Learn How VMware IT automated Multi Node Oracle RAC installation using vRA!

More Details in the following LinkedIn post!

 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mukund-y-723537a_vra-vmwareonvmware-oraclerac-activity-7125230483705147393-ZdQA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Also, please check out my other posts related to this subject

• Private AI Lab
• Power of Multi-Cloud DBaaS 

• MLOps Made Easy with Kubeflow on vSphere: Streamlining Machine Learning Workflows

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning for IT Operations

• Exploratory data analysis using Python

• Cloud Computing and Data Analytics fundamentals

• IT Operations Management

• MTTIC

• AIOps for Tenant and Platform Operation
• Big Data

Image source 

Ace your AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam!

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the first step towards your advanced AWS certifications!

So, in this blog, I am going to share how I cleared the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam on my first attempt!

• First of all, on a daily basis, you have to dedicate a couple of hours to self-study, I prefer late at night!
• Create a free account in AWS / ACG and keep it ready
• Understand the high-level domain/section and the number of questions/weightage for each domain/section.
• Go through the recorded AWS training materials and videos.
• Create a mind map of the topics. Here is the screenshot of my mind map.

You can download the PDF version here.

• After each chapter/section, try it on AWS / ACG, which you created earlier 
• After all the training is completed, attempt free sample/trial exams provided by AWS and other learning platforms.
• Check where you made mistakes during the sample/trial exam, and take down error notes.
• Review the mistakes before the next sample/trial test, and come up with a strategy.
• Finally, schedule the AWS certification exam and attempt it with confidence!
• Wish you all the best and let me know in the comments if this was helpful!

Check out my AWS Certificate! 

Also, please check out my other posts related to this subject

• Power of Multi-Cloud DBaaS 

• MLOps Made Easy with Kubeflow on vSphere: Streamlining Machine Learning Workflows

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning for IT Operations

• Exploratory data analysis using Python

• Cloud Computing and Data Analytics fundamentals

• IT Operations Management

• MTTIC

• AIOps for Tenant and Platform Operation

My Private AI setup on laptop - Step by step guide to install LLM on your local Windows Laptop!

Are you fascinated by LLMs like GPT by OpenAI, and at the same time wondering if you will compromise your privacy, IP leak, Security, or Model Inaccuracies? well, the answer is PrivateAI!

Check out how you can install and configure LLM like LLAMA 2 on your Windows laptop, and overcome the concerns listed in the above paragraph!

Before we start, I highly recommend all of you see my earlier blog which lists the difference between AI, ML, DL, and GenAI

Pre-requisites: Windows 11, minimum 10GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce MX570 GPU 

Manual Steps

1) Download and install Visual Studio Build Tools, use the defaults like the following screenshot.

2) Install Conda / Anaconda, Git, wget

3) Go to the Start menu and launch "Anaconda Powershell prompt" Run as Administrator 

> conda install PyTorch

> conda install cuda --channel nvidia/label/cuda-11.7.0b 

4) Visit the Meta AI website and register to download the model/s. After registration you will get an email, please don't delete this email.

> mkdir llama2

> cd llama2

> git clone https://github.com/facebookresearch/llama

run the download.sh using Git Bash

Provide the URL that you get from the email 

Choose 7B-chat

It will take a while to download the model (it took nearly 22 min for me)

5) Once the model is installed, you can use it programmatically and interact with it, for which you need some GUI.

Automated way: If you are finding it difficult to follow manual steps, you can try following steps

• Using the command prompt, clone the repo "git clone https://github.com/oobabooga/text-generation-webui"
• From the folder, double-click on install_windows.bat
• This will install the required software on your laptop and start the UI http://127.0.0.1:7860/.
• Create an account at https://huggingface.co/ using the same email address that you have used to download the LLAMA 2 from the Facebook website.
• In the local UI, in the model tab search for meta-llama/Llama-2-7b and click download
• For the download to start, your request should have been approved by Meta and you need to set HF_USR and HF_PASS environment variables in your local machine by generating a token in the Huggingface > Settings > Access Tokens.
• Once downloaded, you can refresh, select the LLAMA, and load it (Please refer the following screenshot) 
• Then navigate to the Chat tab and start using it without worrying about privacy, IP leaks, Security etc.
• If you are facing issues in downloading Meta LLAMA, then try VMware/open-llama-7b-v2-open-instruct
• Enjoy your Private AI LLM set! 

Local LLM in action! 

References:

https://github.com/facebookresearch/llama
https://blogs.vmware.com/explore/2023/09/21/top-ai-ml-sessions-explore-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-ai-ml-sessions-explore-2023
https://git-scm.com/download/win
https://gist.github.com/evanwill/0207876c3243bbb6863e65ec5dc3f058
https://github.com/oobabooga/text-generation-webui

Also, please check out my other posts related to this subject

• Power of Multi-Cloud DBaaS 

• MLOps Made Easy with Kubeflow on vSphere: Streamlining Machine Learning Workflows

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning for IT Operations

• Exploratory data analysis using Python

• Cloud Computing and Data Analytics fundamentals

• IT Operations Management

• MTTIC

• AIOps for Tenant and Platform Operation

Bee a Hands-on Global Leader!

Being hands-on while also excelling in leadership requires a delicate balance. Effective leadership is always the result of hands-on activities. Leading depends on your ability to take action and get things done. The first step in leadership is understanding what leadership means and what it isn’t. Here we will look at the characteristics of hands-on leaders and identify how you can become one.

1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify tasks that require your direct involvement and those that can be delegated. Focus your hands-on efforts on critical areas that align with your expertise and contribute to strategic goals.

2. Delegate Effectively: Build a capable team and delegate tasks appropriately. Trust your team's skills and provide guidance, allowing them to take ownership of their responsibilities.

3. Stay Current: In the ever-evolving IT landscape, continuous learning is crucial. Dedicate time to stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices to maintain your technical competence.

4. Lead by Example: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment to quality, and attention to detail. Your team will mirror your behavior, so set high standards.

5. Effective Time Management: Prioritize tasks, use time management techniques, and leverage tools to maximize productivity. Ensure you allocate time for both leadership and hands-on activities.

6. Empower and Support: Encourage your team to take initiative, make decisions, and solve problems. Provide guidance and mentorship to foster their growth and independence.

7. Communication Skills: Communicate clearly, both as a technical expert and as a leader. Translate complex technical concepts into understandable language for non-technical stakeholders.

8. Strategic Thinking: Balance tactical work with a strategic perspective. Align hands-on tasks with broader organizational goals to ensure your efforts have a meaningful impact.

9. Adaptability: Embrace change and adapt to evolving roles and responsibilities. Be open to new challenges and opportunities to lead in different capacities.

10. Feedback and Recognition: Provide constructive feedback to your team and recognize their achievements. This boosts morale and encourages continuous improvement.

11. Balance and Self-Care: Maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout. Delegate tasks when necessary and prioritize self-care to stay energized and focused.

12. Networking: Build and maintain a professional network within and outside your organization. Networking can provide valuable insights and support.

Remember that being a great IT leader doesn't mean you need to know everything or do everything yourself. It's about leveraging your technical expertise to guide your team toward success, fostering a collaborative environment, and making strategic decisions that drive the organization forward. Balancing hands-on work with leadership responsibilities is an ongoing process that requires flexibility and adaptability.

Note: A portion of the blog is assisted by ChatGPT!

Simplifying Upgrades: Exploring the Benefits of Database & Tech Stack "Upgrade as a Service"!

Why? Are you facing major system/performance issues during the critical Quarter End / Year End, unable to book multi-million-dollar orders, and wondering how to prevent it? Well, check out how Upgrade as a Service is helping us to have smooth QE/YE and also see unsung heroes behind the scenes/curtains!

What is Upgrade as a Service? In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, databases, and tech stack serve as the backbone of numerous IT Corporate / Business applications and systems. As technology advances and database management systems (DBMS) and Tech Stack continue to improve, staying up-to-date with the latest versions becomes crucial. This is where "Database and Tech Stack Upgrade as a Service" steps in, offering a streamlined and efficient solution for organizations looking to upgrade their databases and tech stack hassle-free. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of Database and tech stack Upgrade as a Service, its benefits, and why it's a game-changer for businesses.

Detail Understanding of Database and Tech Stack Upgrade as a Service: Database and tech stack Upgrade as a Service is a managed solution provided by experts (SME subject matter experts) that takes the complexity out of database and tech stack version upgrades. It's a comprehensive approach that covers everything from assessment and planning to execution and post-upgrade support. Let's check some of the key aspects of this service:

1. Assessment and Planning: Service providers (SMEs) begin by assessing your current database and tech stack environment. They evaluate factors such as your current database and tech stack version, data complexity, and customizations. This assessment informs a well-thought-out upgrade plan tailored to the organization's Corp/Business IT needs.

2. Minimizing Downtime: One of the major challenges during database and tech stack upgrades is downtime. DBAs and Software Admins use strategies to minimize downtime, ensuring that your Corp/Business IT applications remain accessible and operational throughout the upgrade process.

3. Data Migration: Migrating data from one version to another requires precision to avoid data/customization loss or corruption. Database and tech stack Upgrade as a Service ensures seamless data and application customization migration and validation.

4. Testing and Validation: The upgraded database and tech stack undergo rigorous testing to ensure compatibility with existing applications, these include technical validation, functional validation, load testing, longevity testing, high availability, and performance testing. This step helps identify any potential issues before they impact your users.

5. Expert Guidance: DBAs and Software Admins (SMEs) bring their expertise to the table, handling challenges that may arise during the upgrade process. This reduces the risk of errors and disruptions.

Benefits of Database & Tech Stack Upgrade as a Service

1. Efficiency and Time Savings: Internally handing over the upgrade process to experts (SMEs) allows your development team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down by technical intricacies.

2. Risk Mitigation: With experienced professionals (SMEs) managing the upgrade, the risk of data/customization loss, downtime, and compatibility issues is significantly lowered.

3. Access to Latest Features: Upgrading your database and tech stack often means gaining access to new features, improved security, improved performance, and enhanced user experience that can boost your application's capabilities.

4. Predictable Costs: Upgrade as a Service offers predictable efforts, making budgeting and planning easier.

5. Scalability: Whether you have a small-scale database or a massive enterprise-level system, Database and tech stack Upgrade as a Service can scale to accommodate needs due to well-defined and tested processes.

6. Post-Upgrade Support: The service doesn't end after the upgrade. SMEs offer ongoing monitoring and support to ensure a smooth transition and address any post-upgrade issues.

Summary: Database and Tech Stack Upgrade as a Service emerges as a valuable solution for organizations seeking to modernize their database and tech stack infrastructure without the headaches of managing the process in IT Development teams. By leveraging the expertise of SMEs, businesses can enjoy a seamless upgrade experience, access new features, and enhance the overall performance and security of their applications. Embrace the power of expert services and elevate your database and tech stack environment to new heights.

And finally, meet the Expert "Upgrade as a Service" team!

Note: A portion of the blog is assisted by ChatGPT!