Session Abstract:
Converged Edge CoE panelists share leading use cases for Edge and what those solutions look like behind the scenes. The panelists will dissect the interoperability and compatibility of key Edge solutions, giving attendees a unique reverse-engineered peek under the hood.
With a proliferation of providers on the market, ensuring that your edge solution is scalable, secure, and innovative is anything but straightforward. Reaching your goals requires a mix of solutions across the edge ecosystem ranging from edge hardware to orchestration to AI to runtime to a highly capable integration partner. In this session, panelists from each of these disciplines will share their best practices based on thousands of deployments. Join us for an engaging dialog on choosing the right hardware, how to apply AI at the edge, critical security considerations for OT networks, and so much more.
Speakers:
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.
Cole Edmundson, is a highly accomplished IoT expert with a deep passion for driving innovation and creating cutting-edge solutions. With a strong background in technology and a comprehensive understanding of IoT, Cole has firmly established himself as a thought leader in the industry. Throughout his career, Cole has successfully implemented IoT strategies that optimize business processes, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional user experiences. His ability to identify emerging trends and transform them into tangible business opportunities has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a forward-thinking and results-driven trusted advisor. With extensive experience spanning various industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, transportation, retail, public safety, and energy, Cole has consistently provided strategic guidance and implementation expertise, helping organizations unlock the full potential of end-to-end IoT solutions. His unwavering commitment to excellence positions him as a leading authority within the IoT ecosystem. Cole’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible continues to shape the future of IoT, generating meaningful data-based outcomes for individuals and enterprises alike.
Zachary Stank is the Product Marketing Manager of Automation Systems and Safety at Phoenix Contact USA, Inc, where he has dedicated 13 years of service. At Phoenix Contact USA, Zachary’s expertise lies in developing and implementing marketing strategies that elevate product visibility and enhance user engagement within the industrial automation sector. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering and quality, he seamlessly transitioned to marketing, leveraging collaborative leadership and market research to drive innovative educational content, including the Control Cabinet Classroom series and many published articles. In his role, Zachary not only crafts compelling product messages but also nurtures the skills of his team, enabling them to better support Phoenix Contact’s product offerings. Zachary is committed to empowerment through knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring his audience is well-prepared for their own digital transformation journey.
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.”
Jeff Brown is Vice President of Advantech Corporation’s Industrial IoT division, overseeing operations across the United States and Canada. Advantech is a global leader in Industrial Edge communications and computing, providing mission-critical technology solutions to top companies in the healthcare, energy, transportation, and factory automation industries. Working with domain-specific partners to co-create innovative Industrial IoT solutions, Advantech supports industry-tailored technologies empowering customers to drive digital transformation across various sectors. With a background in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University and an MBA from Roosevelt University, Jeff brings more than 25 years of experience in the industrial edge compute and connectivity spaces.
Sanjeev Heda
– Principal Industry Consultant for the Internet of Things (IoT) division at SAS

