EDGE COMPUTING

Enterprise storage without traditional arrays Data management represents another core hurdle at distributed sites. Conventional enterprise storage arrays are bulky, expensive and impractical to install inside retail storefronts, branch offices or harsh industrial environments. However, executing localised AI inference models still demands highperformance data access and continuous data availability.

ratio by which enterprise adoption of task-specific, small AI models is projected to outpace general-purpose large language models by 2027( Gartner)

WHAT IS SDS?

Software-defined storage( SDS) abstracts physical storage drives from underlying server hardware, combining local storage media across multiple nodes into a unified, softwaremanaged pool. In edge environments, SDS eliminates dedicated storage arrays, providing data availability, automated replication and fault tolerance directly within compact edge hardware without needing onsite storage specialists.

The partnership addresses this infrastructure gap by incorporating Portworx by Everpure. Operating as a software-defined storage layer, Portworx aggregates local NVMe and SSD drives inside Supermicro’ s edge servers into a resilient, software-managed storage pool. This design removes the requirement for dedicated physical storage arrays at remote sites.

Crucially, software-defined storage ensures operational continuity during network outages. If an edge facility loses connectivity to the central data centre, localised AI inference applications continue running autonomously. Once wide-area network links are restored, storage pools automatically synchronise operational data with central corporate databases.

Greg Muscarella, General Manager of Portworx by Everpure, says:“ Enterprises deploying AI at the edge face a critical infrastructure gap. They need enterprisegrade storage and data protection, but they can’ t run traditional arrays in environments like retail stores or factory floors. Together with Supermicro and Red Hat, we’ re delivering a validated, turnkey solution that combines Portworx services customers rely on like consistent management, built-in resilience and the operational simplicity to scale to thousands of sites without the need for on-site IT expertise.”

90 September 2026