Staying the Course: How Long-Life Infrastructure Protects Healthcare’s Most Critical Investments

The Evolution of Healthcare: A New Era Powered by Technology Healthcare as we know it today has advanced dramatically compared to the past four to five decades. Technology has brought groundbreaking innovations, improving life expectancy rates, healthcare delivery, prevention, monitoring, and overall patient care. In 2025, it’s estimated that 75 percent of medical data will occur at the edge. AI and Edge Computing: Driving Precision Medicine Forward Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of revolutionizing the landscape of edge-based medical devices, playing an instrumental role in diagnostics and treatment strategies. AI in modern medical devices connected to the edge plays a pivotal role in the new era of data-driven, precision medicine, optimizing patient outcomes and empowering healthcare practitioners with advanced tools for more immediate, accurate diagnosis and intervention. AI algorithms embedded in medical devices analyze vast amounts of patient data swiftly and accurately, enabling early detection of diseases and conditions and improving prognosis and treatment outcomes. The predictive analytics drawn from AI can also significantly reduce unnecessary tests and procedures and guide and augment surgeons during treatment. Given the importance of these devices, the amount of generated data, the reliability necessary for critical medical environments, and the speed at which data must be available and accessible, edge architectures are vital. Data processing, analysis, and storage must occur at the collection point to enable urgent decisions. The low latency, high bandwidth, and security are imperative to real-time decision-making that is available with the support of edge computing. Advancing medical devices in the age of AI According to the World Health Organization[1], there are 2 million medical device types on the world market. In the US alone, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that there are more than 16,000 registered medical device companies, and countless modalities. The modalities range from diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound) to endoscopes and laparoscopes, robotics, microscopy, DNA sequencers, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and more. Developing these high-performance medical devices can be challenging, and there is much to consider regarding computing power, hardware, and software. There must also be careful considerations for regulations, certifications, and standards for installation in the medical field. Hence, developers require an end-to-end, medical-grade platform with software and hardware that supports the medical AI lifecycle from training models to building and fine-tuning medical AI applications. When trying to enter the market quickly and accurately, performing preproduction tests, validation tests, and clinical trials is essential and will help ensure the product is ready for commercial production. How Arrow can support medical device AI innovation Arrow Electronics helps reduce this complexity for developers and medical device manufacturers. Our Intelligent Solutions business works with a rich ecosystem of technology providers, including NVIDIA, to offer a sophisticated combination of hardware, software, services, and AI expertise to support you in bringing innovative solutions to the market. Leveraging the latest in AI technology, we work with you to develop high-performing, next-gen solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare market and set you apart from the competition. Arrow’s AI design engineering expertise helps you develop state-of-the-art medical devices that help ensure healthcare professionals and patients benefit from the most advanced AI-driven technology. To discover the Top 5 edge AI applications shaping healthcare delivery and learn how Arrow helps medical device manufacturers get their products to market, download our Industry Brief.

Finalizing a new product can often be more complex than developing the initial prototype. While a prototype only needs to be functional, a product ready for the market must consider component lifecycle, cost, and supply chain management factors. In the medical equipment industry, optimizing the bill of materials (BOM) for a device’s computing aspect is crucial; this helps ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining the desired quality and performance of the end product.

AI adoption permeates all industries, revolutionizing traditional processes, unlocking unprecedented use case applications, and opening new, unimaginable possibilities. According to GlobalData's forecast, the overall AI market will be worth $909B by 2030. The healthcare industry is in a transformative era with the adoption of AI technology. From pharmaceutical research and development to remote patient monitoring and in-home care, we are witnessing unprecedented leaps in robotic surgical procedures, precision imaging, and early disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. In healthcare, AI innovation often happens at the edge, where data is created and handled close to where it occurs. The amount of data and the specific needs of medical applications require accurate and quick processing with minimal latency. The sharing and size of the data, as well as the quick response of edge medical devices, show how important it is to have a strong edge infrastructure. This requires an update or the creation of new designs to handle the power, capacity, and size needed to run many of these new AI-powered medical devices. The increasing rack densities and power requirements of high-performing chips and the higher heat loads from boosted compute power and super-sized servers highlight the critical need for efficient and rapid cooling. Modern imaging equipment like MRI machines, CT scanners, and X-ray devices demand extensive storage, high-speed processing capabilities, advanced computing, and operating systems. However, this doesn't necessarily mandate immediate radical overhauls. Initially, placing compact server units adjacent to machines near the source can support AI medical devices. Beyond the device build and embedded components, server support installs can go directly into the room. For larger installations and to support multiple devices, on-premise rack systems, micro data centers, or backup power sources such as UPS, complete with cooling and monitoring, can be installed in dedicated server room closets. Additional considerations include the number of devices, data volume, and real-time responses. One thing is certain: downtime is not an option. Arrow helps companies navigate the complexities of AI deployment. We work closely with leading technology and infrastructure providers such as Supermicro, APC, and Microsoft to develop certified, high-performing AI-ready devices, from board-level compute and operation systems to software, servers, and micro data centers. Whether you need to modify, expand, or design new architecture for your existing infrastructure, our integrated solutions help pave the way for a successful edge AI deployment in healthcare. Learn more about the impact of edge AI in healthcare in our brochure or speak to one of our experts for more guidance toward a seamless AI deployment. 

As businesses race to deploy AI, edge computing, and real-time analytics, product developers must make a critical decision: Build from scratch with discrete components for compute and storage, or Adopt pre-integrated, commercial hardware platforms that offer tested, scalable solutions. While the DIY approach might seem appealing at first glance, compelling evidence suggests that integrated solutions deliver superior value across multiple dimensions for most businesses. The Real Cost Equation: Beyond Initial Purchase Price A comprehensive VDC Research study has demonstrated that organizations leveraging commercial hardware platforms cut their total development costs by 20% compared to those sourcing only component-level technology. This significant cost advantage stems from multiple factors that companies may overlook in initial budget comparisons. When organizations build from scratch, they incur substantial hidden costs: Engineering time spent on low-level integration challenges Extended development cycles Troubleshooting compatibility issues Ongoing maintenance and support requirements These costs compound over time, creating a total cost of ownership that far exceeds initial expectations. Accelerating Time to Market: The Hidden Competitive Advantage Integrated solutions reduce costs and significantly accelerate time to market. Organizations that outsource development tasks are more likely to complete projects ahead of schedule than those managing everything in-house. Project delays often stem from technical complexity, integration challenges, and shifting specifications—issues amplified by talent shortages and evolving skill demands. Certified, pre-integrated third-party solutions help mitigate these risks by streamlining development, reducing engineering bottlenecks, and easing internal workloads. Leveraging commercial technology platforms enables faster deployment, minimizes disruptions, and provides a scalable foundation for future product generations. [caption id="attachment_12806" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Figure: Attributions of Delays for Current Projects (Source: VDC Research)[/caption] In one compelling case study highlighted in the same VDC report, a leading medical device manufacturer achieved a 20% reduction in project schedule by using commercially integrated systems for their patient monitoring solution. This acceleration meant: Earlier revenue generation Faster response to market demands Improved customer satisfaction Enhanced competitive positioning Focusing on What Truly Differentiates Your Business The most strategic advantage of integrated solutions is the ability to reallocate resources toward genuine innovation and differentiation. Organizations sourcing complete commercial hardware platforms can devote more development resources to developing differentiating intellectual property than those building from components. [caption id="attachment_12807" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Figure: Estimated Percent of Development Costs Spent on Specific Tasks, Segmented by Hardware Sourcing (Source: VDC Research)[/caption] This shift in focus has a significant impact: Engineering teams spend more of their time on advanced analytics and AI Development resources target customer-facing features • Organizations can explore new business models and revenue streams Technical teams build expertise in high-value domains rather than routine integration tasks One industrial automation company featured in the VDC study saw a remarkable 50% increase in profitability after shifting to commercial technology solutions. The tremendous savings in software development time and the ability to focus on their core business value outweighed their initial hesitation about hardware costs. Driving Business Transformation with Integrated Commercial Solutions Integrated solutions extend beyond hardware, providing complementary technologies, software, and lifecycle services that streamline development, reduce risk, and accelerate innovation. Key benefits of integrated commercial solution providers include: Pre-certified configurations for seamless regulatory compliance Seamless interoperability with software platforms and services Reliable supply chains ensure consistent component availability Global support networks for troubleshooting and technical assistance Regular updates and security patches to enhance reliability and security A transportation control system manufacturer highlighted in the VDC report leveraged commercial platforms to avoid expensive certification failures and delays. By selecting pre-certified hardware with bundled operating system and application-level firmware, they essentially transformed into a software company focused solely on their unique value proposition. Making the Right Choice for Your Organization While the advantages of integrated solutions are clear, making the appropriate selection requires careful consideration of several factors: Evaluate your core competencies: If hardware integration isn't a key differentiator, integrated commercial platforms offer clear advantages. Consider the entire lifecycle: Factor in development time, maintenance requirements, upgrade paths, and long-term support needs. Assess customization needs: Many commercial solutions offer significant customization options without the overhead of building from scratch. Calculate the innovation dividend: Consider how much more your teams could accomplish if freed from low-level integration work. Value supply chain resilience: Commercial platforms typically have established supply chains and contingency plans.   Arrow’s Integration Services Arrow, working closely with Dell Technologies OEM Solutions, helps businesses deliver high-quality integrated products at scale by providing hardware configuration, software imaging, system testing, and logistics across a global network of facilities. With end-to-end integration capabilities, including custom OS deployment, full rack enclosures, and prototype development, Arrow helps enable companies to optimize costs, reduce complexity, and accelerate time to market while maintaining the highest quality standards. Conclusion: Strategic Technology Decisions Drive Business Success As the research demonstrates, organizations that use integrated commercial platforms consistently outperform competitors by delivering innovative solutions faster and at lower total cost. Contact our solutions team today to discuss how Arrow can help transform your technology development and deployment approach. Download the VDC Research’s report Reduce Cost, Drive Innovation and Shorten Time to Market with Commercial Hardware Platforms.