EDGE EXECUTIVE INSIGHT – MICHAEL OAKES, SEGMENT DIRECTOR OF SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC.
In the lead up to Edge Computing World, we’re taking some time to speak to key Executives from the leading companies supporting the show. Today we’re talking with Michael Oakes, Segment Director of
Schneider electric
Hi Michael, What does edge computing mean to your customers?
Edge Computing means many things to many customers. There are many who have yet to deploy actual compute but are still in the phase of deploying IoT and upgrading networks to handle increased traffic though they have yet to unlock the value of the data being generated. Some have discovered that value and have begun to make the investments to deploy local compute to facilitate new capabilities and offerings at the Edge.
What do you see as the drivers of edge computing?
The Edge is still in its infancy in my opinion. Much of the data being generated has yet to be leveraged in a way that incorporates AI and meaningful outputs. Networks are still growing. Bottlenecks are being slowly addressed. Throughput and latency are improving. But, there is still lots of work to be done before things really explode at the edge. Continued upgrades to the countries fiber and network infrastructure, the birth of Smart Cities, and the evolution of AI and AR will give birth to the next killer apps that will truly drive the Edge to a place we all see today in our imaginations.
How does SE work with the ecosystem to bring compelling solutions to market?
SE brings a fundamental foundation to the Edge. All technology relies on some core foundational aspects to reach their potential and unfortunately the Edge as it exists today is a bit of the wild west of poorly managed systems. The Edge of the future is going to require much greater resiliency and security
with an eye on sustainability and efficiency. Power is one example of those fundamental foundations and Schneider has committed itself to helping provide the software, services, systems to help sustainably electrify the world in the digital age.
How do you see edge computing and distributed architectures evolving in the future?
As networks get built out, the window to introduce the next great technologies and capabilities will open wider and wider. From industry to industry, these capabilities will have profound impact on us all, but will require tremendous localized computing capabilities to ensure latency is almost nonexistent. The
criticality of Edge infrastructure will have the same level as a datacenter and will require the same level of care and diligence but in less predictable formats. Edge Compute must be able to survive anywhere.
What are you looking forward to most about your involvement in Edge Computing World?
For me, learning about who are the next big players and/or technologies that are lining up to make a splash at the Edge. Its always great to see and meet the folks who are the visionaries pitching the next big thing. For Schneider it is exciting because we are trying to help all get to that place in a stable and
sustainable way. In doing so, we can all put our faith in technologies that are supported by an intelligent, socially responsible and environmentally friendly foundation.
