Architecting with Security in Mind: Zdenko Timulak’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.

Our next hero spotlight is on Zdenko Timulak, Lead Cloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here.

Background: From IT to Network Design and Architecture

Zdenko’s career started in IT and grew as he accumulated skill and experience. “In IT, I started from scratch as a monitoring specialist and first level support,” he said. “Over time and much studying, I gained the necessary knowledge to work as a network admin and later, a designer and architect of network solutions.” For the last 6 years, he’s been focused on the cloud and its network infrastructure.

Since he began his career, Zdenko has seen rapid changes in the everyday work of network design and administration. “When I started with networking, all configuration changes [were] applied by networking engineers from the console,” he explained. “Over time, a lot of automation orchestration tools have been introduced. Every engineer also became a programmer to keep pace with innovation.”

He expects more changes to come, especially with the rise of AI. “Terms like SD-WAN or SDx are standard in network design. I expect the next term to be ‘AI-WAN.’”

One of Zdenko’s career achievements was a successful cloud network security design project. “As a member of the Network and Infrastructure team for the Mercedes-Benz eXtollo Data Analytics Platform, I was able to design and architect a new generation platform based on Aviatrix as our core pillar,” he explained.

In his current role, network security has increasingly become a priority. “Security has become our daily topic,” Zdenko said. “No matter what we do, we have security in mind. With the move from classical perimeter security to a Zero Trust model, and by moving to cloud where we share our responsibility with the CSP (cloud service provider), we focus more on application security and code quality than ever before.”

The Network is the Cloud: Under the Hood of Every Cloud Solution

To Zdenko, the concept that “The Network is the Cloud” reminds him of the necessary physical components underneath the cloud. “[It] reminds me that under the hood of every cloud solution is physical layer where networking plays prime,” he said. “Without the network, there is no cloud.”

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Zdenko’s priorities are clear. “I spend all my free time with family,” he said. “I am the father of 3 daughters.” He also enjoys gardening and producing his own plum liquor and wine.

Zdenko is also active. “At least once a year I run one marathon/half marathon race,” he said.

Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Zdenko?

• We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.

• Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.