Ludovic Lassauce, CPO, SIMO, 0
Although cloud and edge computing depend on network connectivity, they differ greatly. As we explore this connection further, it becomes clear that integrating edge and cloud computing is a technological development and a strategic requirement for companies operating in the digital era. In conversation with CEO Insights Asia, Ludovic Lassauce, CPO, SIMO, shares inputs about the role of network connectivity in linking digital tools, business, and human life.
How do you perceive connectivity’s role in powering cloud and edge computing today?
I believe connectivity is the cornerstone of everything. Enterprises increasingly rely on distributed workloads across cloud and edge computing, especially with a remote workforce that completes most tasks from home. This heightened reliance underscores the need for robust and intelligent connectivity. Connectivity serves as a crucial link between edge computing and the cloud; without it, edge computing cannot provide real-time responsiveness, and the cloud cannot operate reliably at scale.
Particularly with dispersed edge clients, connectivity might become much more mobile. For that, you will perhaps need the same things that you need when you want to connect to the infrastructure, such as reliability, redundancy and connectivity. Additionally, you will need a mechanism that helps you connect this edge across the globe.
Furthermore, satellites are now being installed for businesses. Since they lack the expertise to connect with them, they will either need to deal directly with mobile operators or with organizations like ours to help them improve their connectivity from a reliability, redundancy, and resilience viewpoint in addition to a cost standpoint.
How would you describe the role of the latest technologies, AI & ML in enhancing network connectivity?
AI and ML are completely revolutionizing network connectivity from the inside out. They enable companies like ours to dynamically route traffic based on different criteria. For instance, performance could optimize latency or optimize cost and security. However, different workloads will have different requirements.
Currently, you can optimize how you move workloads from the edge to the cloud. And the key to increasing the efficiency of this dynamic switching is through AI. Not to mention, AI and ML are widely known for their expertise in managing customer relationships as operators and carriers. For instance, AI has become an extension of service centers and call centers by enhancing quality and efficiency and delivering timely responses.
When it comes to quality, AI is significantly enhancing network connectivity. At SIMO, we receive a lot of logs and technical information from the network, which we use to process gigabytes of data per device. Previously,
we processed gigabytes of data for each device, making it difficult for our engineering team to analyze these logs effectively. Now, with the help of AI, we can support our engineering team in understanding downtime, identifying issues, and enhancing network performance.
Lastly, I believe AI can be very useful for network connectivity by helping to understand customers and how they use your network. It could also make predictions, potentially making your network capacity planning more efficient.
How would you describe the role of a modern-day product officer?
The role need not necessarily involve owning a roadmap. It's really a crossroads in an organization between different departments and in being the voice of your customer. We are bringing customer voice to the strategy table to ensure the alignment between cross-functional teams, derive clear outcomes, and drive innovation focused on both commercial and user-centric viability.
I view this as a bridge between the company’s vision and its execution. It transforms bold ideas into scalable innovations that leave a significant impact on businesses and society while ensuring their commercial viability.
What is the kind of change in dynamics when hiring young talent today in product management teams?
In my team, we have both very senior executives and younger members, all of whom are aligned with our objectives. What I find particularly interesting about the younger generation is that they have grown up in a mobile-first world. This perspective shapes how they receive product information and how sensitive they are to advertisements. Then there are influencers who add another essence in influencing consumer behavior.
This perspective influences the way we design our products for the market, how users engage with them, and their patience when waiting for product launches. One advantage that the younger generation brings to a product organization is their unique insights.
Furthermore, I’ve observed that organizations, in general, are driven by merit and competence. These core values remain constant, regardless of whether someone is from the younger generation or not.
Also Read: Kirsty Coventry's Vision for the Future of IOC
What is your anticipation for the future of connectivity going forward?
The future of connectivity will be primarily ubiquitous and seamlessly integrated into our surroundings. I predict that in five to ten years, drones and connected robots will fill our skies, performing tasks on our behalf. These technologies will enhance productivity and efficiency in society. However, they will need to be connected efficiently and powered by AI. This will call for constant communication between these devices and the cloud. While 5G networks are already being deployed, satellites will play a significant role in this connectivity ecosystem. The future will likely combine both cellular and satellite technologies. However, deploying cellular base stations can be cost-prohibitive in remote locations like the sea, deserts, or high altitudes. This is how I envision the future of connectivity: borderless and fully encompassing the planet. Interestingly and most importantly, it should be noted that connectivity will serve as the backbone of our society. Reliability and performance will be crucial aspects of this connectivity.
Lastly, I believe AI can be very useful for network connectivity by helping to understand customers and how they use your network. It could also make predictions, potentially making your network capacity planning more efficient.
It's really a crossroads in an organization between different departments and in being the voice of your customer.
How would you describe the role of a modern-day product officer?
The role need not necessarily involve owning a roadmap. It's really a crossroads in an organization between different departments and in being the voice of your customer. We are bringing customer voice to the strategy table to ensure the alignment between cross-functional teams, derive clear outcomes, and drive innovation focused on both commercial and user-centric viability.
I view this as a bridge between the company’s vision and its execution. It transforms bold ideas into scalable innovations that leave a significant impact on businesses and society while ensuring their commercial viability.
What is the kind of change in dynamics when hiring young talent today in product management teams?
In my team, we have both very senior executives and younger members, all of whom are aligned with our objectives. What I find particularly interesting about the younger generation is that they have grown up in a mobile-first world. This perspective shapes how they receive product information and how sensitive they are to advertisements. Then there are influencers who add another essence in influencing consumer behavior.
This perspective influences the way we design our products for the market, how users engage with them, and their patience when waiting for product launches. One advantage that the younger generation brings to a product organization is their unique insights.
Furthermore, I’ve observed that organizations, in general, are driven by merit and competence. These core values remain constant, regardless of whether someone is from the younger generation or not.
Also Read: Kirsty Coventry's Vision for the Future of IOC
What is your anticipation for the future of connectivity going forward?
The future of connectivity will be primarily ubiquitous and seamlessly integrated into our surroundings. I predict that in five to ten years, drones and connected robots will fill our skies, performing tasks on our behalf. These technologies will enhance productivity and efficiency in society. However, they will need to be connected efficiently and powered by AI. This will call for constant communication between these devices and the cloud. While 5G networks are already being deployed, satellites will play a significant role in this connectivity ecosystem. The future will likely combine both cellular and satellite technologies. However, deploying cellular base stations can be cost-prohibitive in remote locations like the sea, deserts, or high altitudes. This is how I envision the future of connectivity: borderless and fully encompassing the planet. Interestingly and most importantly, it should be noted that connectivity will serve as the backbone of our society. Reliability and performance will be crucial aspects of this connectivity.