Edge computing is a rapidly developing technology that is attracting intense interest from organizations of all sizes because of its many important benefits. As with all new technologies, however, small businesses must also be aware of the challenges that may accompany the use of edge computing in their operations.
What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing processes, analyzes, and stores data at the source where the data is generated near the edge of the network, instead of at a centralized data-processing warehouse. This technology was developed as a complement to the cloud. The main idea is to run fewer processes in the cloud and move time-sensitive processes to local places, such as on a user’s computer, an IoT device, or an edge server.
Growth of Edge Computing
The global edge computing market size was valued at $11.24 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.9% from 2023 to 2030.
IT experts estimate that by 2025, 75% of data will be created outside of central data centers, where most processing takes place today. In addition, approximately 90% of all data collected by enterprises today is not being used.
Useful data is currently being collected by billions of distributed devices—from advanced warehouse and inventory management solutions to vision-enhanced robotic manufacturing lines to advanced smart city traffic control systems—and much of this data is not being analyzed and used effectively.
Additionally, a growing number of edge devices—from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart cameras, mobile point-of-sale kiosks, medical sensors, and industrial PCs to gateways and computing infrastructure—are also collecting a huge amount of data that should be processed and used for organizational benefit.
As a result, the demand for edge computing is growing exponentially.
Industries Effectively Using Edge Computing
Industries that are benefiting the most from edge computing include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail.
Healthcare
Healthcare companies are using edge computing to improve the speed and reliability of data processing for tasks such as inpatient and outpatient monitoring, diagnostics, and research. This technology is improving healthcare outcomes through telehealth services and AI inference on medical imaging equipment for faster health issue detection.
Education
Software-based education solutions are using on-device AI for personal virtual assistance, natural language interaction, and augmented reality experiences. Education companies are offering digital whiteboard solutions that use edge and vision technology to recreate the classroom experience for more effective distance learning programs.
Retail
Edge computing improves retail accuracy using sensors and cameras and makes supply chains and product development more efficient. This technology can also analyze customer behavior in real-time for an enhanced shopping experience. For example, companies offered video-based AI solutions that helped retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic by monitoring store occupancy and enforcing social distancing requirements.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies are integrating edge computing and physical technologies for more flexible and responsive manufacturing that is more cost-effective. It is used in manufacturing applications, where it helps improve the speed and reliability of data processing for tasks such as quality control, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management.
Main Benefits of Edge Computing
Businesses of all types and sizes are always looking for ways to improve their operations and cut costs. Edge computing provides many benefits in this area as described below.
Reduced latency
Edge computing allows devices in remote locations to process time-sensitive data at the edge of the network, either by the device or a local server. Only the most important data and data that aren’t time-sensitive are transmitted to the central data center for processing, which minimizes the problem of low-latency connectivity.
Real-time analysis of useful data
There are five main types of edge computing devices: IoT sensors, smart cameras, universal customer premise equipment (uCPE), servers, and processors. These devices are capable of collecting a vast amount of valuable data in different locations. Organizations can use the power of edge computing to perform real-time analysis of this data, which will give them useful insight into their customers, employees, and operations.
Improved data security
With the massive amount of data being collected, processed, analyzed, and transmitted by organizations, the issue of data security is critical. Edge computing provides for better data security and privacy by making it easier to protect sensitive data at the source where it is collected. By processing and analyzing data at the edge of the network, closer to where the data is generated, edge computing can reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to a centralized location for processing. This improved data control reduces the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Cost-effective technology
Edge computing enhances the power of mobile computing and IoT technologies. It makes data and devices more affordable and connected. By reducing the costs associated with data transmission and storage, as well as the costs associated with maintaining a centralized data center, edge computing makes a business’ operations more cost-effective.
Challenges of Edge Computing
Even though edge computing provides many significant benefits for organizations, it is also important to understand some of its challenges.
Scalability
Depending upon the number and type of devices collecting data on the edge of the network, your business may need to invest in new hardware and infrastructure to handle the processing of large amounts of data. For example, there may be a need for the deployment of additional edge nodes, which are physical or virtual machines that act as gateways and bridges between local networks.
Interoperability
To make edge computing work well, your business may need to integrate multiple edge devices and sensors, as well as legacy systems and cloud-based applications. Ensuring that these systems can work together effectively will require sufficient time and resources.
Security concerns
Even though edge computing will improve overall data security and privacy, experts note that companies still need to ensure that their edge computing infrastructure is secure and properly configured. Without this attention to detail, costly data breaches can still occur on the edge of the network.
Consult with an Expert on Edge Computing
Edge computing provides an excellent opportunity for your organization to improve its operations and reduce costs, but it is important that you work with an IT expert to help you overcome its challenges. We recommend you work with a trusted IT Support partner and edge computing expert, like Network Depot, to get the most out of this powerful technology.
With the assistance of your reliable IT Support partner in properly designing, configuring, and managing your edge computing infrastructure, your organization will be able to achieve its unique objectives more effectively.