Doug Recker

Doug Recker is a highly respected veteran in the telecommunications industry with over 25 years of experience. He excels in managing, designing, implementing, and deploying edge data center infrastructure across the U.S. for client sites. Mr. Recker founded Edge Presence in 2017, which was later acquired by Ubiquity in 2023. Prior to that, he established Colo5 Data Centers LLC, which was acquired by Cologix, Inc. in 2014. His experience in the United States Marine Corps has instilled in him the value of team development and leadership, qualities that have greatly contributed to his successful career.

What technology breakthrough would pave the way for the ICT industry?

The convergence of edge computing and AI, what we call Edge AI, has been a major technology breakthrough within the telecommunications industry, and it is currently paving the way for a more connected future. This shift is transforming how data is processed, analyzed, and acted upon. By moving intelligence closer to where data is generated, we are able to drastically reduce latency, improve security, and enable real-time decision-making for everything, from autonomous vehicles to industrial automation. Paired with the rollout of 5G, this infrastructure can support hyper-connected, low-latency applications at scale. This technology is already unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities for schools, hospitals, and businesses in traditionally underserved areas.

How can telecommunications technologies help humanity?

By connecting people globally and enabling instant communication, telecommunications technologies are responsible for the advancement of humanity, making it possible for individuals, businesses, and other organizations to communicate across geographical borders. They also drive digital transformation, improving quality of life and economic opportunities by powering innovations in industries like healthcare, education, and finance. However, not everyone currently has access to these groundbreaking benefits. There are communities across the United States that are falling behind, and that’s the area we at Duos Edge AI hope to see transformed by telecommunications technology in the coming years. As society becomes more digitally connected, it’s part of our mission to ensure that rural and underserved areas are able to keep up, particularly when it comes to access to educational resources, and we’re working to fulfill this mission through our edge data center solutions.

How can corporations and researchers best serve the next generation?

One of the most important ways that we can all serve the next generation is by working to create equitable access to advanced technology, especially in underserved and rural communities. One way that we at Duos Edge AI are working to do this is by deploying high-powered edge data centers close to end users, minimizing latency and enabling real-time data processing for critical sectors like education and healthcare. By localizing computing resources, we empower local institutions and businesses to harness digital resources without the barriers of distance or prohibitive costs. If more corporations and researchers would investigate the benefits these facilities can bring to underserved areas and champion their development, they could help to close the digital divide and foster innovation and economic development across the country, giving young people everywhere the same opportunities to learn, create, and thrive.

What value does PTC hold for you/your company?

PTC is a global leader in advancing digital infrastructure throughout the Pacific Rim, which is perfectly in line with Duos Edge AI’s goal to close the digital divide and bridge the connectivity gap, ensuring that underserved areas have the same access to digital resources as more technologically developed regions. Maintaining a connection to PTC will be instrumental as we strive to meet our ambitious goals for the coming years, creating invaluable access to resources, networking opportunities, and likeminded people and communities.

Through attendance at PTC events, participation in the Council’s activities/initiatives, use of PTC’s educational resources, and interaction with other PTC members and member organizations, Duos Edge AI will be further set up for success as we seek to deploy more edge data centers across the U.S. to foster technological growth.

How does PTC fit your company’s goals or career purpose?

PTC aligns closely with Duos Edge AI’s company goals by serving as a strategic platform for networking, collaboration, and industry visibility. As a leading conference for digital infrastructure and telecommunications, PTC can help us expand our edge data center footprint and AI solutions across the country. By participating in PTC, we will be better able to showcase our innovative edge computing technology, supporting our goal to expand into new regions, states, and sectors. Additionally, PTC’s focus on sustainability and digital equity resonates with our commitment to providing energy-efficient solutions to help bridge the digital divide. We believe that PTC will serve as a catalyst for Duos Edge AI to accelerate our mission, foster valuable partnerships, and remain at the forefront of digital infrastructure innovation.

What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?

In this field, adaptability and continuous learning are key. As the industry rapidly evolves with advancements in AI, edge computing, IoT, and more, being open to acquiring new skills and staying current with emerging technologies will continue to be essential. In addition, developing expertise in scalable and modular solutions is highly valuable and is likely to become even more relevant as demand peaks. Sustainability and resource management are other key considerations, as data centers consume significant power and face growing regulations and scrutiny. As graduates prepare to enter the industry, our advice is to be mindful of these factors and consider innovative ways to design energy-efficient telecom infrastructure. Graduates entering the field should also recognize the vast opportunities in underserved Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets – smaller cities and rural areas that have historically lacked robust digital infrastructure. Our focus at Duos Edge AI is on expanding connectivity in these regions to create more equitable access to technology, and the more emerging professionals that turn their attention to these areas, the quicker we will all be able to bridge the digital divide, together.

What is something that not that many people know about you?

Long before working in the data center and edge computing industries and launching Duos Edge AI, I started my career by selling long-distance and fiber optic lines door-to-door after serving in the United States Marine Corps. That early experience in direct sales was essential to sharpening my sales skills while also providing me with deep insights into the backbone fiber industry, which later helped shape my approach to building modular and scalable data centers for underserved markets. That on-the-ground experience was also important in showing me the value of community partnerships, which have been a cornerstone of the work we have done so far at Duos Edge AI.