Over The Edge

This episode features an interview between Bill Pfeifer and Ananta Nair, Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Dell Technologies, where she leads AI and ML software initiatives for large enterprises. Ananta discusses differences between human learning and AI models, highlighting the complexities and limitations of current AI technologies. She also touches on the potential and challenges of AI in edge computing, emphasizing the importance of building efficient, scalable, and business-focused models. --------Key Quotes:“It's very hard to take these AI structures and say that  they can do all of these very complex things that humans can do, when they're architecturally designed very differently. I'm a big fan of biologically inspired, not biologically accurate.”“Do you really need AGI for a lot of real world applications? No, you don't want that. Do you want some really complex system where you have no idea what you're doing, where you're pouring all this money in and you know, you're not really getting the results that you want? No, you want something very simple outcomes razor approach, make it as simple as possible, scalable, can adapt, can measure for all of your business metrics” “We have reached a point where you can do the most with AI models with minimal compute than ever. And so I think that is very exciting. I think we have reached a point where you have very capable models that you can deploy at the edge and I think there's a lot of stuff happening in that realm.”--------Timestamps: (01:20) How Ananta got started in tech and neuroscience(04:59) Human learning vs AI learning(15:11) Explaining dynamical systems (26:57) Exploring AI agents and human behavior(30:43) Edge computing and AI models(32:58) Advancements in AI model efficiency--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Ananta on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedIn

How have data centers evolved and how will we adapt to meet modern data storage demands? In this episode Bill sits down with John Bonczek, Chief Revenue Officer of  fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty, a leading developer of highly interconnected, custom-designed data centers. They discuss the impact of AI on power and cooling requirements and the growing interest in edge deployments. John also highlights the importance of planning, customer requirements, and the challenges of building data centers to meet modern demands.--------Key Quotes:“ And I believe everyone in the space, including AI and hyperscalers, are planning further ahead, as well. Partially because you have to, but you look at the consumption of some of these AI companies that are coming in and gobbling up all of the available inventory out there that meets their needs, it's just causing a lack of inventory to be available.”“There's going to be a next wave from AI, more of the inference applications that are more of the edge applications that require lower latency and more real time compute and learning.”--------Timestamps: (01:45) How John got started in tech (06:45) Data centers and edge deployments (11:13) Challenges in modern data centers(20:29) The role of AI(31:01) Power and sustainability in data centers(35:50) Nomad Futurists and the future workforce --------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow John on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedIn

How does the Tour de France collect data and provide real time stats to viewers? Shahid Ahmed, EVP for New Ventures and Innovations at NTT, argues that the work they do to track the Tour de France is the ultimate edge use case. He also dives into small AI models and localized data at the edge, as well as educating for the future of jobs in tech. --------Key Quotes:“ I think [tracking the Tour de France] is one of the most fascinating edge use cases that I've seen in a while…. We’ve got cyclists going at north of 50 miles an hour, 60 miles an hour sometimes, and they're moving across a variety of different towns, villages, mountains, always a challenge from a network coverage perspective. It's a very difficult equation just from that movement part.”“If you tune in to NBC, which covers the Tour de France, or USA Network, which is the sister network, you'll always see the live coverage of stats…. Live data is a must have and it has to have very small latency, meaning it can't be five seconds later when the cyclist has gone down or finished across the line.”Timestamps: (01:32) How Shahid got started in tech (04:55) Innovations in 5G(09:06) Challenges and innovations in the Tour de France(18:01) Edge AI and industrial applications(27:38) Lessons from a global role and regulatory challenges(34:03) Teaching Industrial IoT and preparing the workforce--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Shahid on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedIn

How are AI and edge computing revolutionizing the retail industry? In this episode, Bill sits down with Omar El Gohary, Vice President and General Manager of IoT Solutions at ServiceNow​​. Omar shares how AI and edge computing are transforming retail by optimizing operational efficiencies and reshaping customer experiences. He also delves into the challenges of managing distributed data, the impact of GenAI, and the opportunities for innovation in today’s fast-paced retail environment.--------Key Quotes:“ Technology that is use case driven, that brings you benefit, that's where retailers have to go and that's where the benefits lie.”“You do see that retailers that have more robust processes, that have integrated their entire value chain, that are able to act on data and be proactive and not reactive, will definitely have an advantage.”“ One of the key words is how do you reduce the barrier to the adoption of the use cases, right? And that is by having the correct edge device, by having the right data approach and bringing the silos together, and having the right AI components.”--------Timestamps: (04:27) Evolving with technology in retail(06:33) Challenges in digitizing the retail industry(14:38) Technology adoption and its impact on retail(18:00) Breaking down data silos (27:03) Managing distributed data at the edge(39:03) GenAI’s role in transforming retail--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Omar on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedInReimagining Intelligent Modern Retail: Redefining the Retail Experience for TomorrowLearn more about ServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.com/industries/retail.htmlhttps://www.servicenow.com/products/retail-operations.htmlhttps://www.servicenow.com/company/media/press-room/now-assist-ai-industry-solutions.html

In this episode, Bill sits down with Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader of Networking and Edge Compute at Kyndryl, a company that builds and modernizes the world's critical technology systems. Paul provides insights on the cultural challenges between IT and OT teams, the implementation of edge computing across industries, and innovative use cases including robotics in retail, AI deployment, and private 5G networks---------Key Quotes:“To really leverage AI, you have to start with a data foundation. Are you collecting enough information? Is the information that you're collecting correct? Have you got good data integrity? And do you have enough of it over time?” “The value of private 5G networks lies in empowering enterprises to innovate within their own environments.”“The biggest cultural challenge is bridging the gap between IT and OT—it’s a dynamic of trust and risk.”--------Timestamps: (01:11) How Paul got started in tech (05:43) Challenges in IT and OT integration(15:08) Industry use cases and innovations(16:45) Bitcoin mining and edge computing(21:10) AI models and custom solutions(26:33) Global trends and private 5G--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Paul on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedIn

In this episode, we dive into the current state of AI and its future ramifications for society  with Ed Henry, Distinguished Engineer - Artificial Intelligence at Dell and an expert with over 18 years in the tech industry. In a conversation that weaves between science and philosophy, Bill and Ed discuss the challenges of model drift, the societal impacts of technological "feudalism," and the implications of AI trying to recreate human intelligence. ---------Key Quotes:“Should people get involved in AI? Yes, it's going to become a technology that is not going away. Pandora's box has been opened and we're not closing it anytime soon. I do believe that write once, run once code is coming.”“ It used to be that technology was a differentiator for a company. It's not anymore; it's a necessity. What you build on top of that technology that becomes a differentiator.”--------Timestamps: (01:47) How Ed got started in tech (04:46) Understanding AI model drift(08:51) Transformers and future AI applications(18:58) Technological feudalism and social implications(33:24) The philosophical pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence(34:12) The role of AI in automation(48:44) The limitations of current AI models--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Ed on LinkedInFollow Bill on LinkedIn

How is technology shaping the future of neurosurgery? In this episode, Bill sits down with Dr. Lawton, President and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute, Robert F. Spetzler Endowed Chair for Neurosciences, and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Lawton discusses the ways he is bringing new technologies and innovation to neurosurgery, as well as how it could improve patients outcomes and broaden the field’s scope of impact.---------Key Quotes:“If we're able to have these huge datasets where we can take all the brain tumor patients and then go back 10 years before they were ever diagnosed and see what was abnormal then, it might open up these ways to predict or diagnose or even prevent some of these diseases before they get started.” “It's a technological revolution that has all of a sudden allowed us to envision things in neurosurgery that incorporate this tech in ways that we never had 20 years ago… I think probably the best example of that is the brain computer interface. There's the perfect example  of how technology and engineering brought into neurosurgery is going to change the world.”“Instead of taking just six variables, we can take a hundred variables and we can feed them into the black box of AI, and we can look at way more than just those six. And maybe our decision making will be better. Maybe our predictive powers will be different.”--------Timestamps: (02:26) Integrating technology in neurosurgery(06:37) Brain-Computer Interfaces (09:56) Expanding neurosurgical training(19:09) AI in neurosurgery: Diagnostics and beyond(29:16) Mysteries of the Mind and understanding the mind(34:35) Future of neurosurgery in emotional and cognitive interventions--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Watch Dr. Lawton share his vision for how AI and edge solutions can be used to transform neurosurgeryFollow Dr. Lawton on X and InstagramLearn more about Barrow Neurological Institute and neurosurgeryGet to know Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MDDiscover more about Barrow Neurological Institute's newest research quest to solve the mysteries of the mindWatch Dr. Lawton operate in this collection of neurosurgical operative videosFind out what it's like to be a neurosurgeon by watching three seasons of Barrow Neurosurgery Base CampFollow Barrow Neurological Institute on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and FacebookFollow Bill on LinkedIn

How are digital cities transforming the future of urban living? In this episode, Bill chats with Bai Lu, Senior Technologist for Global Digital Cities at Dell, to explore the evolution of digital cities and how they're redefining traditional urban frameworks. Bai Lu shares her journey from engineering to leading digital transformation while exploring how edge computing reduces latency, boosts security, and powers digital twins for smarter city planning. They also dive into the challenges of building digital city projects and highlight innovations like Toyota’s Woven City, offering a glimpse into the future of more connected, sustainable urban landscapes.---------Key Quotes:“One way that we can help the city planners using a digital twin platform is to actually help the city planners to predict. What will be the potential issue that is affecting their sustainability plan, like city traffic or air pollution or noise pollution, when they actually want to build a new project?”“The thing that I'm really looking forward to is this equality of using technology for everyone. There will be no limit to anyone because of location, connectivity, or because of age. I believe the future is not far.”--------Timestamps: (01:23) Bai Lu's journey into technology(05:17) Edge computing in digital cities(09:02) Digital city projects and use cases(12:44) Understanding digital twins(15:47) Bai Lu's favorite digital cities deployment(21:04) Sustainability in digital cities(27:42) Breaking down the complexities of digital city projects(35:23) Toyota Woven City: A futuristic vision(40:59) Future of digital cities and edge computing--------Sponsor:Edge solutions are unlocking data-driven insights for leading organizations. With Dell Technologies, you can capitalize on your edge by leveraging the broadest portfolio of purpose-built edge hardware, software and services. Leverage AI where you need it; simplify your edge; and protect your edge to generate competitive advantage within your industry. Capitalize on your edge today with Dell Technologies.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Learn more about Dell Technologies Smart City SolutionsCheck-out Bai Lu’s recent blog on Forbes Follow Bill on LinkedInFollow Bai Lu on LinkedIn

How is AI transforming security at the edge? In this episode, Bill sits down with Inna Ushakova, Co-Founder and CEO at AI EdgeLabs, to explore the evolving landscape of edge security and its unique challenges compared to cloud and data center security. They discuss the constraints and risks specific to edge environments, the need for lightweight, AI-driven security solutions, and the current state of edge security across various industries. Together, they offer insights into how proactive and automated security measures are reshaping security practices at the edge.---------Key Quotes:“If you talk about adopting AI and machine learning, me personally, I don't really consider this as a huge revolution because it's already a must-have for us. It's not something that we have the privilege to implement or not to implement. It should be already done. You should have it already.”‘There should be some shift from reactive to proactive security.”--------Timestamps: (01:54) Inna's journey into tech(02:17) Understanding security across environments(04:48) Challenges in edge security(06:45) Current threats and vulnerabilities(09:04) Implementing effective edge security(14:05) AI-driven cybersecurity(27:48) Security regulations at the edge(32:40) Edge security across industries(38:59) Future of edge security--------Sponsor:Over the Edge is brought to you by Dell Technologies to unlock the potential of your infrastructure with edge solutions. From hardware and software to data and operations, across your entire multi-cloud environment, we’re here to help you simplify your edge so you can generate more value. Learn more by visiting dell.com/edge for more information or click on the link in the show notes.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Bill on LinkedInFollow Inna on LinkedIn

What makes data lakehouses a game changer in modern data management? In this episode, Bill sits down with Alex Merced, Senior Tech Evangelist at Dremio, to explore the evolution of data lakehouses and their role in bridging the gap between data lakes and data warehouses. Alex breaks down the components of data lakehouses and dives into the rise of Apache Iceberg.---------Key Quotes:“I love just get really deep into technology, really see what it does. And then scream at the rooftops how cool it is. And basically that was my charter. And [Apache] Iceberg, the more I learned about it, the more I realized this is really interesting.”“Interoperability and data. Basically, a lot of the things that kept data in silos is now breaking apart.”"So here we're talking about something that's going to be a standard. And that's when I think of the highest levels of openness matter because if it's something that a whole industry is going to build on, it should be something that the whole industry has to say in its evolution…And that's the beauty of openness that it does create these nice sort of places where we can collaborate and compete together.”--------Timestamps: (01:32) How Alex got started in his career(03:54) Breaking down data lakehouses(07:08) The idea behind an open data lakehouse(10:10) Alex's involvement with Apache Iceberg(15:13) Key components of a data lakehouse(23:41) The growth of Apache Iceberg(32:07) Dremio's Apache Iceberg crash course(38:43) Explaining self-service analytics--------Sponsor:Over the Edge is brought to you by Dell Technologies to unlock the potential of your infrastructure with edge solutions. From hardware and software to data and operations, across your entire multi-cloud environment, we’re here to help you simplify your edge so you can generate more value. Learn more by visiting dell.com/edge for more information or click on the link in the show notes.--------Credits:Over the Edge is hosted by Bill Pfeifer, and was created by Matt Trifiro and Ian Faison. Executive producers are Matt Trifiro, Ian Faison, Jon Libbey and Kyle Rusca. The show producer is Erin Stenhouse. The audio engineer is Brian Thomas. Additional production support from Elisabeth Plutko.--------Links:Follow Bill on LinkedInFollow Alex on LinkedIn