Dell Technologies Inc. has unveiled a new software platform with the goal to transform edge computing. The giant tech firm’s Project Frontier will help businesses get more control of their edge computing deployments.
Edge computing is a distributed IT architecture wherein some portion of data storage are moved along with computing resources out of the central data center and closer to the data source. Instead of transmitting raw data to a central data center, the work is performed where data is actually generated—like a factory, a retail store, or across a smart city.
Set to be launched in early 2023, Project Frontier is a software operations platform that could help a business securely manage or orchestrate edge applications and infrastructure. Through this, Dell aims to solve complexities of edge computing operations, referring to applications that can process data at the network edge, near to where it is actually created.
Through Project Frontier, enterprises can have a centralized operations center for edges computing deployments. It is based on an open design supporting almost all kinds of software applications. Frontier can even integrate edge computing and storage hardware to make serviceability easier.
Dell plans to expand to 170 countries its global planning and support services to help more customers in designing their own edge computing deployments using Project Frontier.
“We’re seeing exponential growth in applications running at the edge, making edge the next frontier of business transformation—where devices, infrastructure, and data come together to deliver real-time insights at scale,” said Dell Technologies Senior Vice President of Edge Solutions Gil Shneorson.
“With this growth comes complexity. It’s not feasible to have IT staff deployed at every edge location. Our decades of edge experience combined with our new solutions help customers simplify their edge and streamline their data to gain insights ranging from factory safety and the speed and precision of patient care in hospitals while providing more choices in how they realize their edge and multi-cloud technologies.”
To enable Project Frontier, Dell also announced a number of support offerings, including an enhanced Dell Validated Design for Manufacturing Edge solution that acts as a blueprint for rolling out edge deployments. Dell is providing easy access to multiple Dell-validated partner applications, including Claroty Ltd’s asset discovery and network protection tools, and XMPro Inc’s digital twin application.
Based on an IDC research in 2022, for 42% of businesses, the most challenging aspect of edge deployments is putting together an entire edge solution. The amount of data generated is growing nine times yearly and is expected to reach 221 exabytes by 2026. Thus, organizations need a simple and effective way to manage and secure the diverse ecosystem of edge technologies.
“IDC sees a wide range of locations where modern edge workloads will be deployed, and it is critical that these environments are highly resilient and can operate with limited human intervention,” said ICD Research Director for Edge Strategies Jennifer Cooke. “Dell’s efforts with its Project Frontier look to be a strong step forward in realizing an architecture to address these needs and help customers streamline their edge operations.”
Two new devices will also be available by the end of 2022 or before Project Frontier software operations roll out in 2023. The Dell PowerEdge XR4000, around the size of a typical shoebox, is 60% shorter compared with traditional data center servers. It can even survive extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and typhoons, and can be shock-resistant—it can survive falling off the ceiling onto the floor.
Meanwhile, Dell’s new Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet is a rugged tablet rated for maximum protection against dust, dirt, and moisture. It is also capable of operating in an extremely hot or cold climate.
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