Here’s how Jacksonville-based startup Duos is changing rural communities’ access to high-quality digital connectivity. They’re doing this, in part, by deploying modular data centers. These modular plants are roughly the size of a shipping container. They take on the ever-growing need for affordable, high-quality internet access in communities that have historically been marginalized. Duos’ main service area is in the Texas panhandle region and Florida. Most recently, however, they went bigger by adding a new footprint with their new data center created in partnership with the local Amarillo, Texas school district.
The new central data center in Amarillo becomes the hub from which the school district drives data to the various campuses that make up its digital learning platform. This proven solution gives students and educators access to the affordable, reliable connectivity they need to thrive. It removes the internet latency hurdles they had to deal with in the past. Before Duos came along, that data had to move over 500 miles before coming into Dallas. This distance really limited immediate access to educational materials.
Doug Recker, President, Duos Technologies explained the benefits of their distributed data center model. “The pod enables that to happen because they can compute on site and host that environment on site where they couldn’t do it before because of the latency issues,” he stated.
Duos is currently deploying additional pods in the Texas panhandle and Florida. This action will help address the increasing demand for connectivity in underserved rural communities. The company really bets big by choosing locations for these pods where they know there will be enough customers to make that investment worthwhile. Each pod holds 15 different racks. You can lease them out one at a time for a monthly fee that varies from $1,800 to $3,000, depending on usage and maintenance. This business model enables Duos to support its own operations without the need for government bailouts. In doing so, it allows the business to be more profitable while providing critical services to rural communities.
Not only by building up data centers but Duos has brought some real innovation in their system of dispatching maintenance workers. This is key to making sure problems are fixed as quickly as possible. The company uses a highly intensive auditing standard, which remotely tracks all work completed on every piece of equipment. This proactive approach is the key to minimizing downtime and keeping our infrastructure working as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.
One of the core philosophies guiding Duos are its devotion to utilizing more tried-and-true, less-relatively-new equipment. This decision arises from their desire to reduce energy use and cost, while continuing to provide the best service possible. Duos uses technology that’s rock solid with a track record of successful deployments behind it. This approach reduces operational costs without sacrificing environmental stewardship.
With demand for this new type of connectivity ever increasing, Duos will be installing its second Amarillo pod shortly. The resulting reaction from the home town has proven there is a great need for better digital infrastructure, especially in the realm of education. “Say your AC unit goes down at two in the morning,” Recker explained, emphasizing the importance of having local resources readily available for immediate support.
Duos’ creative approach to solving connectivity challenges in rural communities is a great example of how technology can help connect the unconnected. By providing small data centers tailored to local needs, the company empowers communities with the tools necessary for modern education and communication.