Converged Edge CoE Panel – The Future of Edge Computing: Exploring the Potential and Challenges Ahead
Session Abstract:
Edge computing has emerged as a critical technology to enable real-time processing, analytics, and decision-making at the edge of the network, offering unprecedented speed, scale, and reliability. As businesses and industries embrace digital transformation, the demand for edge computing solutions is set to skyrocket, opening new opportunities and challenges for enterprises, service providers, and technology vendors alike. In this panel discussion, we will explore the future of edge computing, its potential applications, and the key challenges that need to be addressed to make it a success.
Speakers:
David Smith is a man that wears multiple hats. As the Co-Founder & VP of Innovation for BlackPearl Technology, Inc., he is responsible for pioneering a new generation of product development. As the former Founder and CEO of Wildcat Development, he saw five consecutive years of 100% revenue growth alongside successful expansion across their strategic markets. David has experienced success in achieving revenue, profit, and growth objectives while maintaining a thriving workplace environment for his employees. Smith has designed a number of innovative products during his career, including developing the first multi-headed display technology for MS-DOS, Linux, OS/2, and Windows. Other technologies include PC graphic cards, massive storage arrays, server blades, voice-over IP technology, high-temperature downhole technology, subsea inertial navigation systems, subsea acoustic disconnect systems, and more. Smith has been a part of many successful entrepreneurial ventures including developing one of the most competitive and accurate PCI compliance testing companies used to certify financial institutions and customers for credit card processing. He was also part of the team that designed one of the first wireless credit card processing for restaurants and airplanes. His long list of accomplishments across industries establishes him as a brilliant mind and technology pioneer. He has been recognized as an award-winning innovator by the Houston Business Journal and Inc. 5000 Magazine.
Dave Eifert is the Senior Business Development Manager – IIoT for Phoenix Contact USA. Prior to accepting this role, he was the Industry Manager for Water Resource Management at Phoenix Contact. Earlier in his career he served in various business development, marketing and technical sales roles for various leading companies. Dave received a BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management from Clarkson University. He currently resides in Cleveland Ohio, and when not working enjoys playing guitar and singing, road and mountain biking, traveling, writing, and hanging out with his wife and two adult children.
Paul Vendetti is an experienced Leader (29+ years) and strategist with a passion for leveraging technology and customer relationships to create solutions that solve tough problems and excite people. Constantly looking for new ways to gain and embed desired customer insights into new innovative software solutions across a number of different industry-application areas.
Don DeLoach, has more than 30 years of software industry experience, with demonstrated success building software companies with extensive sales, marketing, and international experience. Former CEO of Infobright, CEO of Aleri, CEO of Youcentric, COO of Centri Technology. Founder and Co-chair, Midwest IoT Council, Outside Director, Apropos, Broadbeam, and co-author, “The Future of IoT”.
Guy Merritt is an experienced C-suite executive, Guy has 35 years engineering leadership advising and developing IoT solutions, native cloud-based systems, products and engineering & manufacturing test solutions for a wide variety of industries. He is an author of the award-winning book “Proactive Risk Management: Controlling Uncertainty in Product Development.”
Eric Simone is the Founder and CEO of ClearBlade Inc., an Enterprise Edge Computing Internet of Things (IoT) software company focused on large Enterprises in the transportation, building facilities, and connected products markets. Prior to starting ClearBlade, Eric was the founder and CTO of Compete Incorporated, which sold to Perficient Inc. (PRFT) for $63M in May of 2000. Earlier in his career, Eric achieved success in senior engineering, product and sales positions at IBM and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Eric has a degree in Computer Science from Purdue University and is a recognized Distinguished Alumni. Eric resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Toni and 2 sons, Xander and Dexter.