The Network Paradigm Shift With Edge Computing

Evolving technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Internet of Things (IoT) are shifting the core components of cloud computing closer to the end user in the form of edge computing. The traditional model for compute, storage and networking being accessed through centralized resources is being replaced by network architecture that is distributed and decentralized in order to streamline data flow and reduce latency times for data analysis.   This paradigm shift in the network by computing closer to the edge allows for critical data to be analyzed in near real-time which is especially important today in the health care, telecommunications, finance and manufacturing industries.

Due to the explosive growth, vulnerability, and availability of IoT devices, there are security concerns around edge computing even though some experts world argue security is better because data is staying closer to the edge and not traveling as much over the network. In addition to that, the term fog computing in relation to edge computing which includes network connections between the cloud and edge devices is coming into play. All this information can be confusing when trying to digest what it all means for your network architecture. Here’s an article that breaks down the important elements and commonly used terms of edge computing that might help.

Creating Customer Value Through Internet of Things

As the market opportunity continues to grow for the Internet of Things (IoT), more and more companies are looking at IoT solutions as a means for improving customer service, enhancing operations, and creating new business models. IoT is built on innovative technologies which allow companies to evolve in a more intelligent, adaptive and agile way. By 2020 the IDC is predicting that 32 billion connected IoT devices will be utilized. The challenge that organizations could face is being able to extract timely, meaningful IoT data to enable digital transformations to occur so that the organization has the ability to offer innovative IoT solutions to create new customer values.

What if you were to look at the innovation of IoT not as a solution, but rather the disruption that occurs with these billions of IoT devices with respect to what they do and how they work throughout the organization? Here’s an interesting article perspective that discusses the organizational change and value that is created by IoT along the paths of innovation such as: customer engagement experience, services and business model. Consider the possibilities of IoT as a source of innovative ideas for a platform that addresses customer problems and pain points. Read full article here.

Edge Computing, Key to Autonomous Cars

Advances made in machine learning and autonomous vehicles require a tremendous amount of computing power.  In fact, an autonomous car can be looked at as a data center of its own.  The next generation of applications will need near-real-time response from computing systems and in order to process the data from self-driving cars, computing power is going to need to be pushed to network edges.  Also world leading research and advisory company, Gartner,  is predicting that by 2020 there will be a quarter billion connected vehicles on the road making connected cars a major element of the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Recently Kal Mos, Vice President for Connected Car, User Interaction & Telematics at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, discussed the importance of edge computing in autonomous vehicles.  Making use of different techniques in order for car features to work without a connection and enabling artificial intelligence within cars is where development in edge computing comes into play. However, advancements in autonomous driving will experience challenges along the way to evolution.  Associated variables to be considered in human capabilities of drawing upon years of experience with driving will prove to be interesting in witnessing the jump from lab artificial intelligence to edge artificial intelligence. For more insight from Kal Mos, read full article here.