Doug Recker, President of Duos Edge AI, discusses the evolution of edge data centers with NEDAS Live! host Ilissa Miller. Tracing the development of these facilities from their inception in 2012, when they were large structures of approximately 10,000 square feet designed to enhance internet connectivity in underserved areas, to the present day, where they have significantly decreased in size, Recker emphasizes the necessity of smaller data centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, where constructing large facilities is often impractical. Communities such as Statesboro and Valdosta require reliable connectivity, and Edge Data Centers (EDCs) provide a cost-effective solution.
He highlights Duos Edge AI’s commitment to improving network infrastructure in education and healthcare, particularly in remote areas of Texas, through purposeful deployment of EDC pods. The company collaborates with Region 16, a school district encompassing over fifty schools in the Texas panhandle, to enhance connectivity and address the challenges posed by inadequate digital infrastructure.
The conversation explores Duos Edge AI’s innovative data center hub-and-spoke model, connecting schools back to a central EDC pod from core market hubs. This allows multiple carriers to co-locate within the pod, improving reliability and fostering competition among service providers. Recker notes that this model enhances internet access for schools while also benefiting local hospitals and businesses, creating a more advanced network for the entire community.
Underscoring the broader implications of deploying EDCs, Recker states that improved connectivity can stimulate economic growth by attracting industries to underserved areas. He explains that once a reliable network is established, it can lead to job creation and enhanced services in healthcare and education. Additionally, he highlights the importance of government initiatives, such as the Rural Broadband Initiative and the E-rate program, in facilitating these developments.
Recker’s insights illustrate the transformative potential of edge data centers in bridging the digital divide and fostering community development. By backing up flexible, scalable solutions with sustainable digital infrastructure, Duos Edge AI is poised to make a significant impact in areas that have historically lacked adequate connectivity.
For more insights, tune in to NEDAS Live! Episode 54, “The Transformation of Edge Data Centers,” and stay connected with Doug Recker on LinkedIn. Click here to listen today.