How does it contribute to digital transformation in 2024? Here you can find everything there is to know about edge computing up until 2024 – and what we predict the future has in store for edge computing.
What is edge computing?
Edge computing is a distributed computing model that enables the processing and storage of data to take place closer to where it was generated. Simply put, edge computing places data near the device that produced that data. It is a better, improved alternative to centralized computing that stores and handles data in one central location.
As time passed, centralized computing started facing limitations in solving modern problems. So edge computing came in out of necessity for meeting the needs of this hyperconnected world. Year by year the amount of data possessed by companies rises tremendously – as of 2024 there are over 17 billion devices connected to the internet.
To be able to support this enormous amount of data produced by all these devices, companies need a computing solution that can keep up. For this exact reason edge computing is not just a technology trend. The data amounts will only continue to grow as the industry develops.
Transitioning from centralized to edge computing comes with a great number of advantages. Because the data is no longer traveling long distances – it is processed on-site, real-time applications such as self-driving cars are not affected by latency. By using edge computing companies can benefit from almost instantaneous responses.
Another benefit of edge computing is the decongestion of the network which ultimately leads to lower costs. In the case of centralized computing, large amounts of data strain the network bandwidth causing a need for extensive data transfers. Edge computing solves that issue by locally processing data.
Last but not least, in comparison with centralized computing, edge computing is more secure and less likely to suffer from cyber attacks. By spreading it across the network, the data is no longer stored in a single vulnerable point.
Edge computing is actively contributing to transformations across different industries.
To be able to see directly how edge computing has already started to help bring forth innovations in our daily lives, here are some real-life applications of edge computing. Things such as traffic lights, public transport, and smart street lighting are all supported by edge computing. Smart cities depend on massive amounts of data to function properly, so without edge computing, this wouldn’t be able to come to fruition.
Another exciting example of an edge computing application is autonomous vehicles. Also known as self-driving cars, autonomous vehicles wouldn’t be able to react to real-time traffic conditions without the help of edge-powered sensors. So edge computing ensures safety and a smooth self-driving experience.
What does the future have in store for edge computing?
When it comes to the future of edge computing, there are some applications we can expect to take place. One of them is personalized healthcare. Edge computing can empower devices to monitor how one’s health evolves over time. This can aid in preventing certain conditions and even enable real-time interventions.
Another innovation that could be supported by edge computing in the future is in the field of augmented reality (AR). Edge processing can help AR reach the next level, so we can profit from better AR experiences.
Edge computing is no longer just a different way of computing, a newer improved alternative to centralized computing. Besides the incredible benefits of edge computing, there is a vision for the future. It continues to evolve and bring new exciting applications in our daily lives. It has the power to revolutionize and reshape the way we interact and work with each other.
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