Today, a growing number of companies are looking to the advantages of edge computing systems to improve the way they collect and process data from the explosive growth of IoT devices. The numbers are staggering: according to research from Cisco, IoT data could exceed 507 zettabytes by 2019. (For context, one zettabyte = on trillion gigabytes.)
Although there are many advantages of edge computing, moving to the edge presents several challenges. Traditional methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing so much data – in remote data centers or in the cloud – is already hard enough. While these computing models have their advantages, they are not well suited to supporting environments where IT staff is limited, connectivity is poor, or operations are especially time-sensitive. And these are exactly the conditions that are usually found at the edge.
Edge Computing Adoption is Especially Challenging for Operations Technology (OT) Staff
In most cases, IT departments are already stretched too thin, and edge systems are simply not a top priority. As a result, companies operating edge environments often rely on OT professionals. But if something goes wrong, the idea of flying someone in to fix the problem is not appealing from a time or cost perspective.
There is widespread acknowledgement that today’s edge-based systems need new enabling technologies to meet evolving demands. However, the supply of such technologies falls short. Want a closer look at the advantages of edge computing and various examples, industries, and use cases where it delivers the most benefit? Check out our whitepaper on “architecting” your computing infrastructure for performance and reliability – Transformation of the Edge!
