Gartner Expert

Jonathan Forest

VP Analyst

Jonathan Forest is an Analyst within Gartner's Information Technology Leaders team, focusing on Infrastructure and Operations with respect to enterprise networking. Mr. Forest primarily performs research and advises on SD-WAN, SASE Platforms, managed network services, application performance, LAN/WLAN, migration to the cloud, connecting to the cloud, data center switching, cloud networking, NaaS, AI networking and AI network fabrics.

Before joining Gartner, Mr. Forest led product management, strategy, service management, and product marketing for managed network service providers and software vendors. He has experience in SD-WAN, MPLS, internet, cloud, virtualization, wireless, WiFi, satellite communications, broadband, UC, security and WAN optimization.

Previous experience

Mr. Forest ran product management and product marketing for an Application Optimization/SD WAN vendor. In this role, he managed the roadmap as far as features and timing, pricing, market positioning, market strategy, and field support with customers and channels.

His role was global, so his team was located in the U.S. and Europe. Hence, he has international experience with customers, vendors and channel partners.

Professional background

Accel Networks, Vice President, Business Development and Product Management, 2 years

Hughes Network Systems, Senior Director, Premium Services Management, 10 years

InfoVista, Vice President, Enterprise Products and Markets, 2 years

Areas of coverage

  • I&O Organizational Strategy

  • I&O Operations Management

  • I&O Platforms

Education

M.B.A., International Business, University of Maryland

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, University of Wisconsin

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Top Issues That I Help Clients Address

01

SD-WAN/SASE Market Trends

02

Network Services Features Functionality (SD WAN, DCN, LAN/WLAN, Cloud Networking, etc.)

03

Managed Network Services Evaluation

04

AI Networking/Automation

05

WAN Migration to the Cloud