By: Joshua Finley
Irshad Buchh, a professional technologist with three decades of experience in the tech industry, currently serves as a Senior Principal Cloud Architect at Oracle, specializing in AI/ML and GPU technologies. Having worked at AWS as a Principal Solutions Architect from April 2019 to June 2024, Irshad has been instrumental in cloud implementations for various industry sectors. Known for his thought leadership and mentorship, he has guided many engineers and architects in cloud computing. With over 20 publications in his Google Scholar profile and a rich history of speaking at industry conferences like AWS re:Invent, Oracle Cloud World, CdCon, DockerCon, and KubeCon, Irshad is a trailblazer in the cloud and AI landscape.
In this exclusive interview with CEO Weekly, we have the privilege of speaking with Irshad Buchh.
What role does thought leadership play in the tech industry, and how have you contributed to it through your work?
Thought leadership is pivotal in the tech industry, as it drives innovation and shares insights that can guide peers and organizations in adopting cutting-edge technologies. When I embarked on my cloud computing journey, I noticed a scarcity of cloud experts and took it upon myself to learn independently. I focused on mastering core cloud services such as compute, storage, networking, and databases, not just with AWS but also with Oracle, GCP, and Azure.
As a Cloud Solutions Architect at AWS, I collaborated with various CIOs to architect solutions tailored to their specific use cases. This hands-on experience provided me with deep insights into the practical applications and challenges of cloud computing across different industries. Realizing the broader implications of these solutions, I saw an opportunity to contribute to the wider tech community.
I started documenting my work in whitepapers and articles, sharing the knowledge I had gained. This was the beginning of my journey in thought leadership. By publishing my insights and strategies, I aim to help others navigate the complexities of cloud computing, encouraging them to innovate and adopt ideal practices. Through my contributions, I hope to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
With your extensive experience at AWS and Oracle, how have you seen the cloud landscape evolve over the years, and what do you predict for its future?
Over the years, my experiences at AWS and Oracle have given me a front-row seat to the dynamic evolution of the cloud landscape. Initially, cloud adoption was primarily about cost savings and scalability. Organizations were attracted by the promise of reduced capital expenditure and the ability to scale resources up or down based on demand. AWS, for instance, was at the forefront, offering services that were a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. We shifted from merely infrastructure-based solutions to sophisticated platforms and services as the cloud matured.
Integrating AI, machine learning, and analytics into cloud offerings has been a significant leap. At Oracle, for example, my focus on AI/ML and GPU technologies showcases how the cloud is becoming a critical component in advanced computing and data processing. The emphasis is now on enabling real-time insights and delivering powerful computing capabilities at the user’s fingertips.
The cloud will continue to evolve toward greater automation and intelligent decision-making. Edge computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) will blur the lines between the cloud and on-premises environments, creating a more decentralized and interconnected ecosystem. Security and data governance will also remain paramount as organizations increasingly rely on cloud infrastructures. The future of cloud computing promises to be even more transformative, driving innovation and creating new possibilities across all sectors.
What challenges do tech professionals face in staying relevant in the cloud industry, and how do you advise them to overcome these challenges?
Staying relevant in the rapidly evolving cloud industry presents significant challenges for tech professionals, given the sheer volume and complexity of offerings from providers like AWS and Oracle. AWS alone has approximately 200 managed services, while Oracle Cloud (OCI) offers around 100 services, specifically in AI/ML and Data Analytics. With such a wide array of services and the frequent addition of new features and innovations — such as those seen in Oracle’s Autonomous Database — it can be daunting to keep pace.
I recommend a strategic approach to learning and professional development to navigate this landscape. Effective time allocation is critical. I’ve succeeded by adopting an 80:20 split in my weekly schedule, dedicating at least 8 hours a week to learning and understanding these providers’ new services and features. This consistent and focused effort ensures that I remain up-to-date and can effectively leverage these tools in my work.
In addition to structured learning, participating in community forums, attending webinars, and engaging in hands-on projects can further deepen your understanding and application of cloud technologies. By combining these methods, tech professionals can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their skills remain relevant and in demand in this dynamic industry.
What key takeaways from your articles and conference talks do you think are crucial for tech professionals to understand?
Through my articles and conference talks, I’ve distilled my cloud architecture experience into actionable insights for tech professionals, offering clear guidance on leveraging managed cloud services and open-source tools. These resources help professionals effectively apply complex cloud concepts. A key takeaway from my work is the need for adaptability and responsiveness to feedback. Continuous input from global tech professionals and mentees drives me to refine and enhance my solutions, ensuring they meet the industry’s evolving needs. My conference talks, like the AWS re:Invent, Oracle Cloud World, CdCon, DockerCon, and KubeCon, Irshad is a trailblazer in the cloud and AI landscape.
2019 session on “HashiCorp Enterprise on AWS Best Practices,” provides in-depth insights into my cloud strategies and successful implementations.
This session offers valuable perspectives on how to effectively implement and manage enterprise-grade cloud solutions.
You can watch this session here:
AWS re:Invent 2019: HashiCorp Enterprise on AWS best practices (GPSTEC344-R1)
Mr. Buchh, given your extensive experience in mentoring tech professionals and driving innovation in cloud computing, how do you see the role of mentorship and innovation shaping the growth of individuals and organizations in the tech industry?
Mentorship and innovation are essential drivers of growth in the tech industry. Throughout my career at AWS and Oracle, I’ve mentored numerous professionals, focusing on hands-on learning experiences like hackathons and workshops. One example is a workshop I co-authored on leveraging the Spring Framework for building robust database-oriented applications, which has gained traction globally. This workshop, available on GitHub, highlights the importance of sharing practical tools and fostering a collaborative learning environment. By guiding professionals in developing real-world solutions, I’ve helped extend the impact of mentorship beyond immediate teams to a broader tech community.
Innovation, particularly in cloud computing, is crucial for organizations to stay competitive. Technologies like Serverless computing, containerization with Kubernetes, and AI/ML are revolutionizing how businesses operate by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling data-driven decision-making. For C-level leaders, strategically adopting these innovations is key to driving growth and staying ahead of market trends. By combining effective mentorship with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, we can ensure that both individuals and organizations are equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Published By: Aize Perez
