While organizations have been interested in deploying AI at the Edge for years, integration and deployment have been challenging. In one Dell Technologies survey, 35% of respondents reported difficulty integrating AI Edge applications with existing technology, and 30% reported a lack of in-house skills to deploy, manage, and secure it.
How Does UNICOM Engineering work with Intel and Dell Technologies to enable AI at the Edge?
UNICOM Engineering partners with Intel and Dell Technologies to offer a comprehensive solution. This includes high-performing CPUs with accelerators for AI's demanding computations, powered by 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. It also provides servers and storage for various Edge environments, utilizing Dell PowerEdge servers and PowerStore data solutions. UNICOM Engineering offers global integration, deployment, and support for a seamless client experience.
Finding the Right Technology
Businesses of all sizes are discovering the vast potential of Edge technologies for data gathering. This influx of data can significantly enhance AI training and inferencing. Yet, the outdated infrastructure prevalent in many organizations does not cater to the unique requirements of Edge or AI technologies.
One Key consideration for establishing a strong Edge computing environment is reliability, as Edge hardware must operate effectively in various challenging conditions and locations. Additionally, the equipment used at the Edge must withstand environmental factors harsher than those found in core or cloud data centers. Security is another critical factor, given the placement of Edge devices outside traditional data centers, necessitating robust physical and electronic security measures. Effective management is essential for large and small deployments, requiring advanced management features for sustained viability. Furthermore, Edge hardware should function efficiently whether connected or disconnected from corporate networks.
For AI platforms, crucial requirements include AI-focused performance, with servers, workstations, and laptops running processing infrastructure tuned to the AI's computational demands. Memory and storage must be sized and specified to handle AI's capacity and throughput requirements. AI developer tools are also vital, including libraries of open-source code and reference designs focused on saving time and providing maximum compatibility with Intel hardware.
Intel's Technology for AI and the Edge
Central to better AI applications at the Edge is better processing. Intel is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating independently with Dell Technologies. Intel's latest Intel 5th Generation Xeon Scalable processors power servers optimized for AI and Edge environments, supported by a suite of related technologies and advancements, including:
Intel AI Engine Accelerators: Add-on subprocessors used to augment the CPU's performance, like Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (Intel AMX) for complex matrix math calculation and Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (Intel AVX-512) for vector-based computation.
Intel Edge AI Reference Kits: These use the Intel OpenVINO toolkit to assist developers with use cases like defect detection, smart meter scanning, and intelligent queue management based on object detection.
5th Gen Intel Xeon Processing Platform: Includes assistive technologies like high-speed DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and Compute Express Link (CXL 1.1) protocol compatibility.
Dell Technologies Servers and Storage
Taking AI at the Edge a step further, Dell Technologies leverages Intel innovation to offer its PowerEdge servers, PowerStore storage, and related technologies designed to perform the latest computational tasks in the harshest conditions.
Dell PowerEdge XR Servers:short-depth, high-performing servers, MIL-STD and NEBS certified to operate in various environmental conditions.
Dell PowerStore: Includes intelligent storage solutions adaptable to block, file, virtual volumes, and container workloads, available in disk and all-flash configurations.
Dell Open Manage: Dell Technologies' suite of server management tools includes solutions for system management, integration, security, and data center visualization.
UNICOM Engineering Integration and Deployment Services
Regarding AI at the Edge, even the best technology is complete with the expertise to design, deploy, and manage it. Given the expense and time associated with hiring and/or retraining in-house personnel, more and more organizations are turning to UNICOM Engineering to fill skill gaps and drive deployments.
UNICOM Engineering offers a comprehensive range of services to meet diverse needs. Offerings encompass system integration, engineering expertise, regulatory compliance, rigorous testing, logistics support, trade compliance solutions,global support, and top-notch quality assurance measures.
With its Copy-Exact Global Integration Centers, UNICOM Engineering can provide the manufacturing and support needed for technology rollouts of nearly any size. One benefit of this presence is quick access to critical hardware components worldwide thanks to their Forward Stocking Locations.
In addition to providing key services to fill gaps, UNICOM Engineering offers key insights into current and forthcoming technology thanks to its decades-long partnerships with Intel and Dell Technologies. Therefore, customers remain informed of the best hardware to support today's deployments and keep an eye on the future.
Move Your Edge AI Initiatives Into Production with UNICOM Engineering
UNICOM Engineering is proud to be a Dell Technologies Titanium OEM Partner and Intel Technology Provider. We've been named Dell Technologies Americas OEM Partner of the Year for multiple years. Our team is ready to power your solutions with Dell Technologies and Intel's industry-leading portfolios to deliver unique solutions with incredible speed and reliability. By leveraging our services, our customers benefit from solutions optimized for AI, Edge computing, telecom, cloud, enterprise, network, and security workloads with expanded I/O, storage, and network connectivity options.
To learn more about how we can help you drive your solution to market faster, watch our Why Build on Dell Video or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.