I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the Viva Technology event in Paris, France, from May 22nd to May 25th, 2024. With over 70,000 attendees, this event brought together the brightest minds and the most innovative companies in the tech industry. It was not only my first visit to Paris but also a significant milestone in my professional journey as I shared insights on “Optimize Startup Security and Performance through AWS WAFR.” The session link can be found at https://vivatechnology.com/sessions/dbbaf5f7-6f16-ef11-86d2-6045bd9c1849

The Excitement of Viva Technology

Viva Technology is renowned for being one of the largest and most influential tech events in Europe. The 2024 edition was no exception, featuring an array of cutting-edge technologies, inspiring talks, and networking opportunities. The energy at the event was palpable, with startups, tech enthusiasts, and industry leaders converging to explore the future of technology.

The Session: Optimize Startup Security and Performance through AWS WAFR

Startups often face unique challenges when it comes to security and performance. My session aimed to address these challenges by introducing AWS WAFR (Web Application Firewall and Routing). Here’s a summary of the key points I covered:

1. Understanding AWS WAFR:
   • An introduction to AWS WAFR and its capabilities.
   • How AWS WAFR integrates with other AWS services to provide comprehensive security.
2. Security Enhancements:
   • Detailed discussion on how AWS WAFR protects startups from common web exploits and attacks.
   • Best practices for configuring AWS WAFR to enhance security without compromising performance.
3. Performance Optimization:
   • Techniques to leverage AWS WAFR for improving application performance.
   • Real-world examples of startups that have successfully optimized their performance using AWS WAFR.
4. Case Studies:
   • Sharing success stories of startups that implemented AWS WAFR.
   • Lessons learned and key takeaways from these implementations.

Engaging the Audience

The response from the audience was overwhelming. The interactive Q&A session that followed my talk was filled with insightful questions, reflecting the keen interest of the attendees in optimizing their startup’s security and performance. I was thrilled to see the level of engagement and the eagerness to adopt AWS WAFR.

Presentation deck can be found below:

Exploring Paris

Aside from the professional enrichment, visiting Paris for the first time was an unforgettable experience. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture added a magical touch to my trip. Strolling along the Seine, visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and indulging in delicious French cuisine were highlights of my stay.

Attending AWS re:Invent 2023 was an exhilarating experience, filled with insightful sessions, cutting-edge technology, and invaluable networking opportunities. As the CTO of Brain Station 23 and an AWS Ambassador, I had the privilege of representing our company at this prestigious event. Here’s a detailed recap of my experiences, key takeaways, and tips for future attendees.

Overview of AWS re:Invent 2023

AWS re:Invent is one of the largest global cloud computing conferences, bringing together tens of thousands of IT professionals, developers, and executives. This year, the event was even more impactful, focusing heavily on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and hardware innovations.

My Experience

Badge Collection and Networking

The event kicked off with the badge collection, a perfect opportunity to meet and network with fellow attendees. I encountered numerous globally recognized faces, making the start of the event truly exciting.

My Session at re:Invent

I had the honor of hosting a session during the event. The engagement and enthusiasm from the audience were incredible, reinforcing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences within the AWS community.

Key Takeaways

Focus on AI

A major highlight of AWS re:Invent 

2023 was the emphasis on AI, particularly with Amazon Q. AI is undeniably the future, and AWS is at the forefront of this revolution.

Hardware Advancements

AWS’s focus on robust hardware was evident with the introduction of Graviton4 and R8g instances. These innovations promise enhanced performance and efficiency, further solidifying AWS’s leadership in cloud computing.

NVIDIA’s Prominence

NVIDIA continues to dominate, enjoying its best period yet. Their technologies are integral to many of the advancements discussed at re:Invent, especially in AI and machine learning.

Tips for Future Participants

1. Prioritize Based on Your Goals: Tailor your schedule to align with your professional objectives.
2. Comfortable Footwear is Key: With so much ground to cover, comfortable shoes are essential.
3. Plan Travel Time Between Sessions: The venues are vast; allocate ample time to move between sessions.
4. Don’t Fret Over Keynote Seats: Keynotes are streamed live, so don’t stress about finding a seat.
5. Hydrate and Eat: Stay hydrated and keep energy levels up with regular meals.
6. Leverage the AWS Mobile App: Use the app to manage your schedule and navigate the event.
7. Schedule Meetings: Plan to meet with colleagues, friends, or clients during the event.
8. Engage in Hands-on Labs and Workshops: Participate actively in labs and workshops for a deeper learning experience.
9. Enjoy Las Vegas: Take time to relax and enjoy the vibrant city.
10. Share Your Experiences: Share what you’ve learned with your network to foster community growth.

At Brain Station 23, we are committed to continuous learning and development. We conduct monthly sessions to share new learnings and advancements. Our dedication to research and development on AWS services ensures we stay at the cutting edge of technology.

AWS re:Invent 2023 was a remarkable experience that underscored the rapid advancements in AI and hardware. By staying engaged and sharing our knowledge, we can collectively drive innovation and growth within the tech community. Let’s continue to learn and grow together!

I have shared my slides for your convenience.

On March 29th, Brain Station 23 successfully hosted a transformative webinar titled “Gen AI Solutions for Bangladeshi Business powered by AWS.” The event was an insightful convergence of technology and business, shedding light on how generative AI, backed by AWS, can revolutionize various industries in Bangladesh.

Key Highlights of the Webinar

The webinar began with an introduction to generative AI, explaining its fundamental concepts and potential applications in different business sectors. The focus was on how generative AI can drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create new revenue streams for Bangladeshi businesses.

Interactive Demos and Case Studies

The webinar featured interactive demos showcasing how AWS-powered generative AI solutions can be implemented in various business scenarios. Real-world case studies highlighted successful AI integrations in industries such as manufacturing, retail, and finance, demonstrating tangible benefits like cost reduction, enhanced customer experiences, and streamlined operations.

Q&A Session

The engaging Q&A session allowed participants to interact directly with the experts, posing questions about the implementation and scalability of generative AI in their specific business contexts. The experts provided valuable insights and practical advice, helping attendees envision the future of their businesses with AI.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The webinar concluded with a discussion on the future trends of AI and the strategic steps Bangladeshi businesses can take to leverage these advancements. The key takeaway was clear: generative AI, supported by AWS, presents a significant opportunity for businesses to innovate and stay competitive in the digital era.

Feedback and Future Events

Participants praised the webinar for its comprehensive content and the expertise of the speakers. Many expressed interest in further events focusing on deeper technical dives and industry-specific AI applications.

Brain Station 23 remains committed to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology solutions. Stay tuned for more insightful events and webinars aimed at driving technological advancement and business growth in Bangladesh.

Social Media Snippets

The AWS Community Day Bangladesh 2024 was a resounding success happened on 18th May 2024, bringing together technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, and AWS experts for a day of learning, networking, and innovation. As one of the most anticipated events in the tech calendar, this year’s Community Day surpassed expectations with its engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and vibrant community spirit.

A Hub of Knowledge and Innovation

Held in the heart of Dhaka, AWS Community Day Bangladesh 2024 featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including AWS Solution Architects, industry pioneers, and local tech heroes. The event kicked off with a keynote address that set the tone for the day, highlighting the latest advancements in cloud technology and the growing importance of AWS in driving digital transformation.

Attendees had the opportunity to dive deep into a range of topics through breakout sessions that covered everything from machine learning and artificial intelligence to serverless architectures and DevOps best practices. The hands-on labs and workshops were particularly popular, offering participants a chance to gain practical experience with AWS tools and services under the guidance of expert instructors.

Building Bridges and Fostering Connections

One of the core objectives of AWS Community Day is to foster connections within the tech community. The event provided numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations. The exhibition area showcased innovative solutions from local startups and AWS partners, further emphasizing the vibrant ecosystem that AWS supports.

My Role as a Co-founder of the AWS User Group Bangladesh

As a co-founder of the AWS User Group Bangladesh, I have been deeply committed to nurturing and expanding our community. My journey with AWS User Group Bangladesh began with a vision to create a platform where cloud enthusiasts could come together to learn, share, and grow. Over the years, this vision has evolved into a thriving community that hosts regular meetups, workshops, and now, a landmark event like AWS Community Day.

In organizing AWS Community Day Bangladesh 2024, my role involved coordinating with AWS experts and community leaders to curate a compelling agenda, securing sponsorships to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees, and mobilizing our dedicated volunteer team to handle logistics and on-the-day support. The collaborative spirit of our community was evident in every aspect of the event, and it was truly rewarding to see the efforts of so many passionate individuals come to fruition.

Looking Ahead

The success of AWS Community Day Bangladesh 2024 is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our tech community. It underscores the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in an ever-evolving technological landscape. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum, planning even more engaging events, fostering deeper connections, and driving innovation across Bangladesh and beyond.

In conclusion, AWS Community Day Bangladesh 2024 was not just an event; it was a celebration of what we can achieve together. I am proud to be a part of this incredible journey and look forward to many more milestones with the AWS User Group Bangladesh.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our mission to harness the power of AWS for a brighter, more innovative future.

It’s a great news to know that I have been selected as the MIT Bootcamps Ambassador for Bangladesh.
I participated in MIT Bootcamp Innovation Leadership in Oct 2021. The program was from 13th September 2021 to 18th November. Amazing professors from MIT and quite knowledgable participants made this course really helpful and exciting for me.

The most important part is, my team became champion in this Bootcamp.

The latest good news is I became MIT Bootcamps Ambassador for Bangladesh. Wishing an interesting journey ahead.

Recently gone through a programming problem named Fill Karel which needs to be solved with Python.
I haven’t worked in Python earlier and haven’t been programming for so long which used to give lot of inner energy. It was an interesting task which got completed eventually. Tried to create a short loom video which shared below:

In the realm of software development, staying ahead of the curve means not just keeping pace with current technologies but anticipating and adapting to changes before they occur. This is where the concept of Evolutionary Architecture comes into play, a topic I recently dove into through the insightful book “Building Evolutionary Architectures: Principles and Practices” by Rebecca Parsons, Neal Ford, and Patrick Kua. The book has profoundly reshaped my understanding of how to design adaptable and resilient software systems.

Embracing Change in Architecture

The essence of Evolutionary Architecture lies in its name – evolution. It’s about creating systems that are not just built to last but built to evolve. The traditional approach of setting an architecture in stone and making periodic, monumental updates is no longer viable in today’s fast-moving technological landscape. This book opened my eyes to the necessity of designing for adaptability from the outset.

Principles at the Heart

Three key principles of Evolutionary Architecture resonated with me the most:

1. Incremental Change: This principle advocates for architectures that accommodate changes in small, manageable increments, avoiding the disruptive and often risky big-bang updates.
2. Guidance over Rigidity: It’s crucial to guide the architecture’s evolution with a set of adaptable principles rather than confining it within rigid boundaries.
3. Measuring Fitness: The concept of fitness functions, inspired by genetic algorithms, was a revelation. These are metrics that evaluate how well the system meets its objectives, guiding the evolutionary process with quantitative data.

Practical Steps Forward

“Building Evolutionary Architectures” is not just theoretical; it provides actionable advice for practitioners like myself. Organizing systems around business capabilities, designing data to be evolutionary, and implementing continuous delivery are just a few of the practices that can make a significant difference.

Overcoming Challenges

Adopting an evolutionary approach is not without its challenges. Balancing flexibility with stability, managing technical debt, and fostering a culture of continuous learning are ongoing efforts. However, the book reassures that these challenges can be navigated with the right mindset and governance models.

My Takeaway

Reading “Building Evolutionary Architectures” was a transformative experience. It’s not just about the technologies we use but how we think about building systems that can stand the test of time by evolving. As I apply these principles and practices to my projects, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We’re not just building for today but for a future that’s constantly in flux. Evolutionary Architecture, as presented by Parsons and her co-authors, provides a roadmap for navigating this future, ensuring that our systems are as dynamic and resilient as the world they operate in.

In sharing my journey and insights gained from this seminal work, I hope to inspire others to consider how they can incorporate the principles of Evolutionary Architecture into their projects. The future belongs to those who are prepared to evolve, and with this approach, we can ensure our software systems are ready to meet whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

The AWS Summit 2023 in Seattle was not just another tech event; it was a transformative experience that united a global community of cloud computing aficionados. As an AWS Ambassador, I had the unique privilege of representing my community and interacting with ambassadors and industry leaders from around the world.

Upon setting foot in Seattle, the atmosphere was electric. The city seemed to hum with anticipation, as if aware of the groundbreaking discussions and collaborations that would soon unfold. The venue was bustling with delegates from diverse backgrounds and industries, all united by their passion for cloud computing.

One of the most enriching aspects of the summit was meeting other AWS Ambassadors from different countries. These interactions broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to contributing to my community. It was enlightening to discover how cloud computing is being utilized across various sectors globally.

The breakout sessions were a treasure trove of knowledge. One session that stood out was on Generative AI, which delved into its capabilities and potential applications. This was a revelation, opening up new avenues for innovation in fields ranging from art to medicine. Alongside this, other sessions covered a wide array of disruptive technologies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the direction in which cloud computing and associated technologies are headed. The insights gained were not just academic; they were immediately applicable, offering actionable strategies for optimizing cloud-based solutions.

The summit was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration. It offered an unparalleled platform for global networking and exposed me to innovative approaches and solutions in cloud computing. The experience was invaluable for community engagement and building, enriching my role as an AWS Ambassador in multiple ways.

To sum it up, AWS Summit 2023 was a life-changing event that provided me with a global outlook on the ever-evolving field of cloud computing. The relationships forged, the wisdom acquired, and the inspiration gleaned will undoubtedly influence my journey as an AWS Ambassador for years to come.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the organizers and participants who contributed to making this event a monumental success.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the security of cloud architectures has become paramount for businesses across the globe. On 10th August 2023, I had the privilege to present a session on how to enhance security in AWS Cloud leveraging the principles of the Well-Architected Framework Review (WAFR). Here’s a glimpse into the insights shared:

1. Understanding the AWS Well-Architected Framework (WAF):

The AWS Well-Architected Framework provides a consistent approach to evaluate and improve cloud architectures. It revolves around five key pillars:

• Operational Excellence
• Security
• Reliability
• Performance Efficiency
• Cost Optimization

For the purpose of this session, our primary focus was on the Security pillar.

2. Why Security in the AWS Cloud Matters?

With the growing complexities of cloud environments, ensuring that these systems are secure from threats is more critical than ever. AWS Cloud offers robust security features, but it operates on a shared responsibility model. AWS is responsible for the security of the cloud, while the customer is responsible for security in the cloud.

3. The Security Pillar of WAF:

The Security pillar of the AWS Well-Architected Framework emphasizes:

• Data protection
• Identity and access management
• Incident response
• Infrastructure protection

Each of these areas helps AWS users ensure that their cloud infrastructure is resistant to potential threats.

4. Implementing Best Practices with WAFR:

The Well-Architected Framework Review is a systematic approach to assess and improve one’s AWS workload based on the best practices outlined in the framework.

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensure that only authorized and authenticated users can access your resources. Implement principles like least privilege, role-based access, and multi-factor authentication.
• Data Encryption: Use encryption at rest and in transit to protect sensitive data. AWS services like KMS can assist in managing cryptographic keys.
• Incident Response: Have a well-documented and rehearsed plan for when security incidents occur. AWS provides tools like GuardDuty and CloudWatch for monitoring and alerting.
• Infrastructure Protection: Implement AWS security groups, NACLs, and other security features to create a strong security boundary around your cloud resources.

5. Leveraging WAFR for Continuous Improvement:

The AWS cloud environment is dynamic, and as your business grows, so will your workloads. Periodically reviewing your architecture with WAFR ensures that you stay updated with the latest best practices and continue to maintain a robust security posture.

Conclusion:

The AWS Well-Architected Framework, coupled with periodic reviews, is an essential toolset for any organization looking to optimize their cloud security. By understanding the framework’s principles and actively implementing them, businesses can confidently navigate the digital space, knowing their AWS infrastructure is fortified against potential threats.

I have shared the presentation deck below as well.

I came to know about Thank You card from the organization design session of STP (Stanford Transformation Program). I though to created a loop video to share a short brief. Feel free to share your thoughts.