Extending Clouds to the Edge: The Case for Aggregation Edge Data Centers

In today’s era, enterprises operate within an increasingly competitive environment and rely on digital technology platforms for differentiation. This has created demand for innovative data center technologies, such as hybrid cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and high-speed 5G networks, to improve business results. The acceleration of edge computing capabilities extends the benefits of these technologies closer to the end device, where data is increasingly being sourced and processed. As these capabilities mature, enterprises are discovering new methods to improve business efficiencies and grow revenues by leveraging digital technology.

These trends have led to the increased digitization of business processes at the edge. For example, the manufacturing industry is accelerating time to market by digitizing production through advanced analytics and quick-service restaurants are using voice recognition technology to improve customer experience. However, to leverage the performance of edge technology, companies need to consider a new approach to their data center footprint, because next-generation applications will depend on low latency and reliable infrastructure, in addition to an ecosystem of technology providers.

• Low-latency performance: Low-latency performance is a critical requirement for edge applications. It is essential for enabling real-time capabilities, since milliseconds of difference in latency can impact an outcome significantly. To address this challenge, enterprises are adopting geographically distributed technology infrastructure. By hosting applications closer to their operations or customers, companies can reduce the distance data travels from an end device back to their data center, which can result in improved performance for today’s latency-sensitive applications.
• Access to the digital ecosystem: Another key requirement for edge applications is access to cloud and network services beyond traditional data centers. These foundational technologies are necessary for the modern exchange of data and include infrastructure-as-a-service, network peering, and connectivity. As a result, it is important for data centers to provide direct connections to the technology ecosystem through cloud onramps and internet exchanges to access these services efficiently.
• Security and compliance: Lastly, enterprises will continue to depend on reliable infrastructure partners to deploy their applications. This is critical to reduce business disruptions and maintain regulatory compliance. Companies will need data center partners with significant operational experience and secure, redundant facilities, allowing them to focus more on improving business outcomes and less on managing risk.

One way to address these challenges and realize the benefits of modern technologies is by colocating in an American Tower Aggregation Edge Data Center. Our new product line delivers a seamless connection from the cloud to the edge by improving performance, increasing flexibility, and delivering reliable data center colocation services.

Scalable Performance

To provide local infrastructure for edge applications, American Tower evaluated current and future real estate assets to meet customer needs. This research confirmed that American Tower currently has data center capable assets within 50 miles of 99% of the continental U.S. population and the ability to build infrastructure required to enable low-latency use cases.¹ Several of these locations have been designated as “shovel ready” after a thorough review of real estate and customer feedback, indicating construction design has begun and “near-premise” data centers can be rapidly built based on demand.

American Tower’s first Aggregation Edge Data Center is in Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina and one of the fastest growing metro locations in the U.S.² Raleigh is also widely regarded for its rich culture, academic institutions, and access to employment opportunities across industries. In fact, Raleigh and neighboring Chapel Hill and Durham are referred to as the “Research Triangle” due to their proximity to major research institutions and technology companies.

Access to the Digital Ecosystem

Aggregation Edge Data Centers extend cloud benefits to the edge, helping enterprise customers enhance connectivity, scalability, and flexibility.

Open Cloud Exchange® (OCX): One primary method is through the OCX, which is a software-defined networking platform from CoreSite, an American Tower company. The OCX platform helps companies manage multiple private connections, increasing business agility and improving time to market by scaling connectivity between private and public infrastructure based on demand.

Any2Exchange®: Another method is through the Any2Exchange, which enables internet peering. With more than 400 members, CoreSite operates some of the largest internet exchanges in the U.S. This platform provides peering connectivity between networks, clouds, and enterprises within our data centers, improving performance, reducing costs, and increasing redundancy through efficient network traffic exchange.

Trusted Technology Partner

Our Aggregation Edge Data Centers also provide redundancy and best-in-class customer support for a reliable experience from a trusted partner.

Operational excellence: American Tower has more than 25 years of experience as an owner and operator of digital infrastructure. Today, we have more than 224,000 assets across 25 countries and partner with nearly 35,000 landowners. Our dedicated teams, consistent and efficient processes, and leading portfolio help us provide a best-in-class experience for customers.

Network Operations Center (NOC): Customers will also enjoy 24/7/365 support through our NOC. Our trained staff proactively works to identify and correct potential challenges, support equipment installations, and conduct site maintenance as needed. We have a highly skilled staff of engineers and technicians ready to help customers stay online.

Security and redundancy: Finally, Aggregation Edge Data Centers are secure, redundant facilities at the edge. Customers will benefit from physical security measures, including full site surveillance and two-factor authentication, in addition to redundant network and power capabilities. These measures ensure IT equipment remains operational throughout the year.

Conclusion

American Tower is accelerating customers’ transition to the edge with our Aggregation Edge Data Centers. Visit americantower.com/aggregationedge to learn more about the benefits of our Data Centers, contact us to learn more about colocating in our Raleigh Data Center, or follow us on LinkedIn to receive updates.