Introduction
For any innovative startup, scaling groundbreaking technology into a real-world solution takes more than just great ideas. It requires the right partners, tools, and expertise. Gillian Switalski, Chief Executive of UK-based Infrared Kinetics (IRK), shared on PeerSpot how Dell Technologies partnered with her team to turn their vision into reality. Dell provided advanced AI technology along with hands-on support throughout the process. Reflecting on their collaboration, she said, “We have been very lucky with Dell recommending and supporting the right kit and allowing us as clients to access their top team.”
The Business Challenge
IR Kinetics needed a partner to help them digitize real-time tracking systems for various industries. Switalski explained their vision of combining real and virtual worlds in new ways. “We marry the real and virtual world,” she said, describing how their system lets users observe real-world events alongside virtual simulations. This innovative concept came with unique challenges. However, Switalski remarked, “We are building something that has not been done before, but the beauty of it was that as soon as they saw what we needed, they were in, helping us and guiding us through.”
As a startup, they dealt with challenges common to fast-growth businesses. They had limited resources, tight timelines, and needed technology capable of scaling globally. Switalski recounted how Dell’s support and recommended equipment helped them succeed. “Ours is a business that is driven by intellectual property, so we have to get to the market quickly. Otherwise, no one is going to take our idea. With Dell supporting and recommending the right kit, it has been fantastic for us. It has made such a difference.”
How Dell Supported IRK
Dell Technologies delivered a comprehensive services-led engagement that enabled IRK to deploy their patented infrared tracking solution successfully. Key highlights of the collaboration include:
- Robust Hardware Solutions
Dell provided customized ruggedized OptiPlex PCs equipped with INTEL processors for trackside use. These acted as edge gateways for real-time data processing. At IRK’s test lab, Alienware PCs powered by high-performance computing ensured smooth sensor data management in a resource-intensive environment. Switalski emphasized how Dell’s hardware was instrumental in achieving their goals. “We wouldn’t have been able to marry the real and virtual worlds without Dell’s system. Their recommendations have been absolutely superb,” she said. - Cutting-Edge AI and Analytics
Dell’s hardware, powered by INTEL CPUs and NVIDIA GPU technology, enhanced IRK’s data analytics capabilities. This made it easier to process and analyze complex datasets crucial for their tracking technology. Switalski explained, “We did look at other solutions, but we use the INTEL and NVIDIA hardware within the Dell solution, which was a big selling point for us.” - Expert Consulting Services
Dell’s AI Consulting Services were key to IRK’s success. From concept to implementation, Dell’s data scientists, technical experts, and the CTO of Dell EMEA provided consistent support. The consulting team went beyond basic services to become true partners in the project. Switalski acknowledged their proactive nature, saying, “Dell took a personal interest in us, offering excellent support and access to upgrades. As soon as they saw what we needed, they were in, helping us every step of the way.”
Key Business Outcomes
Accelerated Time-to-Market
Dell’s collaboration with Infrared Kinetics has fueled IRK’s growth and unlocked new opportunities. With Dell’s expertise, IRK achieved impressive progress in a short time. Switalski shared, “We have gotten much quicker around the curve of what we needed to do… Dell helped us all the way through. We did it all from start to finish in five months.” This rapid development was crucial to bringing their technology to market.
Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs
What made Dell’s support unique was their commitment to understanding IRK’s specific needs. Their tailored solutions and availability of top-tier experts, including the EMEA CTO, allowed IRK to accelerate their timelines. “The product is fantastic, but what has truly stood out is Dell’s support,” Switalski said. “We’re a relatively small business, and I didn’t think Dell would lean into us the way they have. It has been amazing.”
Scaling for Global Impact
Looking ahead, Switalski is confident in Dell’s ability to support IRK’s rapid growth and innovation. “We can quickly reach our market due to their support and the right equipment. Dell has taken a personal interest in us, offering excellent support and access to upgrades. When there is an upgrade, we always have access to that straight away.”
Carmen Vinyard, Strategic Pursuit Lead (Gen AI Services & Consulting) at Dell Technologies, commented that partnerships like this are vital for unlocking AI’s potential across industries. “Collaboration such as the one between the IRK and Dell Technologies is vital if we want compute to unlock the high-growth AI potential across diverse industries such as defense, motor racing, autonomous driving, smart cities, and drone deliveries. We’re also working together on new opportunities such as creating an immersive gaming experience that allows gamers to race against professionals or practice on hyper-realistic tracks. There’s no doubt that many of us will experience this game-changing technology at some point in our lives.”
By continuing to deliver future-ready hardware, services, and support, Dell aims to scale IRK’s technology to hundreds of locations globally. Additional Dell services like ProDeploy and ProSupport will ensure smooth future deployments.
Conclusion
The partnership between Infrared Kinetics and Dell Technologies highlights the power of collaboration between startups and technology providers. From prototypes to full-scale trials, IRK has utilized Dell’s expertise in hardware, AI consulting, and end-to-end support to develop a pioneering real-time tracking solution.
This collaboration has enabled IRK to overcome industry challenges, scale globally, and achieve long-term growth. With Dell’s ongoing support, IRK is poised to lead in digitizing industries and shaping the future of real-time data solutions.
Summing up her experience, Switalski confidently stated, “When you are with Dell, they will support you in anything. You are not going to go wrong.”
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