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What is Edge Computing?: Bringing Data Closer to Your Business

Speed in technology is essential for meeting the ever-changing demands of the digital world and the evolution of modern societies. In the early 2000s, the concept of edge computing emerged as an immediate and transformative force capable of processing data closer to the user. As the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) have developed, edge computing has begun to unlock new possibilities for a wide range of industries, bringing the future increasingly closer—quite literally to the edge of our hands.

In this article, we’ll explore what edge computing is, how it works, its benefits, and how it can transform business operations.

Edge Computing: Exponential Growth Driven by IoT

The concept of edge computing, or “computing at the edge,” is redefining how we handle massive volumes of real-time data, promising to bring data processing closer to where it is generated—at the edge of the network. This rapid expansion is primarily due to the proliferation of IoT, which has led to an explosion in data. By 2027, it’s projected that there will be more than 25 billion IoT connections globally.

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing refers to the practice of processing data close to where it is generated, rather than relying on centralised data centres located far away. Instead of sending data to the cloud or a data centre for processing and analysis, these tasks are carried out near the device or user that generates the data. This approach requires an optimised data architecture that facilitates efficient processing and analysis at the network’s edge.

How Does Edge Computing Work?

Edge computing operates by distributing data processing and storage closer to the source, whether it’s an IoT device, a security camera, or any connected sensor. Edge computing platforms allow for:

  • Local Processing: Data is processed and analysed near its source, reducing latency and improving the efficiency of real-time applications.
  • Bandwidth Optimisation: By processing data at the edge, the amount of data that needs to be sent across the network is reduced, saving bandwidth and associated costs.
  • Enhanced Security: Keeping sensitive data at the edge reduces exposure to potential vulnerabilities and cyberattacks during data transmission.

Examples of Edge Computing Use Cases

Which industries benefit the most from edge computing? Key applications include smart cities, digital healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Other societal impacts include:

  • Machine Automation
  • Fraud Detection
  • Facial Recognition for Payments
  • Banking Applications
  • Telecommunications
  • Enhanced IoT Capabilities
  • Wildlife Protection
  • Bridge Inspection
  • Remote Patient Monitoring
  • Autonomous Vehicles

What Are the Advantages of Edge Computing?

Some of the main benefits of edge computing include:

  • Reduced Latency: Processing data near its origin leads to faster response times.
  • Improved Security and Privacy: Keeping data secure at the edge minimises the risk of cyberattacks during transmission.
  • Bandwidth Optimisation: Less data is sent to the cloud, improving bandwidth efficiency.
  • Ideal for Real-Time Applications: Perfect for use in patient monitoring, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles.

Differences Between Fog Computing, Edge Computing, and Cloud Computing

It’s crucial to differentiate between these three related but distinct concepts, as explained by ScienceDirect:

  • Edge Computing: Refers to processing data near its source, at the network’s edge. It’s a form of cloud computing, often called “micro-cloud services,” integrated into edge devices.
  • Fog Computing: Similar to edge computing but includes an additional layer of storage and processing at intermediate network nodes, closer to the edge than centralised data centres, but not as close as edge computing.
  • Cloud Computing: How does edge computing compare to cloud computing? Essentially, cloud computing involves using remote servers’ computing and storage resources accessible via the internet for data processing and storage.

How NetApp Enhances Edge Computing for Your Business

NetApp enhances your operations and business model by leveraging IoT and edge computing. This includes processing data locally and in real-time from the edge, ensuring the protection and availability of critical information. Additionally, NetApp offers edge analytics to power AI and machine learning models.

Discover how to bring technology to the edge and prepare your business for the future. Get in touch with NetApp’s chat today and start optimising your data infrastructure.

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