Aviatrix Blog 
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 Antonios Skoulariotis, Regional Director of Cloud Security, Northeast and Financial Services at Fortinet. See our previous hero spotlights here.
Background: From Electrical Engineering to Cloud and Cybersecurity
Antonios’s early passion for math and physics naturally led him to pursue a career in engineering. He holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Wireless Telecommunications, setting the foundation for over 22 years in the networking and cloud security industry. “My career began in advanced Radio Frequency environments and expanded through WAN, LAN, and WLAN architectures,” he said.
Antonios’s journey evolved along with the technology, especially as he embraced cloud and cybersecurity. “I firmly believe that a powerful network is only as valuable as its security and resilience in today’s ever-evolving cyber landscape,” he explained. “My path has been defined by a commitment to creating secure, adaptable solutions, and bridging the gap between networking and security to drive innovation and safeguard digital ecosystems.”
He finds the most rewarding aspect of his current role is the opportunity to engage directly with customers. “In cloud and networking, there’s a synergy akin to having a powerful engine with a finely-tuned transmission—one relies on the other to achieve optimal performance,” he said. “Understanding each client’s environment, pinpointing their challenges, and translating those into tailored solutions that drive their business forward is what drives me. Every client engagement is a unique opportunity to address specific needs, align with their vision, and provide the cybersecurity resilience needed in today’s landscape.”
Networking: The Past Decade and the Future One
Like Ansley Moyo, Jian Zou, Weigner Co, and our other Cloud Networking Heroes, Antonios describes watching the networking landscape undergo an “extraordinary transformation” through his career. “What began with dial-up matured, turning into broadband and MPLS, then expanding with WLAN, which delivered unprecedented access and mobility to end-users. This progression didn’t stop with traditional connectivity; cellular technology evolved, from 2G to 5G, driven by the increasing need for reliable, high-speed data access. Connectivity is now a necessity rather than a luxury.”
Antonios also describes how the cloud changed the landscape: “The advent of cloud technologies reshaped traditional networking and security, shifting from centralized traffic backhauling to adopting agile cloud architectures that enhance time-to-market, scalability, availability, and resilience.”
Over the next decade, he predicts:
- Cloud networking will continue to advance, integrating robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard application workloads.
- Machine learning, IoT, and the convergence of IT and OT demands will accelerate, pushing cellular and network infrastructures to deliver secure, seamless cloud access.
“This evolution will be defined by agility and intelligence, enabling networks to adapt proactively in an ever-connected world,” he said.
Cost Management: Taking an OpEx Approach
Antonios addresses cost management, a significant and growing challenge for networking teams. He advises professionals who are navigating the shift to the cloud to “focus on strategic planning and leverage education on available cloud programs. Transitioning from a CapEx to an OpEx model can, contrary to common concerns, enhance cost-efficiency while offering redundancy and ensuring seamless business continuity.”
He advises an OpEx approach that “provides the flexibility to scale, paired with a robust security and networking posture that’s managed through a single pane of glass, granting visibility across the entire environment. This approach not only aligns with financial objectives but also reinforces a secure, resilient network foundation for sustained growth.”
The Network is the Cloud: A Shift to a Decentralized Model
When asked what “the network is the cloud” means to him, Antonios described a transition in technology and concept: “At its core, ‘The Network is the Cloud’ signifies the shift from centralized traffic backhauling to a decentralized model, where access to applications and services is no longer bound by physical location. It’s the power of enabling consistent, high-speed, and quality access from anywhere in the world.”
He gave a historical example: “Consider the evolution from the traditional 9-to-5 office environment: digital transformation, application modernization, and cloud networking—enhanced with robust cybersecurity—now allow users to seamlessly access networks and applications from any location. This proximity between applications, services, and end-users has redefined accessibility, making the network as agile and omnipresent as the cloud itself.”
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Antonios playfully described his other job. “I’m often on the move with my wife, supporting our kids in their various activities—from basketball to volleyball. We jokingly refer to ourselves as part-time ‘Uber drivers’!”
He spends early mornings on a favorite hobby, analyzing the financial performance of global companies. “I developed a passion for valuation during my Global Executive MBA, and I love dissecting the numbers behind corporate growth and strategy.”
On a lighter note, he also plays the bouzouki, a traditional Greek musical instrument, bringing a bit of my heritage into his downtime.
“Otherwise, I’m just a regular husband and dad, always enjoying family life,” he said.
Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Antonios?
- We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.
- Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.