Edge Computing in the Age of Cloud

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Every time we talk about the edge, I have Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” in my head all week. Not complaining…just saying. 

This week, we’re looking at computing and how it both competes and collaborates with the cloud. 

From CIO

For processes (like IIoT) that require heavy data processing in real time (or as close to as possible), the milliseconds of delay between the device and the cloud can have a big impact. 

Examples of edge applications where time matters include:

  • Autonomous vehicles, including heavy equipment

  • Real-time monitoring for manufacturing processes

  • Offshore asset inspection and maintenance

  • AR/VR use cases like training and digital twins

Sending data back to the cloud works OK, but it’s slow. When milliseconds matter, so does location. Edge computing—in the form of servers and data centers close to the action—is becoming vital for quick, often AI-driven, decision making.

Enterprises are using distributed computing and combining real-time data processing at the edge with storage and longer-term analysis in the cloud. 

Cloud and edge computing are likely two complementary strategies as enterprises manage big data collection, storage, processing, and analysis. 

As Miss Gaga says, we’re hanging on a moment of truth. 🎵