Cloud computing transformed enterprise information and communication technology (ICT). But as data and their possibilities become more sophisticated, the limitations of cloud computing alone are beginning to show. That’s because IoT devices and end users are producing too much valuable data for centralized cloud resources to process and act upon in a timely, contextually relevant way.

 

Edge computing solutions such as nodes, devices, and localized data centers can help. These supplement existing cloud compute resources by providing sophisticated compute power closer to each critical data source. Organizations can therefore accelerate contextual and timely decision making and results without transmitting vast amounts of data via high-speed internet and mobile networks.

 

Today, edge computing is already familiar technology. But the growing sophistication of IoT devices combined with the emergence of private 5G networks are transforming what’s possible for computing at the edge.

 

Enterprise companies and public sector institutions are taking interest as a result. Operators will invest $2.7 billion in multi-access edge computing in 2022—a 199% growth in spend versus the previous year, Juniper Research reports. This is due in part to the wide diversity of use cases edge computing makes possible across industries and sectors.

 

In this article, we explore how decentralized architectures featuring edge computing will transform connected digital environments, capabilities, and experiences. We will also explore the implications of traditionally centralized operations such as analytics and customer experiences as they become more decentralized.

 

What is Edge Computing?

 

Edge computing describes the activity within a distributed network that operates not in a centralized data center, but closer to its data sources. It includes enterprise applications that function not in an on-premise server or cloud environment, but within an edge compute environment or connected device.

 

With this broad definition, edge computing can apply to any number of industries. The apps on our smartphones that connect us to our bank accounts or social media are forms of edge computing. More to the point—IoT devices that analyze data within manufacturing environments and wearable devices that signal doctors when a patient needs attention are examples of edge computing as well.

 

In all these cases, data is processed, analyzed, and acted upon substantially within the edge environment. This in turn limits the amount of data that must be sent or received from centralized networks (e.g., the signal to doctors in the previous example). Relying less on broadband or wireless connectivity for compute power saves on costs and speeds up desired results as part of those operations.

 

The Evolution of Edge Computing

 

Conceptually, edge computing is not new. It has been within the public eye since personal computers first connected to the internet. We each became more familiar with the possibilities of edge computing with the arrival of high-speed internet, wireless networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices as well.

 

Today, 5G connectivity, advanced IoT technologies, and the exponential growth in computing power of personal and end devices are changing what edge computing will mean for private and public sector operations. The growing sophistication of IoT and personal computing devices is driving exponential growth in data; the emergency of 5G networks makes sophisticated edge computing anywhere possible. By 2025, operators will invest $8.3 billion to upgrade their network infrastructure with edge computing technologies that support 5G, according to Juniper Research.

 

Key Transformational Aspects of Modern Edge Computing

 

For countless enterprise applications, edge computing provides an efficient alternative to sending all data from the edge to centralized data environments. For example, enterprise companies and public sector companies are increasingly pushing data analytics to the edge. When advanced analytics is closer to the environments to which it applies, it can drive unique insights sooner and with greater focus, improving real-time decision making in that edge environment.

 

In this regard, modern edge computing is complementary to cloud—they are part of the same spectrum of compute resources. The challenge, then, is finding the right balance between advanced edge and cloud computing capabilities for individual use cases.

 

In addition to both wired and unwired high-speed internet, private 5G networks are making these decisions about distribution much easier. Each accelerates the connection speeds between systems, even as decision makers choose how to allocate compute resources across their decentralized networks. Edge computing will be essential to supporting the vast amount of data that devices in 5G networks produce, especially in complex manufacturing operations; highly populated cities; and demanding, high-stakes operations, like those of the military.

 

5 Industries for Modern Edge Computing

 

 

No matter the industry, there are myriad use cases for edge computing. But each scenario has its own unique requirements in terms of connectivity, compute power, and how that power is distributed across devices and environments. Here we explore potential applications in five industries to help you visualize how modern edge computing is emerging today.

 

Manufacturing

 

As part of their Industry 4.0 transformation, manufacturers are expanding their use of sophisticated IoT devices. These devices increasingly have high computing capabilities ideal for edge computing layouts. In addition to high-speed internet connectivity, private 5G networks can enhance connectivity between these devices in “smart factories,” even as critical computations occur at the edge.

 

With the right distribution of compute power, manufacturers can identify opportunities to improve worker safety, reduce inefficiencies, and improve worker safety, among other near real-time capabilities. Edge computing reduces limitations in terms of the types and sophistication of data that is capture and processed by IoT devices within their smart factories as well.

 

Healthcare

 

Healthcare represents an ideal industry for edge computing due to the complex nature of patient data, the varying needs that exist from patient to patient, and the requirements for real-time responses to unpredictable needs. Even compared to eight other industries measured, the healthcare industry captured significant revenue share of IoT investments in 2020, Grand View Research reports.

 

In one use case cited by Gartner, a patient wears a health monitor—a basic edge computing solution. The monitor analyzes health data locally, identifying heart rate or sleep pattern issues before signaling healthcare professionals with simplified instructions on how to proceed. Other applications include telemedicine programs and diagnostic devices that can be applied in rural areas, which capture and analyze data—and empower on-site healthcare workers or even patients to respond—before connecting to centralized environments.

 

Retail

 

Retailers can personalize shopping experiences more effectively through smart, mobile-connected kiosks. The kiosks perform most analytical work at the point of customer interaction—each kiosk itself. As with healthcare devices, kiosks may operate at near-full capacity for brief intervals when connectivity is lost as well.

 

Retailers me expand their use of POS data by streamlining data exchanges with the help of edge computing and localized 5G as well. Local store networks can leverage that data more effectively, for example, before distributing more synthesized and pertinent data back to central environments via high-speed internet connectivity.

 

Energy & Utilities

 

The energy and utilities segment captured an edge computing revenue share of over 17% in 2020, Grand View Research reports. This is due in part to companies’ growing investments in smart grids, which rely on edge devices as part of their modernized infrastructure. Smart grids enable remote capabilities that can function event when connectivity is lost. These devices can optimize energy distribution and support integration of distributed energy resources, such as new green energy sources as they are introduced to each grid.

 

Military & Defense

 

 

Military operations require rapid yet complex analyses and decision making. Teams operating beyond perimeters can benefit from fast-acting edge devices that don’t depend heavily on mobile or satellite connectivity. That means faster insights for teams on the battlefield as well as rapid insights on complex intelligent assets retrieved in the field—whether the analysis never leaves the edge, or data is analyzed at the edge and sent back to central command in a more streamlined way.

 

Visualizing Your Future at the Edge

 

According to IDC, data creation at the edge is expected to grow by 33% through 2025; it will account for 22% of all digital created and captured globally as well. With this global trend in mind, it’s time for all organizations to identify the right use cases and invest in their own next-generation edge computing solutions.

 

Learn More About Edge Computing with Uvation

 

Uvation can help you identify the edge computing use cases that are right for your business. We are a strategic partner as you scale your edge computing initiatives and grow your business as well. Visit our Edge Computing service page to learn more, or start a conversation about edge computing opportunities today.