As IoT continues to make an impression in a diverse range of industries, the demand for edge computing has also skyrocketed. Edge-computing technologies act as a tremendous asset to IoT and Cloud services to deliver utmost efficiency.
What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing is defined as a technology that processes data received from a device before it reaches the cloud, and therefore allows for local processing and storage. It provides data to anyone either producing or consuming this information, delivering it straight to their fingertips, hence the name “the edge”. The overall sentiment is to provide data closer to those in need of it, at a much quicker pace. It produces real-time data and simultaneously grants companies and devices with more accurate forecasting and predictive analytics by operating close to the source.
Devices that perform these functions are known as edge gateways. A multitude of gadgets can be established with edge-computing infrastructure, which include, but are not limited to: sensors, laptops or computers, smartphones, cameras, etc. Now that we have edge computing, the inconvenience of having data stored in a central data center, often far away, has been removed. We can consider edge as the middleman that connects us to our data centers in a revolutionary way.
The Surge in Demand
Edge computing rose in demand just as IoT experienced its surge. IoT connects devices to the internet and performs all necessary data retrieval and delivery functions to the cloud. The caliber of which IoT collects and stores data is immense and nearly infinite, making the operations of this technology complex and weighted.
Here’s where the edge comes in: instead of storing everything in the cloud and continuously expanding bandwidth, edge-computing will store data in local servers or devices. These edge gateways can filter data and deliver only the relevant information to the cloud. For real-time data needs, it can also send data back to the device itself in an expeditious fashion. The visual below emphasizes that edge-computing is not used as an alternative to the cloud, but rather works with both IoT and cloud services for optimal function.
Source: Network World
How Edge Computing Can Help You
Speed
Edge computing is known for its agility and impressive response time to data. If time is money, this remarkable feat in technology could considerably save your company money by handling your data quickly.
Many companies and everyday devices rely on this technology. In fact, we can thank edge computing for the efficiency our smartphones provide us with. The edge computing model allows an array of algorithms – big or small – to run on local servers or on our phones themselves to retrieve real-time data like weather, GPS, etc. Further, with 5G networks deploying worldwide, the volume of data from an increasing number of connected devices only continues to soar, making it critical for this large volume data to be processed in a quick manner. The quick nature of edge also improves the customer experience- with instantaneous insights and actions taken by the provider, the response and resolution times for clientele simultaneously advance.
Security
When it comes to overseeing an abundance of sensitive and confidential data, edge computing provides further security by avoiding a public cloud. Whereas traditional data storage relies on the use of one or few clouds, edge computing disperses data throughout multiple devices and data centers as an added measure of defense.
This edge-specific utilization of data also significantly prevents the risk of cyber-attacks. Each device and/or data center carries a small percentage of data. With data scattered along different servers, a compromised server or device results in a much smaller loss.
Cost Efficiency
Amongst its key technical features, the appeal of edge computing also lies heavily in its affordability. The Cloud, though effective, is known to be costly considering its bandwidth reach. The inherent reduction in time spent on data retrieval and data processing could save your company thousands.
At Trinus, our goal is to provide your company with the most optimal and cost-friendly solutions possible. If you are familiar with IoT but feel your company could be more ambitious, contact us to learn more about edge computing and how Trinus can help you.