One of the latest computing buzz words is edge computing. So, what is edge computing and is it needed for your businesses IT strategy? Well, it transforms the way data is being handled, processed and delivered. It does this by processing information close to the edge, where various devices and people produce or consume that information.

How does edge computing work?

Edge computing works with businesses that process lots of data. Data is usually processed by data centres via the cloud. If the data centre is further away, latency is more likely to occur. Using sensors to collect data and edge servers to securely process data in real-time on-site. Connecting other devices including laptops and smartphones to the network, reducing the chances of latency occurring or downtime.

At the moment Edge computing is not so much something that a small business needs to be implementing for a companies Managed Service strategy and it is more something that companies should be looking at for a more long term IT Support strategy.

So the question is where does edge computing work best?

Edge computing works with:

IoT devices like traffic lights or smart bins.
Equipment on a factory floor
Faster networking technologies like 5G wireless.
Self-driving vehicles.
Artificial intelligence.
Video processing and analytics. 
Robotics. 
Drones.

Do you need edge computing?

Data processing is becoming more important to businesses. As the growth of IoT allows for scalability and flexibility. This allows businesses to respond to changing business needs more quickly. Mobile devices use apps to access and process data on nearby devices. Sending it directly to nearby computers or nearby cloud storage.

Answering yes to any of the following means you need to think about using edge computing, Do you:

Process data from multiple devices?
Need to access data locally?
Access and process biometric data?
Need to access and process data quickly?
Access and process data from local sensors?
Need to comply with GDPR?

iPing provides managed services and IT services. We can help provide you with an overview of your current setup, and if edge computing is for you. So, if you need some help with the above please contact us or give us a call on 01 5241350.