DEEP DIVE
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
As interest in Edge Computing grows , we ’ re going to see three key investment areas : data centres , networks and cloud connectivity . We will see more regional Edge data centres introduced across the UK , the development of high-capacity , low latency and agile networks and greater investment in secure , fast and flexible connectivity to the cloud .
Development of a nationwide Edge Computing platform will be fundamental to delivering critical connections to digital ecosystems , including distributed multi-cloud models , via strategically located regional data centres .
For regional businesses and service providers this would be a game-changer , enabling them to take advantage of Edge through one unified network with reach across the UK .
At Pulsant , we ’ re already building a UK-wide Edge Computing platform ; a grid-like architecture that will deliver data across data centre locations that are close to Edge devices . Our regional data centres will play a key role in bridging the gap between centralised platforms and Micro-Edge , delivering services to the Edge for UK businesses .
I TOOK UP CYCLING AROUND FIVE YEARS AGO AND FIND IT ’ S A GREAT WAY TO GET SOME EXERCISE , GET OUT IN THE FRESH AIR AND DISCONNECT FOR A WHILE .
What are the region-specific challenges you encounter in your role ?
Our own research shows there is a clear regional divide emerging across the country as organisations strive for digital agility . The south-east has better access to infrastructure , leadership and skills and , as a result , businesses in this region feel at an advantage compared to those across the rest of the UK .
One of the biggest problems for regional businesses is that they are hindered by being located away from major technology hubs , such as London , which leaves them at a latency disadvantage as network traffic has to travel further . Providers in our space have typically over-served areas such as London and the home counties , but the introduction of 5G and increasing distribution of the cloud network is bringing data and the processing back to the network ’ s Edge .
This challenge is also our biggest opportunity at Pulsant , aligning perfectly with our regional business approach and national infrastructure network .
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the coming months ?
The pandemic has forced huge changes in the way we work over the last 18 months , but I also think it has brought home what is really important . For me personally , I have learned a lot about communication and , in particular , the importance of keeping everyone upto-date and being straightforward . Being honest and candid even when the situation isn ’ t clear has helped build trust and stronger relationships . In the months ahead , I am really looking forward to spending more time with the Pulsant team as we move towards a more hybrid working model . ◊ www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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