Generalized Edge Compute (Gecko), Akamai’s innovative edge computing platform, aims to bring full-fledged compute capabilities closer to users globally. John Bradshaw, Director of Cloud Computing Technology and Strategy at Akamai, discusses how Gecko will revolutionize edge computing by placing compute capabilities close to users. He highlights efforts to optimize user experience, enhance security, and expand Gecko’s reach in 2024. He says, “Gecko is putting real compute within milliseconds of actual users all over the world.”

How Gecko will shape true edge computing and what Akamai’s edge means

• Bradshaw discusses how Gecko will shape the future stating that it represents true edge computing by placing full-fledged compute capabilities close to end users globally, enabling complex workloads and inferencing at the edge.
• Bradshaw talks about Akamai’s partnerships to optimize user experience. He highlights gaming and how its technology supports billions of daily interactions, enhancing content consumption and entertainment experiences.
• Akamai’s interpretation of ‘edge’ involves building core centers with cloud computing facilities and extending them to 4,100 global points of presence. Bradshaw explains how Akamai aims to provide real compute power close to users.

Data challenges at the edge and Akamai’s approach to security

• Bradshaw notes the data challenge, suggesting workflows at the edge that process and summarize data locally, only send essential data back for further processing.
• Bradshaw highlights emerging use cases, including hyper-personalization as an exciting new use case, where a retailer uses local weather data to tailor recommendations for users.
• Security is central to Akamai’s approach, evolving from CDN distribution to becoming a major security player in cloud services. Bradshaw explains how Akamai addresses security challenges with tools for protecting API calls, internet access, and workload authentication.
• Akamai is enhancing security through Gecko’s phase 3, which includes orchestration and fleet management tools to support the growing edge environment.
• Bradshaw discusses the impact of edge computing on developer experience. He explains how developers can enhance experience with faster interactions and localized processing.

Akamai’s roadmap for 2024 for Gecko

• Bradshaw shares Akamai’s plans for 2024, including its plans to launch 25 Gecko regions soon, expanding to 100 locations worldwide by the end of the year. Subsequent phases will include introducing a managed container solution to deploy workloads close to users and fleet management capabilities.

Guest: John Bradshaw (LinkedIn)
Company: Akamai (Twitter)
Show: Let’s Talk

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.