Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Hawes.
Edward, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had 30 years of experience in the computing industry as a consultant working with the Fortune 500 before I started vCompute.
I wanted to do something different in the computing industry that would change the way computing was used by corporations. Utility computing was the idea! Create a company to sell compute time to companies as a service, allowing clients to use vCompute super computing resources when their own internal computing was overbooked.
I started vCompute in September, 2003. It was not an easy road, as the cost of computing equipment and expense of hosting co-location centers was more than anyone could easily afford. I tried for many months to find investors, banks, etc. It was a new technology concept and had yet to be a proven industry. Finally, after spending countless hours in meetings, vCompute finally found some angel investors to help get it off the ground.
I had a particular interest in bioinformatics and other medical segments, hoping to assist in cancer research and drug designs. Utilizing such large amounts of computing power can make a big difference in finding cures for disease. Many research organizations have limited computational resources. Over the years, vCompute has processed thousands of jobs in these areas.
Whatever industry, “compute power” plays a key role. Having more computing resources would also allow clients to compete with larger companies when the computing resources become the critical factor. Our services allow clients to win the business or speed up delivery of internal computing results. Having immediate access to these resources can be a valuable tool for small and large organizations globally.
Over the last 14 years, through conservative management and slow and steady growth, vCompute has finally achieved a solid footprint in an industry that is still developing. vCompute has become a premier global provider of high performance computing and managed services for energy, manufacturing, scientific, government and other commercial sectors.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This was one of the most difficult businesses I have ever had to start. The biggest challenge was the cost of super computing hardware and the power and space to host it. The other real struggle was convincing clients that offsite computing can be used securely and affordably.
vCompute was an early adopter of clustered computing. Hooking together thousands of computers to create one massive super computer was a bold new concept, and companies were interested, but had no experience in this type of service. This made the sell cycle long and difficult.
vCompute was shaping the cloud computing industry.
vCompute – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We have two primary market segments:
vCompute is a premier global provider of high performance, private cloud computing and managed services for energy, manufacturing, scientific, government and many other commercial sectors.
vCompute builds and provides custom data center space and features menu items such as natural gas generators, advanced environmental controls, power bus systems, advanced power management and much more. vCompute capitalizes the custom centers, allowing clients to expand their compute facilities without the need for large capital expenditures.
Our success is a result of managing cost and developing futuristic concepts and solutions for the computing industry.
By concentrating on efficiency and utilizing “best of breed” technology, vCompute has become an enabler for many corporations to achieve higher levels of productivity. Our innovations and customized service components allow our clients to realize a reduction in cost of compute resources and data center facilities.
What I am most proud of, when I think about vCompute, is its role in defining what is now known as the cloud computing industry. Since 2003, vCompute has demonstrated that on-demand or utility computing was a winner from the beginning.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
How I measure success is not based on the amount of money someone has made, but rather how that money is used for the betterment of everyone around you; when you look in the mirror and know that the people that helped you get there are the ones you owe the most to.
Success means paying it forward and letting those that contributed to your success also receive the gratitude and rewards.
When I look at most successful people, they are humble, honest, fair and extremely ethical. They don’t live life for the “quick hit”, but rather they build for the future, leaving something behind that benefits many around them for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Address: vCompute
1717 N. Sam Houston Parkway W.
Suite 125B
Houston Texas 77038 - Website: http://vcompute.com
- Phone: 281 213 3420
- Email: vcompute@vcompute.com
Image Credit:
Johnny H
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