Edge Computing, often dubbed as the 'next big thing', is a technology that is revolutionizing data processing and cloud computing like never before.
Wikipedia defines edge computing as a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it’s needed — to improve response time and save bandwidth. In simple terms, it simply means processing data closer to the source.
Though the underlying principles behind edge computing are fairly straightforward, it provides a level of flexibility and nimbleness that existing cloud platforms cannot. Some of the key benefits of edge computing include:
1. Speed:
Speed is one of the most crucial factors that impact the core operations of an organization. For instance, for financial firms that rely upon high-frequency trading algorithms, a slowdown of even a few seconds can result in expensive consequences. Similarly, in the healthcare industry, losing even a fraction of a second can put someone's life in jeopardy.
And that's where edge computing comes in. Edge computing increases network performance and reduces latency because the data collected does not have to travel as far as it would in the case of a traditional cloud architecture.
2. Security:
Traditional cloud computing architecture is usually centralized. This means that it is especially vulnerable to power outages, cyberattacks, and malware. On the other hand, because edge computing distributes processing, storage, and applications across different data centers and devices, it is significantly easier to implement robust security protocols. Edge computing also allows you to seal off any compromised portions of the network without the need to shut down the entire network.
3. Scalability:
The development of edge computing has made it easier than ever before for organizations to scale their operations. This is because using edge computing means not building any centralized, private data centers to collect and store data. All you have to do is combine regional edge data centers and colocation services to expand network reach.
Edge computing is slowly but surely transforming how data is being created, processed, and stored worldwide. The explosive growth of IoT, technology and 5G networks will continue to further drive edge-computing systems in the years to come.