With Edge Computing Increasingly Common, How Can Business Benefit?

Data is being produced at an enormous rate, and all that data needs to be processed somewhere. 

The traditional approach of a central data center handling all the processing isn’t ideal with the demand for faster bandwidth and access. That’s where edge computing comes in. 

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 75 percent of organizational data will be processed outside a central cloud or data center. In other words, edge computing will become increasingly common in the next few years. 

So if you’re running a business with a centralized data processing framework, you may want to consider upgrading your architecture and infrastructure to adopt the benefits of edge computing. 

In this article, we will:

• Explain what edge computing is.
• Provide some examples of edge computing.
• Outline various benefits of edge computing.

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What Is Edge Computing? 

Edge computing moves all or part of the computing and storage at or closer to the data source. 

Typically, data from a source (for example, a computer, application, or appliance) transmits to a central hub for storage and processing. So there’s a lot of back and forth of data and instructions between the source and central server.

Edge computing brings the storage and processing nearby, either at the source or at a network segment near it (edge network). 

Only processed data is sent to the center for review — for example, user behavior data from smartphones or manufacturing equipment maintenance data from a factory. 

Edge computing is common today as much of the data is processed at the source, improving efficiency and distributing workloads. 

This concept is about decentralizing data storage and processing. 

Thanks to the propagation of data-hungry technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), edge computing has become necessary. It resolves many of the shortcomings of a centralized data processing architecture, including disruptions and latency. 

Edge computing shouldn’t be confused with cloud computing. 

Although both are similar in their benefits, these are two distinguished concepts. Edge computing can be applied to traditional networks as well as the cloud. The difference between edge and cloud computing is that the latter isn’t always decentralized. 

Edge Computing Examples 

Edge computing isn’t a new concept, as it has been in use in one way or another for a while now. The smartphone or computer you’re reading this article on is part of edge computing as it can process much data at the source without sending it to a server. 

For instance, if your phone collects data on steps you take during the day, it can process that to show you how many miles you walked or how many calories you burned in a day. 

Edge computing applications are all around us and touch virtually every industry. Another example is the healthcare industry, where devices and equipment generate and process data at the source. With built-in storage, processing capabilities, and automation, these devices don’t necessarily need to connect to a network for processing data. 

In networking, edge computing is used to optimize performance by analyzing data at the end devices and choosing optimal paths for communication. 

3 Benefits of Edge Computing

Anywhere networking is involved, employing edge computing can have practical benefits. For businesses in particular, this technology can address network performance issues while allowing optimal data use. And to succeed in today’s competitive landscape, data is critical for any business. 

Here are the main benefits of edge computing:

More Autonomy

By moving computing power to the network's edges, the autonomy of handling data is distributed. This can be particularly useful when network connectivity is an issue, such as in remote locations. 

The more autonomy for edge devices also translates into lesser strain on the central data center. The processing power gets distributed locally to some extent, and the central infrastructure doesn’t run out of resources. 

Low Latency

The most economically beneficial quality of edge computing is that it reduces latency for the network. The huge amounts of data that travels from sources to the center are dramatically reduced, and processed data is available more readily. 

In contrast, if all the data is transmitted to the center, it would require a huge amount of bandwidth and may even cause central servers to run out of resources, reducing availability. 

Data transmission costs can be reduced with data processing at or near the edge. 

Better Security

Transferring sensitive data across borders is a security concern, which edges computing addresses by eliminating its need. If the data can be processed within the geographical boundaries of an organization or country, it’s more secure. 

Organizations can also ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations by keeping data protected and retaining them at the source. However, it’s imperative to heighten security at the source of the data, so it’s not compromised. This may require more security at the edge with dedicated firewalls.

Edge Data Center and Edge Devices

In the context of data centers, edge computing has the same benefits that it offers in other use cases. Data centers concentrated in a single location may face problems like resource overrun, latency, and high costs. 

Edge data centers distribute the data storage and processing, wherein the data resides in smaller data centers near the network's edge. That allows for quick access while lowering bandwidth costs and latency, a win-win situation for both data centers and their user base. 

Turning a data center into an edge data center simply requires architectural changes, which, in turn, require some infrastructure changes. Instead of having one or a couple of data centers housing all the data and computing resources, several smaller data centers can be created near the network's edges.

That, of course, requires edge devices to be more intelligent and have computing capabilities. This may include storage, servers, routers, and switches. Manufacturers of network equipment today are making advanced devices that make the implementation of edge data centers possible. 

The software is also vital in moving intelligence and computing to the periphery. For instance, the Cisco Catalysts 8000V Edge Software works seamlessly with Cisco Catalysts Series network devices to extend the cloud to network edges. 

Distributing storage and processing to locations strategically based on the regions served can help data centers cost-effectively increase reliability and availability. 

However, it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of security, as distributed data does increase attack vectors. Using next-generation firewalls at the edge data centers can help mitigate the risk.

Upgrade Your Data Center With Advanced Network Edge Solutions

You'll need the best equipment to adopt the technology if you’re convinced that edge computing answers your network or data center challenges. Whether you’re distributing servers geographically or installing smarter edge peripherals, you can find the latest network equipment from the best brands at PivIT. 

With an inventory of $125 million, PivIT has the necessary equipment to improve your data center operations. You can tap into the potential of blazing-fast data transfer, lower bandwidth expenses, and optimized network performance by giving more power to the network edge. 

No matter where your data centers are located, PivIT can get the equipment to your locations with little to no lead times. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get a quote!