Paul Thompson

Paul has 25+ years of vendor experience working with Service Providers and High-Performance Enterprises across a range of technologies and disciplines. Paul's most recent experience and focus has been on service assurance techniques, multi-layer performance analytics, automation and closed-loop systems driven by network service performance. An emerging area of interest is in how AI will transform the insights and business outcomes from these other technologies, and what that means for Cisco's customers. Prior to joining Cisco, Paul worked for Accedian, a leader in virtualized service assurance and analytics solutions. Paul led the EMEAR Solutions Engineering team and then contributed to the successful acquisition and integration of Accedian into Cisco. Earlier in Paul's career, he worked for vendors such as Tellabs/Coriant and NEC Corporation, beginning his career with Marconi Communications as an apprentice in 1991. Paul's technology experience also includes IP/MPLS transport, Microwave Radio, Network Management, OSS and SaaS platforms.