EVOLUTE
Software Distribution at the Edge
THE CHALLENGE
Moving software to the Edge
Distributing software to the edge is a difficult task with bandwidth constraints or unreliable connections.
Containers help but traditional containers are quite large (8GB+), requiring days or weeks to reach the edge.
The energy company has hundreds of remote sites requiring software updates, representing millions in potential cost savings.
THE CHALLENGE
Go to the Edge
Evolute’s container size is below 1GB, making them perfect for the Edge.
The challenge was adapting Evolute’s Docker/Kubernetes container management platform for software distribution at the edge without compromising the core product.
THE APPROACH
Competitive review
Competitive review of other container management platforms yielded two solid competitors.
Not adapted for Edge distribution.
Slow and unreliable.
THE APPROACH
Workflow Analysis
We interviewed users to gather the desired functionalities.
We determined the necessary steps and all the required actions.
We mapped the workflow to visualize and inform the design.
THE APPROACH
Wireframes
We identified the common patterns between the core product and the Edge workflow requirements.
We created a new product section building on the common patterns.
We constructed all the wireframes required to support the distribution workflow.
THE APPROACH
User validation
Using Invision, an online prototyping tool, we validated the approach with users.
We received an enthusiastic reaction with 100% “would buy” responses.
THE RESULTS
Impacts
We provided Evolute with a full definition of the new features and how they complemented the core product vision.
We defined how the features will integrate and provide a great user experience while solving a complex edge distribution problem.
We saved Evolute tens of thousands of dollars in development cost by focusing the work on the key elements.
The new features also opened up a $1m+ revenue opportunity for the company.