Edge Added to the Cloud

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Edge computing is growing in popularity due to its performance, security and cost benefits over traditional cloud architectures, but it's not always the best fit for distributed workloads.

Edge computing refers to architectures that process data at or near devices that generate and consume data, such as end-user PCs, mobile phones or IoT sensors. This differs from conventional cloud computing, which relies on central servers to receive data, process it and send it back to client devices. Edge computing can reduce network latency, lower the exposure of data to the network and, in some cases, reduces costs by offloading processing to end users' devices.

Due to its appealing advantages, cloud architects might want to push as many workloads as they can to the edge. But before they do, they should consider each application's structure, performance requirements and security considerations, among other factors.
The two types of edge computing architecture

When weighing whether an edge computing model is the right fit, the first question to ask is which type of architecture is available. 

There are two main types:

1. Device-edge computing, in which data is processed directly on client devices.
2. Cloud-edge computing, in which data is processed on edge hardware that is geographically closer to client devices than centralized cloud data centers.

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Cloud Computing 2021

Cloud computing, which underpinned the world’s economy, global supply chains and remote workforces during the coronavirus pandemic, will continue to be an essential target for organizations looking for increased scalability, business continuity and cost efficiency in 2021.

“The effects of COVID-19 will linger throughout 2021, as businesses will look to lay a foundation for increased agility,” said Dustin Milberg, field chief technology officer for cloud services at InterVision, a Santa Clara, Calif.-based IT service provider and AWS Premier Consulting Partner. “Cloud will take a key focus in this goal, given its benefits of improved accessibility, scalability and flexibility.”

But those companies who view cloud as a journey and not a destination will see more success, according to Milberg.

“This is because simply ‘getting to the cloud’ doesn’t automatically mean you’ll see improved performance and spending,” he said. “Instead, cloud is an iterative process of optimization and creating security by design to match your company’s goals, both now and in the long term.”

Enterprises’ technology needs have increased in complexity over the past year, as workplaces quickly became decentralized during the pandemic, with remote workers across the globe, noted Steve Miller-Jones, vice president of edge strategy and solution architecture at Limelight Networks, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based content delivery network (CDN) service provider.

“At the same time, exciting new technologies are making it easier to instantly generate, process and analyze data for better business performance,” he said. “These operational demands are shifting how businesses leverage cloud computing.”  TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE BY DONNA GOODISON