My Journey to RTI: Why I Joined Real‑Time Innovations

With a fresh perspective, I decided to spotlight Real‑Time Innovations, Inc. (RTI), a modest Silicon Valley firm that is quietly driving the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) forward through its DDS technology. DDS—Data‑Distribution Service—is poised to become one of the most critical middleware layers for the next industrial revolution, a shift that will reshape the world far beyond the automotive and internet eras my grandparents witnessed.

I spent three years collaborating with RTI while running LocalGrid Technologies. While the decision to choose RTI as a vendor was a team effort, our CTO did the heavy lifting—evaluating technical merits and recognizing RTI’s unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. That dedication stems from decades of work on high‑stakes projects, including deployments for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) — an experience you can read more about here.

So why did I join RTI? The answer lay in the relationship I had with the company and the product itself. With RTI’s Connext® DDS Toolkit and Connext DDS Secure, it was clear that DDS would be a cornerstone for LocalGrid’s Smart Grid initiatives. After years of wrestling with scalable, robust communication solutions in system‑integration projects, I understood how essential middleware like DDS is. Beyond the technology, RTI’s leadership and culture—its focus on service, “we won’t let our customers fail”—attracted me both as a partner and, eventually, as an employee.

During my interview process, I was struck by the cohesive energy across all teams. In a company of roughly 100 people, everyone spoke of the collective achievements of sales, engineering, marketing, and operations. That consistency and shared pride is rare, especially for a startup, and it underscored the strong sense of ownership and teamwork that RTI cultivates.

My first week coincided with the annual Company Kick‑Off, where every RTI employee from around the globe gathers at our Sunnyvale headquarters. The event is especially valuable because about 50 % of our staff work remotely. The day gave me an inside look at RTI’s culture—a culture built on deep trust that encourages questions, feedback, and continuous learning. While no company is without growing pains, RTI’s willingness to “fail toward success” means we push boundaries, learn from customers, and iterate rapidly.

RTI’s environment is both technically rigorous and open. In meetings, silence is almost nonexistent; every department—from engineering to marketing—contributes questions and insights. That level of engagement fuels innovation and ensures we remain ahead of competitors like Google and GE.

Unlike many Silicon Valley firms, RTI retains talent for the long haul. Engineers I’ve met have been here for 15 + years, evolving alongside the company’s technology and moving into sales, marketing, or management roles. That longevity reflects a culture of growth, ownership, and deep respect.

I’m proud to be part of this remarkable company and encourage everyone to keep an eye on RTI. Its influence on society, business, and the economy will be profound—perhaps in ways we can’t yet fully imagine.

Learn More:

Autonomous Vehicle Production »

Connectivity in Autonomous Systems »

What is IIoT? »

Connext DDS Pro »