Introduction:
In this blog post, we had the opportunity to sit down with Josh Goodall, the Vice President of Edge Solutions at AT&T Business, to discuss all things edge-to-edge networking and intelligence. Josh shared valuable insights into the concept of edge to edge, the importance of investing in modernization and intelligence in networks, and the key technologies that organizations should be focusing on in the next 3 to 5 years.
Understanding Edge-to-Edge Networking:
Josh broke down the concept of edge to edge into four distinct components that bring the model together:
- The underlay: This includes AT&T’s heritage, such as MPLS, dedicated internet, broadband, and mobile technologies like LTE and 5G.
- The overlay: This layer involves software-defined wide area networking and NFV platforms, which play a crucial role in adding intelligence to the network.
- The edge or premise: This refers to the customer’s location where innovation is happening, and connectivity is extended into the cloud environment.
- The cloud: Bringing together the underlay, overlay, and customer premise, the cloud plays a vital role in the edge-to-edge networking model.
Investing in Edge Networking and Intelligence:
When asked about why organizations should invest in modernization and intelligence in their networks, Josh emphasized the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than just technologies or solutions. He highlighted the following key reasons for investing in edge networking and intelligence:
- Engaging customers and creating immersive experiences
- Increasing collaboration and mobility of the workforce
- Optimizing business operations and reducing costs
- Enabling businesses to grab more revenue and succeed on the top line
Key Technologies for Future Investments:
Josh discussed the foundational technologies that have set the stage for the next wave of innovation, including IoT, SDN, NFV, and security. He also highlighted the upcoming technologies that organizations should consider investing in over the next 3 to 5 years, such as:
- 5G: The first software-defined G that will enable low latency, high throughput, and high bandwidth connectivity.
- Edge compute: Becoming more relevant and essential for applications that require real-time processing.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Playing a significant role in the convergence of technologies to create solutions that enable desired outcomes.
Applications Across Different Industries:
Josh pointed out that the wave of innovation in edge networking and intelligence is not limited to specific industries but has a broad reach. He shared examples of use cases across various verticals, such as connected hospitals, hyper low latency manufacturing in factories, and applications for autonomous vehicles and AR/VR in city areas.
Guidance for Getting Started:
In conclusion, Josh emphasized the importance of thinking holistically about edge-to-edge networking and the role of security in network transformation. He also highlighted AT&T’s role as a trusted advisor and global scale innovator, providing guidance to organizations in their technology challenges and adoption processes.
Conclusion:
It was a pleasure to gain valuable insights from Josh Goodall on the concept of edge-to-edge networking and intelligence. As organizations navigate the next wave of innovation, it’s essential to consider the holistic approach of edge-to-edge networking and leverage the right technologies to enable desired outcomes across various industries.
By staying informed about the latest advancements and seeking guidance from trusted advisors like AT&T Business, organizations can position themselves for success in the rapidly evolving landscape of edge networking and intelligence.
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Keywords: edge-to-edge networking, edge intelligence, modernization, technology investments, IoT, 5G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, industry applications, guidance for organizations
