find solutions even in the most demanding circumstances. His journey reflects a commitment to growth and a belief in the transformative power of resilience.   Celebrating Achievements: Zeeshan Trailblazing Contributions From pioneering initiatives in education and healthcare to gaining recognition in business process automation, Zeeshan’s accomplishments showcase a career defined by forward-thinking solutions and meaningful contributions. In 2008, he achieved a significant professional milestone when he led Pakistan’s first-ever implementation of the PeopleSoft Campus Solution, a project recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Dow University of Health Sciences. This project set a precedent for technological advancement in the country’s academic sector. Fast forward to 2023, his contributions to healthcare technology earned him the All-Pakistan Health Tech Innovation Award. This recognition underscored his ability to deliver transformative solutions in a critical sector, further cementing his reputation as a tech innovator. Zeeshan’s expertise also extended to urban development, where he was recognized by the Karachi Development Authority for his role in developing the Smart Flood Resilience System. This project addressed pressing challenges in water management and urban planning, demonstrating the real-world impact of his work. Beyond awards, his innovative ventures have garnered attention from prominent media outlets. His work has been featured in Startup Pakistan, Entrepreneur One Media, and Dawn News Channel, Pakistan’s leading English-language news agency. These platforms have highlighted his pioneering efforts in business process automation and his vision for the future of technology. One of his most notable achievements is the incubation of his low-code platform, Bitaffix, by in5 Dubai, a prominent hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This acknowledgment reflects the platform’s potential to redefine automation and empower businesses globally.   Bitaffix: Driving Practical Innovation in Business Automation As businesses increasingly turn to technology to streamline operations, Zeeshan, co-founder of Bitaffix, continues to push the boundaries of what low-code platforms can achieve. The platform has recently introduced two standout features that address critical needs in modern industries, combining efficiency with enhanced security measures. One of the new offerings, Searchable Media, is set to transform the way organizations manage and retrieve audio and video files. This feature allows users to store multimedia content within the system and perform keyword searches directly within these files. By eliminating the need to sift through hours of recordings, this functionality is particularly valuable for sectors like healthcare, legal services, and customer support, where accurate and swift access to specific content is crucial. Another significant addition is Face Recognition with Liveness Check, which focuses on strengthening security in authentication processes. This feature uses facial recognition technology paired with liveness detection, ensuring that verification is both precise and resistant to spoofing attempts. Designed to confirm the identity of live users rather than static images or recordings, this tool is particularly relevant for applications in digital banking, e-governance, and other high-security environments.

Anirudha Karandikar Principal Software Engineer at T-Mobile USA Inc An Exclusive Conversation with Lisa Jones, Editor-in-Chief of CIOTODAY, Unveiling the Remarkable Journey of Anirudha Karandikar Published on :- 9 Dec 2024 “The secret to success is embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and reorientation.”  The telecom and technology sector is a prime part of the modern, digital world that enables ubiquitous communication, data exchange, and connectivity, some of the most extensive services innovated through mobile networks and broadband, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions. It goes a long way in energizing global digitization for smart devices and facilitating and powering advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT. Companies in this category address considerations of scalability, security, and efficiency as companies evolve to meet the pace of a rapidly changing tech-driven society. Currently, Anirudha Karandikar is a principal software engineer at T-Mobile USA Inc. He’s probably one of the best innovative professionals in the industry. All his work in cloud-native applications, API integration, and scalable security architectures has vastly improved the pace of developments in telecommunications and technology while letting T-Mobile stay ahead regarding cutting-edge solutions. The Inception of a Promising Journey  Anirudha had a formal engagement where he applied his technical insights to develop innovative solutions. With a strong foundation in electronics and telecommunication, his career transitioned into software engineering with an emphasis on creating robust, secure and scalable systems. Early years were marked by projects across various industries, such as telecom, where he gained expertise in systems of customer acquisition, service provisioning, and solutions of the level of enterprises. Over the course of his career, he matured into one of the few people with deep competence in cloud-native applications and API-driven integration systems. His career was characterized by his ability to solve complex problems, leading to great contributions in the transformation of enterprise platforms. He worked on modernizing legacy systems to integrate new cloud technologies and help organizations manage large volumes of data efficiently and securely. Anirudha has built a professional career characterized by innovation, leadership, and continued learning. He has achieved this by designing scalable and secure architectures, leading to the development of advanced cloud-based platforms. These solutions are crafted to optimize efficiency and enhance operational performance. By leveraging emerging technologies, he ensures his solutions remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. His leadership skills are evident in his ability to coordinate diverse teams, mentor engineers by imparting valuable skills, and implement large-scale change initiatives. He excels in fostering collaboration, forming high-performing teams, and successfully executing complex projects. Continuous learning forms one of the core beliefs with which Anirudha started his career. His thirst to learn and scale has made him invest in cloud technologies, API integration, and scalable systems. He writes about technical issues, speaks publicly, and mentors others, inspiring and empowering those around him to reach their full potential. Success Traits & Core values  The professional philosophy that Anirudha holds resonates with three critical aspects: innovation, impact, and being a forever student. He aims to come up with solutions that will solve problems, enhance efficiency, and create both quantitative and qualitative value for the business and consumer. Providing industry best practices, he does not merely desire to create products but rather is completely business obsessive and makes responsible decisions. Anirudha is highly customer-centric, focusing on developing solutions tailored to meet customer needs effectively. In addition, his sense of belonging makes him deliver good results in terms of responsibility and integrity. An innovation advocate, he promotes experimenting and being flexible. He is continuously making systems more scalable, secure, and efficient by promoting creativity and change. He inspires a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment through implementing an environment that makes diverse ideas thrive. Overcoming Challenges Anirudha’s professional journey has been anything but easy. One of his biggest challenges has been a balancing act between technical feasibility and business priorities. Often, in fast-moving environments, delivery timelines involve extensive negotiation, communication, and careful prioritization. For him, realistic milestones help to align the expectations of his stakeholders with the practical realities of projects and therefore provide data-driven reasons. There have been many instances where reaching a consensus on a technology solution has proven challenging. He has addressed conflicts between members or stakeholders of a team through open discussions on common goals and by making proofs of concept for solutions, demonstrating their viability. Expectation management within teams has also been one challenge. Through clear and proactive communication, Anirudha gained trust and ensured that in difficult situations, all individuals were aligned toward success. Achievements and Awards Anirudha has been rewarded for his efforts in this period with a string of company internal recognitions. Spotlight Award in 2021 for the transformation in security operations, the VIP Award in 2018 for the major enhancements in the device that saves $1.6 million every year, Movers Award in 2017 for pioneering foundational design frameworks to name a few. Most recently he has been honored by  the prestigious Business and Innovation Platinum Awards in 2024 for the reduction in API permissions and operational cost for businesses like Walmart. He also received the Globe Business Awards (2024) as Information Technology Executive of the Year and Cybersecurity Executive of the Year as he redefined information infrastructure and protection frameworks. As the Author of influential studies on data mesh and cybersecurity, Anirudha has also delivered talks on generative AI and API security. An IEEE Senior Member and a technical reviewer, his expertise lies in cloud technology, scalable security, and API-driven architectures, where he excels in driving innovation and operational efficiency. Contributions to Engineering Excellence  The advancement of security, cloud computing, and APIs provides a strong platform for him to develop intelligent, scalable, and secure solutions to address emerging challenges, leveraging AI and machine learning. In the near future, he envisioned leading an effort in designing reusable architectural patterns to encourage the adaptation and efficiency of organizations. He aims to make systems and frameworks robust yet forward-looking, thus holding good in an ever-changing technological landscape. Among other things, excitement