By Byron V. Acohido
For decades, a handful of tech giants have shaped digital infrastructure—and, with it, how businesses and governments manage data, security, and connectivity.
Related: Practical uses for edge computing
Now, the rise of distributed edge computing is being touted as a potential game-changer—pushing processing power closer to users, improving security, and redistributing control over digital assets.
But there’s a familiar pattern: when innovation gains traction, Big Tech tends to absorb it. From cloud computing to AI, the biggest players have used their scale and influence to dominate each successive wave.
Could this time be different? Could hyper-interconnected services actually shift the balance—fueling trust, spreading economic opportunity, even helping to mitigate cybercrime, climate change, or global unrest?
That’s the big question we’re exploring in Last Watchdog’s series on the promise and pitfalls of distributed edge computing. For this third installment, we spoke with Dawn-Marie Vaughan, Cybersecurity Global Offering Lead at DXC Technology, the Ashburn, Va.-based IT services and digital transformation firm.
Here’s our exchange, edited for clarity and length:
LW: Some believe edge computing could break Big Tech’s hold by decentralizing control. Is that realistic—or will dominant players simply reshape the edge in their image?
Vaughan: Moving processing closer to users has real potential to shift control—reducing latency, improving security, and enabling localized data handling. But disruption doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The big players still have the scale and resources to quickly integrate and steer emerging technologies. So yes, edge computing could challenge the status quo—but expect the major firms to remain deeply embedded, just in a more distributed way.
LW: Hyperscalers and telecom giants already position themselves as “edge leaders.” Does this mean they’ll dominate the infrastructure—or is there room for startups and independent players to compete?
Vaughan
Vaughan: Their involvement brings capital, infrastructure, and technical expertise—which accelerates progress, but also raises concerns about dominance. That said, there’s still room for smaller players. Niche markets, specialized solutions, and a focus on open standards can help startups carve out viable paths. At DXC, we run an incubator program that partners with startups to help them grow without being held back by lack of infrastructure or funding. The collaboration is energizing—no internal turf wars, just shared ideas. It’s a model I’d recommend to any organization investing in innovation.
LW: Monetization remains a major hurdle. What business models might support distributed edge services without falling back into centralized dependencies?
Vaughan: To avoid replicating old patterns, new models have to stand on their own. Subscription services, pay-per-use options, and decentralized marketplaces all offer alternatives. Blockchain may also play a role, especially for securing and verifying transactions. The key is staying fiscally independent of centralized platforms.
LW: From a security standpoint, does decentralization help or hurt? Can companies actually improve their security posture by moving away from hyperscalers?
Vaughan: More distribution means broader attack surfaces—that’s a real concern. Moving away from hyperscalers may give you more control, but not necessarily stronger security. A layered approach—zero trust architecture, advanced threat detection, strong encryption—is essential. Working with security-focused partners and using edge-specific safeguards can make a difference. But it’s not about choosing between Big Tech and the edge; it’s about crafting the right balance for your specific risk profile.
LW: AI complicates this picture. Most large models are trained in centralized clouds. Is decentralized AI actually viable—or will this just deepen our reliance on the major platforms?
Vaughan: It’s viable—especially when we rethink how AI is developed and deployed. Edge AI is on the rise, helping with real-time decisions, reducing latency, and preserving privacy. We’re seeing progress in dedicated AI chips for edge devices and frameworks that support distributed inference. While training large models will likely remain a cloud function, the actual use of those models—where decisions are made—can increasingly happen at the edge. A hybrid model is emerging.
LW: Is regulation needed to steer edge computing toward decentralization—or can the market get there on its own?
Vaughan: Regulation plays an important role, especially around competition, data privacy, and open standards. But it shouldn’t work alone. Market dynamics—technological advances, shifting user expectations—also drive change. The best outcomes will come from a combination of thoughtful policy and organic innovation. We need environments where both startups and incumbents can thrive.
LW: Fast forward five years. What will determine whether edge computing lives up to its disruptive potential—or ends up reinforcing central control?
Vaughan: A few things: Open standards will be critical. So will the ability of smaller players to innovate and compete. But perhaps most important is adoption—whether organizations and users are willing to embrace more decentralized models. If those factors align, edge computing could reshape the digital landscape in meaningful ways.
LW: What’s DXC’s role in making this future possible?
Vaughan: We’re helping organizations take practical steps into edge computing. For example, Luxoft’s Edge Acceleration Framework (LEAF) supports software-defined vehicles and automotive applications. And our DXC Connect service enables secure mobile connectivity. More broadly, we provide scalable, secure edge solutions that help businesses move beyond traditional infrastructure. By emphasizing open standards and building strong partnerships, we aim to make edge computing not just viable—but transformative.
LW: Anything else you’d like to add?
Vaughan: Edge computing marks a significant evolution in how we manage data and infrastructure. The road ahead will have challenges, but the upside is huge. At DXC, we’re committed to building a more secure, decentralized, and equitable digital future—through collaboration, innovation, and a clear sense of purpose.
Acohido
Pulitzer Prize-winning business journalist Byron V. Acohido is dedicated to fostering public awareness about how to make the Internet as private and secure as it ought to be.