As more and more businesses move to the cloud to update and modernize their IT departments, more and more new, sophisticated technologies and techniques come to the fore. It can be difficult to navigate the many options, which is why Broadline Solutions provides the expertise you need to give your IT department a competitive edge. One big trend in the world of cloud computing which may be a benefit to your business is edge computing. But just what is edge computing and when might it be useful to your organization?
Well, the answer to the first question is all in the name: edge computing is computing which takes place at or near the “edge” of a network, rather than entirely at a single, centralized data center or cloud, meaning closer to the devices that are accessing that network. It involves building data centers for processing or storage closer to where the data is gathered, rather than a location potentially hundreds or thousands of miles away. The primary benefits of edge computing are decreased latency and increased performance, since the resources the end user’s device is using are much more local. In the long run, this can also translate into big time money savings. The increased speed which investing in edge computing brings can also be crucial in situations where processing data is time-sensitive.
At first, it might sound like edge computing and cloud computing are polar opposites: one involves processing and storing data at or near the devices gathering or accessing that data, while the other is often seen as a way to get rid of on-premises hardware. But, in truth, they are both tools at your disposal, and they can be used in tandem depending on the needs of your business. Connecting edge computing devices through the data center, whether in the cloud or on-premises, for instance, can optimize performance by having real-time data collected and sorted through speedy edge devices, then having it stored or analyzed by central applications, which can be done through slower, less expensive connections since these tasks are less time sensitive.
If you’re still a little confused about edge computing, or any of the other options available to you in the wide world of IT, we understand. That’s why teams like Broadline Solutions exist to advise and advocate on your behalf, helping your business develop strategic solutions that suit your needs. If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out to us at 763.235.2000 or info@broadlinesolutions.com.
