Edge computing has emerged as a top priority for enterprises looking to harness the power of data and AI to drive innovation. As we race to capture this market opportunity, we face new challenges in designing, deploying, and managing IT infrastructure outside the traditional data center. In a recent podcast, host Michelle Dawn Mooney spoke with Ken Danton, Senior Director of Sales at Dell Technologies, to explore how we partner to empower OEMs in the edge computing space.
Key Trends in Edge Computing
We highlighted several key trends driving enterprise adoption of edge computing:
- AI and Large Language Models: The buzz around ChatGPT has sparked interest in AI across industries, with many companies looking to implement our large language models.
- Industry-Specific Applications: Healthcare and retail are advancing edge computing adoption, particularly in leveraging computer vision technologies.
- Data Control and Security: We prioritize control over our data, driving the need for secure edge solutions.
- Sustainability: Energy efficiency is a growing concern, especially in Europe, as AI workloads can be power-intensive.
- Ease of Deployment: There's a demand for simple edge solutions that are easy to install and maintain without requiring specialized IT expertise.
Dell Technologies' Strategy: The AI Factory
To address these trends, Dell Technologies has developed the concept of an "AI Factory" – a framework to help streamline AI projects and provide customers with a roadmap for efficient implementation. This approach aims to help businesses avoid common pitfalls and accelerate time-to-value for edge AI initiatives.
Infrastructure Considerations for Edge AI
As companies look to deploy AI and machine learning applications at the edge, there are several key considerations:
- Data Structure: Ensuring data is appropriately structured to support edge AI applications.
- Compute Power: Providing sufficient processing capabilities to handle demanding AI workloads.
- Speed and Efficiency: Optimizing infrastructure to deliver real-time insights and decisions.
- Security: Implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive data at the edge.
- Ease of Management: Simplifying deployment and ongoing maintenance of edge infrastructure.
Our Native Edge Platform
To address these challenges, we have developed our Native Edge platform, which offers:
- End-to-end deployment and management of diverse edge endpoints
- Built-in automation and zero-trust security
- A single pane of glass for operations management
- Self-provisioning capabilities for non-IT users
Partnering for Success: Our Dell Technologies and UNICOM Engineering
Danton emphasized the critical role of partnerships in delivering complete-edge solutions. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between Dell Technologies and UNICOM Engineering and praised our engineering capabilities, global footprint, and deep understanding of various industry verticals.
Key strengths of our Dell Technologies/UNICOM Engineering partnership include:
- Extensive experience in edge computing and OEM solutions
- Ability to customize and design specialized hardware when needed
- Strong connections to our product teams for collaborative development
- Global deployment and support capabilities
Looking Ahead: The Future of Edge Computing
Danton expressed excitement about the future of edge computing, noting that it represents a massive opportunity for growth. 70% of future AI implementations will likely occur at the edge, playing directly to our strengths.
As the industry moves beyond the initial phase of extensive language model development, the focus will shift to edge deployments across various sectors. This transition presents significant opportunities for OEMs and technology providers who can deliver secure, efficient, and customized edge solutions.
Partnering for Edge Innovation: A Powerful Alliance for OEMs
The Dell Technologies and UNICOM Engineering partnership is well-positioned to help OEMs navigate the challenges and opportunities of edge computing. Combining our robust hardware and software solutions with our design and engineering expertise and industry knowledge enables OEMs to bring innovative edge AI solutions to market quickly and securely.
As edge computing continues to evolve, partnerships like this will be crucial in driving innovation and addressing the unique needs of different industries and use cases. OEMs looking to capitalize on the edge computing revolution should consider the combined strengths of Dell Technologies and UNICOM Engineering as they develop their next-generation solutions. Watch our full episode here.