Importance of Edge Computing
Modern businesses use a high volume of data from different sources like IoT devices, computers and applications. As the connectivity between the devices grows, this volume of data is expected to become higher. Consequently, data storage and processing will become critical problems for many businesses. Other issues include high latency and inefficiency in the data processing. It is where edge computing enters the picture to solve the issue. In edge computing, the networks and devices are closer to the users. In other words, it brings the data closer to its generation source. It then allows the organization to keep their system optimized as they no longer need to depend on any data centers to process and analyze the data. Edge computing can help businesses to create a robust, efficient system without worrying about the high volume of data.
The Growing Importance Of Edge Computing For Organizations
Cloud has already brought a massive revolution across different industries. Even now, cloud computing presents many global opportunities for organizations. Furthermore, the cloud is no longer segregated into the public or private cloud because of the rising popularity of hybrid cloud. However, with the large volume of data an organization has to deal with, the importance of edge computing is growing. It may become an operational necessity shortly.
Edge computing brings the much-required flexibility for organizations to achieve greater autonomy, data sovereignty and better latency and security. Listed below are a few of the benefits of edge computing for organizations.
Better Performance
Hosting data on a centralized platform increases latency when used over the internet. This issue can further aggravate because of internet connectivity issues. Edge computing by keeping the data on the edge of the device ensures easy accessibility to the data. The reduced time ensures better performance and further optimizes the user experience.
Decreased Storage Need
Edge computing eliminates the need to send the data back to the central server for the execution of a process. For example, when edge computing is in action, the data transferred via GBWhatsApp will go to the endpoint instead of the centralized data center. It reduces the distance the data needs to travel, saves operational costs, and decreases storage needs.
Helps Meet Regulatory And Compliance Requirements
When multiple data centers or hosting providers manage data, things become problematic for the organizations. It is because every data center has its own regulatory and compliance requirement, which sometimes can be difficult to meet. It is similar to the situation where an app must meet different regulatory requirements to be published in stores such as Apple Store, Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
Edge computing fixes this issue quickly because it creates, stores and further processes the data in one place. Subsequently, it makes meeting regulatory and compliance requirements easier for the organization.
Better Data Security
With the rising popularity of cloud computing, the cases of cyber attacks are increasing. Consequently, privacy protection and data security have become burning issues. Edge computing provides better protection than traditional cloud because it processes the data within the edge instead of sending it to central servers.
Even though it does not make edge computing risk-free, it sure provides more protection. It is because it does not hold comprehensive data.
Why Should Organizations Consider Edge Computing?
Data latency is a huge problem for many organizations. However, with edge computing, it no longer remains a problem. Organizations can effectively use edge computing for different use cases, such as autonomous vehicles, cloud gaming and smart factories.
Secondly, it helps the organization to enjoy the benefits of both traditional cloud and edge. Moreover, it ensures that the organization easily meets the data residency laws. Also, it limits the organization’s reliance on the public cloud and provides granular control over the enterprise data. Lastly, as discussed above, it offers better security than public cloud infrastructure. B2B services which can benefit from edge computing are active-device location tracking, smart robots, connected cars and real-time personal promotions. On the other hand, end users of B2C can directly benefit from it through cognitive assistance, cloud gaming, remote desktop applications and augmented and assisted reality.
Even though edge computing is hugely flexible and beneficial, only time will tell if it proves to be as disruptive as the cloud.