It was easy to be skeptical several years ago when Calix’s Carl Russo announced a strategic shift from being a hardware to a software-centric company. This was at a time when Software Defined Networking was nascent, at best, and it wasn’t obvious how big a role software could play with purpose-built, access equipment. The complementary message at subsequent Calix User Group conferences was about creating subscriber-centric and subscriber-controlled networks.
This vision of a software defined, subscriber-centric access network were on display at the 2016 Calix User Group, with announcements that included the E9-2 Intelligence Edge system. Built on its AXOS platform, this non-blocking, virtual backplane system supports NG-PON2 and is optimized for the next-generation central office, which fits into the CORD (Central Office Re-architected as a Datacenter) concept. Simply put, this announcement is about bringing the benefits of software defined networking into last-mile access.
Having spent more than a week editing the event videos and seeing presentations either again or for the first time, the content from the 2016 CUG is worth a close view. One takeaway is the importance of preemptive disruption. That is, with the shift to software and the speed of change that implies, no business or job is safe from disruption and it is better to disrupt oneself than wait to be disrupted by the unforeseen competitor.
From Shipping to IoT Farm Containers
Putting software in containers and monitoring and provisioning it through a separate control network is what CropOne Holdings is doing and which could be extremely disruptive to, at least, a segment of agriculture. In the case of CropOne Holdings, the software, according to CEO, Sonia Lo, are the plants. Unlike traditional indoor farming, that is custom-built in an existing building, CropOne Holdings takes a modular approach, whereby they convert used shipping containers into self-contained, hydroponic gardens. In this way, they minimize upfront investment and have a solution that scales as the market evolves.
High-Quality Urban Living Amidst the Suburbs
A huge challenge for city planners is the urban/suburban interface. That is, what’s the best way to introduce the density necessary to improve affordability without destroying the character of a neighborhood. We recently caught up with Sean Rogers of Investment Development Management and he talks about a high-quality, relatively high-density complex his company opened a couple of years ago in an established suburban neighborhood in Portland. [Note, this interview was filmed as part of another video about CenturyLink’s unique MDU broadband deployment approach].
Almost Autonomous Luggage and More
Luggage that follows its owner via a virtual, Bluetooth leash is what NUA debuted at International CES 2016. Nua CTO and cofounder, Liat Ackerman, likens it to a trained dog, as this luggage stays near its owner and has obstacle avoidance technology (i.e. computervision) to prevent it from running into people and/or other obstacles. When the batteries run out of juice, they recharge by simply pulling it like regular luggage. This is another pointer of a not-to-distant future of the ubiquitous robotic helper.
Road to Revolution – AV/EV, A Winning Couple by Michael Vernon Robinson
Part 2 of this ongoing series of the impact of autonomous vehicles on society deals with the complementary attributes of autonomy and electrification. As depicted in the above illustration, Michael Vernon Robinson predicts a future where vehicle design changes due to both autonomy and electrification and an artificial intelligence engine eventually replaces the driver.
Some Tweets and Short Thoughts
- Paul Bunyan Communications is finding a way to leverage the low latency and high-bandwidth of its gigabit fiber network, by hosting this gaming extravaganza next weekend at the Sanford Center arena. Stay tuned….
- The Google Fiber retreat isn’t surprising, given what Google did to rural ISPs for reasons that are still unknown.
- RT @PaulGodsmark “If only there were a tech revolution taking place to prevent the need for at least some of this $200Bn to be spent…. wait…
#driverless!!
The Korner – Matt Polka’s Social Media Bet
“A fun way to communicate and a fun way to learn,” is how Matt Polka describes his social media efforts. He says that social media is a very effective way to build and maintain relationships. Social media help Polka eliminate the friction of distance and time in communicating with ACA members across the U.S.A., as well as regulators and legislators who are concentrated in Washington D.C.
Regardless where Polka is physically, it is apparent that his heart remains in his home town of Pittsburgh. Like many of his ACA members who are loyal to their hometowns, Polka could be called an unofficial ambassador for “The Burgh”. The easy thing for Matt would have been to move to Washington D.C., where much of his work is, but he chose to raise his family in Sixburgh.
His loyalty and knowledge of Pittsburgh’s sports teams, along with his quick wit and seemingly fast fingers, could qualify him to be a color announcer. His Tweets in the first game of the Stanley Cup playoffs allowed this author to follow the action, even after having lost radio reception. This match was extra special for yours truly as it pitted the team from the Valley of the Heart’s Delight against Polka’s squad from The Steel City.
The series inspired a gentlemen’s bet, whereby the fan of the losing team would have to wear the winner’s jersey or t-shirt. What wasn’t expected was that the winner would gift their team’s sportswear to the loser of the bet (as well as gift it to his son). Leave it to Matt for being so gracious in winning.
But, there is a bigger message and that is, social media, if done right, can build and nurture relationships, even it is just not possible to meet in person as often as you would like.
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