By Phil Fenstermacher, Systems Design and Architecture Manager, William & Mary
A 2025 Internet2 Technology Exchange Session Sneak Peek
Engage in real stories and practical application to master the challenges of Kubernetes at your institution.
In the tech world, hearing the word “Kubernetes” sparks one of two feelings: joy in finding an ultimate solution for managing tons of software or a desperate need for a strong cup of coffee. It’s the promised land of perfect scaling and uptime, but it can also feel like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark.
So, what’s the real story? Is Kubernetes the superhero your applications have been waiting for, or is it the supervillain of complexity that keeps you up at night?
Find out at this year’s Internet2 Technology Exchange (TechEX25) in Kubernetes Lessons Learned, a panel discussion set to tackle the pros and cons of using Kubernetes to run your applications.
This panel will occur on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 11:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. MT. It will skip the boring basics and jump straight to “the good stuff”— the success stories, cautionary tales, learning curves, and mentions of unforeseen costs that will save you months of headaches and thousands in overspend.
We’re tired of the hype, so we’re assembling a panel of people who have actually been in the Kubernetes trenches, sharing their honest experiences. These panelists include:
- Jenn Wheeler, systems engineer at William & Mary
- David Lacey, cloud and systems manager at The J. Paul Getty Trust
- Chris Cox, senior network engineer at Internet2
- A.J. Ragusa, manager of the network analysis and control team
Our expert panel will share the highs, the lows, and the hard-won secrets, addressing the nitty-gritty questions like:
- Governance: Who’s actually in charge of this thing, and what policies stop the chaos?
- Onboarding: How do you get your apps and your teams on board without losing your mind?
- Cost Control: Seriously, how do you manage the exploding cloud bills that Kubernetes can bring?
- Daily Effort: What does it take to make it all go?
If you’re wrestling with Kubernetes, thinking about taking the plunge, or just want to hear some good old-fashioned tech therapy, this session is for you.
We want this to be a group chat, not a lecture, so bring your questions and your own war stories. Even if you’re a seasoned container pro, come hang out and share your wisdom.
Join us at The Internet2 TechEX25 for Kubernetes Lessons Learned, Wednesday, Dec 10, from 11:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. MT, and let’s figure this thing out together!
Meet the Moderator
Phil Fenstermacher is the manager of systems design and architecture at William & Mary where he leads the architecture, cloud, and platforms team. After adopting containers in 2017 and Kubernetes in 2019, the team has made Kubernetes its first stop when launching new services.
In addition to maintaining the platform, Phil’s team also guides users around the university, helping them design and run their applications in easy-to-maintain ways.
Interested in more TechEX26 sessions like this one?
Check out this session and other related presentations in the Cloud Technology Track by checking out our full program. Other topics in the Cloud Technology track include cloud analytics, research into cloud development, artificial intelligence, and sustainable ways to preserve infrastructure.
The Internet2 TechEX25 is also the perfect event to explore both familiar and new topics. Take full advantage of this experience to unlock your fullest learning potential at this year’s event.
New to TechEX?
Check out our first-timer resources for tips and exclusive events designed to help you connect and maximize your experience.