The proliferation of networked devices in the internet of things (IoT) is one of the driving factors behind edge computing. Processing data at the periphery of the network, as close to the originating source as possible, results in major edge computing benefits such as reduction in response time and network bottlenecks. Architecting IoT solutions by bringing the advantages of cloud computing closer to the data source optimizes response times for either good user experiences or to avoid dangerous situations. However, there are many types of edged landscapes depending on the environment and the data being processed.

A recent article discussing the various types of edge computing models identifies them as: the personal edge, the business edge and the cloudy edge. Each type takes into consideration the systems needed to sense, process and act based on a different set of circumstances for an intended outcome.  As the IoT takes hold, the business edge is most often currently being discussed especially in reference to mission critical data. However, more insights will be gained at the personal edge as advances are made in smart home devices and digital health initiatives. For a deeper dive into the various types of edges, read full article here.

These are exciting times for edge computing as massive amounts of collected and consumed data continues to grow rapidly.  In addition, the advances being made in processing data at the edge of the network is likely to revolutionize how technology is used going forward. With IoT devices and the digital era upon us, a data glut is being created that may clog up data centers to the point of being unable to survive with current processing methods. As published by the IDC, the digital universe is doubling in size every two years and by 2020 will reach 44 zettabytes, or 44 trillion gigabytes.  With that in mind, innovators are increasingly looking to edge computing as a means of thriving in the future.

So will edge computing replace cloud computing at some point as more issues arise due to high traffic and latency problems? Consumer reliance on smart devices and the growth of the IoT market result in higher demands for more localized processing. However, cloud computing is not likely to go away anytime soon. The way it works may transform its uses to work in conjunction with edge computing in order to have the best of both worlds. For an interesting perspective, read full article here.