Edge computing technology is defined as a local data processing technology that is located close to users and devices.
Also known as border computing, it offers a number of advantages. Let’s take a look at what they are and their main features.
Speed and low latency
Data is much closer to users, which avoids consuming network bandwidth, reducing latency and improving the customer experience by making data distribution more efficient.
Extremely low latency is extremely important in certain sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, where being able to operate remotely in real time can make a substantial difference.
Cost savings
Using a distributed infrastructure allows for maximum resource optimisation, which leads to cost savings.
Reducing the volume of data that needs to be sent to data centres or cloud systems for storage or processing means greater efficiency in operating costs.
It also means savings in the resources that need to be allocated to system maintenance, as there is less need to travel to the relevant facilities thanks to remote device management.
Better user experience
Not relying on large data centres or the cloud leads to a better user experience thanks to some of the other advantages we are discussing in this article.
Lower latency, greater personalisation of experiences, greater fluidity and performance, and greater security and privacy, as we will see later, generate greater user satisfaction.
Resilience
The resilience associated with edge computing has to do with the ability of systems and applications deployed at the edge of the network to maintain operational continuity, reliability and availability.
This is a very important feature, since, as we have been discussing, this technology distributes data processing and storage away from large centres, bringing it closer to where it is generated, which results in autonomous operation in the event of possible interruptions.
Privacy and security
The fact that data travels much shorter distances not only speeds up data transmission, but also protects it from exposure on other networks.
This provides a solution to potential privacy or data protection issues by reducing the likelihood of vulnerabilities related to data sovereignty.
Scalability and flexibility
The scalability associated with this technology means that it is more efficient at distributing data processing across multiple nodes at the edge of the network. This distribution facilitates the handling of large volumes of data generated by numerous devices.
This feature can be particularly important in environments where connectivity may be unstable or limited, as each node has the ability to operate autonomously, thus maintaining service continuity even if communication with the cloud is interrupted.
Furthermore, flexibility allows devices to be reconfigured or added according to the needs of each application or environment. This is a highly important capability in sectors where requirements may change, requiring real-time adjustments to infrastructure.
Energy savings
As a result of all the features and benefits we have been analysing, energy savings are also generated by avoiding massive data transfers to the cloud and, consequently, reducing the need for large data centres.
