The Future of Edge Computing: Five Trends To Watch
For enhanced security at the edge, companies should look to not only invest in security and tech talent but also prioritize zero trust architecture.
With edge computing quickly taking center stage and companies increasing their spend on it, the future seems assured. Joe Fizor, Director of solutions engineering at TBI, shares five key trends to watch as the scope of edge computing grows.
Spending on edge computing in 2022 is projected to increase 14.8% from last year, and by 2026, the market is looking to reach $17.8 billion dollars. The future of edge computing looks strong, primarily because of the technological innovations it will allow.
Edge computing is when data and information are moved closer to the user. Previously, most data was stored in the cloud consisting of servers accessed over the internet. The problem with this is that when the user wants to access the data, the process can be slow because the data isn’t accessible close to where the user is located. With edge computing, however, data is processed close to the original source and can speed up the process significantly.
See More: Innovating Retail Experiences with Augmented Reality and Edge Computing
Five Key Edge Computing Trends to Watch
Clearly, we will see an expansion in the use of edge computing in the future, but what are some trends that will arise with the increased usage? Let’s take a look.
1. Edge computing for both large and small enterprises: Overall, edge computing is geared toward larger enterprises, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for it when it comes to smaller companies. Covid brought remote work, and remote work brought distributed workers. Employees are moving around and working across the country. Businesses need to realize how much of a necessity edge computing is to minimize latency and increase productivity. Edge is the answer.
2. Customer experience: Everything businesses do always leads back to creating a positive customer experience, so they’ll continue coming back. We’ll begin to see edge used to create better customer outcomes. The primary benefit of the edge is the ability to increase speeds. This alone can create a better customer experience because consumers want instant gratification, not clunky, inefficient experiences. But the benefits don’t stop at speed. Edge compute can also create personalization by quickly processing data. As marketers focus on more data-centric strategies, edge computing can bring the information closer to the source to drive faster analysis.
3. The rise of IoT devices: In the future, we’ll see an increased push and adoption of IoT systems, especially as 5G becomes more widely available. The once futuristic smart homes and self-driving cars that we’ve always imagined will be made possible with edge computing. Self-driving cars, for example, need the quick data processing that comes with edge. If there’s a delay while the car is driving down the street, the results could be deadly. But IoT is more than just self-driving cars or smart refrigerators. IoT can also be used in key industries like healthcare and manufacturing. For example, remote monitoring using IoT devices can allow for ongoing visibility into patients’ healthcare records. This includes things like sending alerts to patients and doctors when vitals are out of range. The options are endless when IoT pairs with edge computing.
4. AR and VR use cases: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have been around for some time, but as enterprises adopt this technology more, edge computing will be imperative. One of the biggest uses of AR/VR for businesses is the ability for potential customers to experience a product or service before they actually purchase it. However, to have a seamless experience, the data needs to be processed close to the VR device.
AR/VR devices can be used beyond client-facing use cases as well. They also allow colleagues to participate in real-time sharing of work, enable remote collaboration or help with complex trainings, all of which need the speed of edge processing to operate well fully. And those are just the current capabilities. We’ll continue to see more emerging use cases of AR/VR as it expands, including the Metaverse. As the Metaverse becomes prevalent among consumers and businesses, it too will need the power of edge computing.
5. Security upgrades: Security is a concern every company knows too well. In 2021, cyberattacks increased 50% compared to 2020, and we’re sure to see that number continue to grow. Edge computing makes cybersecurity more difficult. As more businesses begin utilizing edge compute, more edge devices will be put in place, opening many more entry points for bad actors. This forces a greater need for security talent who can continuously test, update and patch any security systems in place while also monitoring all devices to ensure any licensing or warranties are up to date. The bottom line is that there needs to be a team dedicated to monitoring each edge compute point, so no security breaches happen.
See More: Security at the Edge: What Tools Should Organizations Be Considering?
Securing the Edge
For enhanced security at the edge, companies should look to not only invest in security and tech talent but also prioritize zero trust architecture. This means that when a user logs into a system, it not only asks for a username and password but also monitors what kind of computer you have, the software, etc. so that they know the user is who they say they are. Additionally, this gives the user limited access to data, allowing protection for the rest of the company’s data in case of a breach. All security measures should also undergo penetration tests to ensure they’re working properly and to find any weaknesses.
With the power of edge computing, our work and daily lives become easier. Everything from remote work to driving to the office will be powered by the quick processing power of edge devices. Emerging technologies, including AR/VR, and the immersive experiences that come with them will be enhanced by edge compute. Despite the security risks, if you’re not utilizing edge computing in your business, you should rethink your strategy because the incredible opportunities that come from this technology will continue to expand. Implement now, or you will be left behind.
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