Edge Computing

The Speed & Reliability You Need

Take a minute and think about all the technology in your business. Along with computers, everyday items are becoming connected via the internet. These items are called IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Cloud computing and edge computing work hand-in-hand to provide you with the speed and reliability you need to run a successful business.

Edge Computing

IoT devices are capable of connecting with each other and you in ways that traditional devices cannot. You can begin to automate many business functions as you use more and more IoT devices. These automation’s can be as simple as controlling the temperate and thermostat within the office or setting alarms and routines. Along with IoT devices, more technical computer-based operations within programs can also be automated. While automating tasks saves time and effort, relying on the cloud and internet can cause issues.  This is where edge computing is better suited for your needs than cloud computing.

 

What is edge computing?

In order to understand what edge computing is, you need to understand cloud computing.  When you use a computer or internet enabled device, you are creating data.  This data is stored in the cloud.  “The cloud” is a centralized data server. Data servers are physical and located in certain data centers and data farms around the world. With over 500 of these centers in the world, there is more than enough storage for internet users.

However, when you are working in your office with your internet-based computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices, you are creating data that doesn’t need to be stored. For example, when you automate your thermometer, you are sending data from your outside weather sensors to the cloud and from the cloud to your thermostat. This takes a little more time and usage than needed. The answer to this is edge computing. Instead of sending that data to the servers at the data storage centers, edge computing takes the server from the data farm and brings it onsite.

These onsite edge servers are a physical piece of IT equipment that are much smaller and process much less data than a centralized server. Edge computing will help ease the burden of extra data created as more and more businesses and homeowners adopt IoT devices.

Related: IoT Technology for a More Connected World

 

Why Your Business Needs It

Businesses that utilize edge computing can expect speedier response times for applications. Faster response times can be especially helpful for time sensitive materials. Real time collection of data by edge servers allows for faster communication between IoT devices within the office as well, transforming how you do business.

Edge computing is also useful for businesses with low connectivity. Long-haul connections to storage centers can be expensive. Placing workloads as close to where the data is created cuts down on interference between the office and the centralized data centers. Less down time create an “always available”, more efficient work environment.

When you integrate edge computing into your business, nothing changes for your employees.  They will continue work as normal.  The only difference is the speed in which digitized actions take place.

See also: Fog Computing – What’s the Forecast?

 

Looking to the Future

You may be wondering if edge computing will take over for cloud computing.  According to Forbes, no.  We need both for different purposes.  While edge computing is better for in-house and time sensitive data, cloud computing is still the major work horse for data storage over the internet. Cloud computing will not be burdened or bogged down by the increasing number of IoT devices in the office or households when paired together with edge computing.

Now the question remains, how can you start using the cloud? In-App Chat helps make your edge computing dreams a reality! Not only will you be able to connect your IoT devices, you will also unlock additional capabilities. Such as a totally private inter-office communications channel. Or the ability to control your IoT devices through chat commands. Furthermore, you will be able to explore the use cases of ChatOps for your organization, truly leading you into the future.

Start today by dropping us a message here.

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