NANOG: online knowledge repository for IT professionals

In a previous post I listed and described various organizations which are considered highly influential and authoritative across the wide field of information technology. These organizations are deeply involved in setting standards and best practices for nearly all facets of modern computing. One group which I neglected to include (but should have) is the North American Network Operators’ Group, or NANOG. Founded in 1994, NANOG describes itself as a “professional association for Internet engineering and architecture. Our core focus is on the technologies and systems that make the Internet function: core routing and switching; Internet inter-domain routing; the domain name system; peering and interconnection; and Internet core security. We also cover associated areas…such as data centers and optical networking.”

Although not a standards-setting body, NANOG provides a platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking opportunities in the form of their triannual meetings. These events serve as venues for some of the top minds in the industry to detail the findings of their research and to present the lessons learned from their real world work experiences. Recordings of the presentations are uploaded to the NANOG website and can be downloaded for free. This content serves as a fantastic educational resource for IT professionals who are seeking to keep their subject matter expertise sharp and relevant.