August 9, 2006, Google CEO Eric Smidt coins the term “cloud computing” at Search Engine Strategies Conference. In the years to come, cloud computing would prove itself as one of the newest and brightest technologies of this century so far. Still today, the adoption of cloud computing continues, nevertheless, its faster, stronger, and more convenient counterpart is here. Behold, Edge computing.
Every day, we generate around 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. This number is simply incomprehensible to individuals. However, not only do individuals find difficulties with this fact, firms are seeing increasing amounts of data that need to be processed on a daily basis. Slowly, firms are recognizing the constraints of cloud computing. This is where edge computing enters the market. The newest alternative conducts its computations near or at the source of the data, as opposed to centralized cloud computing. Being strategically relocated and fairly distributed, edge computing brings many advantages. To start, the speed of operations increases immensely. This is a result of the shortened distance data has to cover. Take Siri; previously, any given voice command was received by your device, sent to Apple’s servers in the US where the answer or command was generated to be sent back to your device. These noticeably time-consuming travel distances are not present with edge computing. Additionally, due to the reduction of travel distance, the safety and security of your data are improved, as data is less likely to be intercepted. Ultimately, edge computing allows us to use more data-intensive devices at once, as bandwidth is not a constraining factor, unlike for cloud computing.
In conclusion, while cloud computing is still growing in terms of adoption, the next step is to be taken. In the near future, edge computing, as seen in electric vehicles will become standard.
References
Duggal, N. (2021). Top 9 New Technology Trends for 2021. Simplilearn.Com. https://www.simplilearn.com/top-technology-trends-and-jobs-article#3_edge_computing
Miller, P. (2018). What is edge computing? The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/5/7/17327584/edge-computing-cloud-google-microsoft-apple-amazon
Regalado, A. (2020). Who Coined Cloud Computing? MIT Technology Review. https://www.technologyreview.com/2011/10/31/257406/who-coined-cloud-computing/
Hi Nassim, thanks for the post.
I am wondering if the differences between cloud computing and edge computing are solely based on the location of the data center or is there also a technological breakthrough involved in the development of edge computing?
Also, having more “centers” to reach customer faster will eventually generate larger costs as well, as every location will have its own issues and will need the same base maintenance workers that could otherwise be shared in just one location. I think this will keep costs a bit higher when compared to cloud computing.
Hi Nassim, this is a really interesting post!
Cloud computing has made significant changes in the way businesses operate all over the world. Companies that incorporate edge computing are becoming market leaders in their industries and keep enjoying the benefits from this technology. I think it is really interesting that you mentioned the previous travel time constraint of centralised cloud tech, something we might overlook when looking at benefits from it. I think the point Pablo made about more centers and the increasing cost is also something to keep in mind, however it is likely that considering Moores law and the increasing computing power of centers, costs will weigh up against the profit made from closer centers.
Thanks for the insights.