Connecting, securing, and operating distributed infrastructure at the edge.
We help hardware startups deploy and operate connected systems in the real world — edge networking, OT infrastructure, and compliance-ready security.
From prototype to field deployment
Building impressive prototypes is one thing. Turning them into reliable, connected infrastructure operating in the real world is another challenge entirely.
Most early-stage teams don't yet have the IT and OT expertise to support these systems. Distributed Edge fills that gap.
Think of us as your external OT and infrastructure team.
Embedded alongside your engineers — not a vendor, a partner.
Suddenly teams must manage:
Systems that operate in the field
We support companies deploying intelligent systems across demanding environments — many sites, reliable connectivity, and operational oversight at scale.
Remote Energy Systems
Water Treatment & Environmental
Industrial IoT
Distributed Sensing Platforms
Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics
Remote Monitoring Networks
Built for wherever your hardware operates
We design infrastructure using the connectivity technologies that best fit your deployment environment — from urban deployments to the most remote environments on earth.
Satellite Communications
Starlink, Iridium, and LEO networks for remote sites
5G & Private Wireless
LTE, private 5G, and next-gen cellular for field deployments
Edge Computing
Containerized compute at the point of operation
Industrial IoT
OT protocols, PLCs, HMIs, and sensor integration
Cloud & AI Integration
Secure data pipelines from the field to the cloud
Resilient by Design
Architectures that keep operating when connectivity degrades
Where does your system fit?
These are illustrative patterns — not prescriptions. Every startup's deployment is different, and we build turnkey solutions tailored to your specific hardware, environment, and constraints.
Air Gapped
For systems in classified, critical infrastructure, or high-security environments where no direct internet connection is permitted. Data flows are strictly controlled through one-way data diodes and jump servers.
Common Use Cases
- Defense and government systems
- Critical infrastructure (water, energy, grid)
- ICS / SCADA deployments
- CMMC / ISA/IEC 62443 compliance
Security built in from day one
Many startups operate within regulated or government-supported ecosystems. We help you design infrastructure that aligns with the relevant frameworks from the start — avoiding costly redesigns later.
We don't certify companies — we help you build the right foundations so certification is achievable when you need it.
CUI Protection
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in nonfederal systems — a prerequisite for many government contracts.
Cybersecurity Maturity Model
Required for DoD contractors. We help you build the infrastructure foundations needed to achieve and maintain certification.
OT Security
The leading standard for securing industrial automation and control systems. Critical for any OT or ICS deployment.
Service Provider Controls
Security and operational controls for service providers. We design infrastructure that supports your SOC 2 audit readiness.
Federal Cloud Authorization
Security authorization for cloud services used by the U.S. federal government. We align cloud architectures to FedRAMP requirements.
Our network of experience becomes yours
A distributed team of engineers, architects, and operators who have built and run these systems at enterprise scale — and now bring that depth to hardware startups.
Nigel Sharp
Startup Solutions Architect
Serial founder with deep hardware and IT infrastructure experience spanning enterprise and startup environments. Mentor across 12+ accelerator programs including Techstars, NATO DIANA, and NSF I-Corps. Brings enterprise-grade thinking to early-stage teams.
Erik Talvi
Network & Identity Systems Engineer
Security and identity systems specialist with experience spanning large-scale network administration, industrial waste and environmental remediation systems, federal research networks, and enterprise identity platforms including OneLogin.
Paul Gentemann
Systems Operator & Infrastructure Specialist
Experienced operator of distributed systems with a background spanning enterprise SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and remote HMI/SCADA environments. Currently deepening expertise in industrial control systems including Ignition and remote operations platforms. Dual CS/Math degrees from UAF.
Brahm Lower
Security Systems & API Engineer
Software engineer with a background in internet security and large-scale web services. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Brings deep expertise in security scanning, APIs at scale, and distributed systems architecture.
Bucky Frost
Linux Systems & Security Engineer
Customer-focused security engineer with hands-on experience across large-scale infrastructure at companies including TikTok and Amazon. Extensive GNU/Linux expertise spanning information security services and enterprise operations.
Nathan Helms
Project Manager & Cybersecurity Specialist
PMP-certified project manager with a cybersecurity background and University of Alaska Fairbanks roots. Experienced in managing complex technical deployments and keeping cross-functional teams aligned from scoping through to delivery.
Brandon Marken, PhD
Hardware & Firmware Security Specialist
PhD in Computer Security (UAF) with hands-on experience at Intel and Microsoft, including work on Windows Defender ATP. Deep expertise in hardware security, firmware analysis, and vulnerability testing.
What we do
Hands-on infrastructure support across the full lifecycle of a distributed hardware deployment.
Edge Networking & Connectivity
Resilient network architectures — satellite, 5G/LTE, and private wireless.
OT Infrastructure & Fleet Management
Device provisioning, remote monitoring, and fleet-scale management.
Secure Device Connectivity
Zero-trust access, encrypted tunnels, and secure OTA update pipelines.
Compliance Architecture
Infrastructure designed to align with NIST, CMMC, ISA/IEC 62443, SOC 2, and FedRAMP.
Remote Monitoring & Telemetry
End-to-end data pipelines from field sensors to cloud dashboards.
Scoping & Advisory
Architecture reviews and gap assessments before problems become field incidents.
Right-sized for early-stage companies
Three ways to engage — from a free first call to ongoing embedded support.
A no-obligation call to understand your deployment, identify the right resources, and determine if there's a fit. No pitch — just honest guidance.
- 30–45 minute discovery call
- Identify key infrastructure challenges
- Point you to the best resources
- Honest fit assessment
- No commitment required
Retainer Based
A focused initial engagement that gives your team a custom technical roadmap — built around your specific deployment, stack, and goals. Expert experience at hand when you need it.
- Custom technical roadmap for your deployment
- Deep-dive with your engineering team
- Architecture and connectivity review
- Edge fleet management fundamentals
- Ongoing support hours included
Built by people who have operated these systems
Our team has operated these systems firsthand — in airports, military installations, industrial facilities, and remote environments. That experience shapes every solution we design.
Enterprise IT & Networking
Large-scale infrastructure design and operations
Operational Technology
PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial control systems
Distributed Hardware
Multi-site deployments in demanding environments
Industrial & Environmental
Water, energy, and environmental monitoring systems
Airports
Military Installations
Industrial Facilities
Remote EnvironmentsHeadquartered in Seattle with team members across the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and Alaska — built for the environments where infrastructure actually lives.
Working with companies building at the edge
We work closely with our clients — embedded infrastructure partners, not vendors.
Aquagga
PFAS water treatment & environmental remediation
Supporting Aquagga's deployment of advanced PFAS water treatment units — connecting OT with secure remote monitoring and control across distributed field sites.
Every other provider we talked to handed us a generic managed services contract and called it a solution. These guys actually understood what we were building, got their hands dirty alongside our team, and delivered something that fit — not a package off a shelf.
— Chris Woodruff, COO — AquaggaDolphin Labs
Wave-powered ocean IoT & sensing platforms
Helping Dolphin Labs build connectivity and data infrastructure for their xNode wave-powered ocean sensing platforms — reliable telemetry from the most remote marine environments.
Their team speaks the language of both hardware and infrastructure fluently. They utilize cutting edge tech to deliver enterprise level IT support, giving us the high end bench strength we need while allowing us to remain lean and focused.
— Rolle Hogan, CEO — Dolphin LabsThe next generation of infrastructure will be intelligent and distributed
Autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, and AI-enabled devices will operate across distributed networks at the edge. The companies building the right operational foundations today will lead this transition.
Building hardware that needs to operate in the real world?
Let's talk. We help startups deploy secure, connected infrastructure that scales from the first field unit to global fleets.
[email protected]