Edge computing involves an exercise where data is processed at the edge of your network instead of in the usual data processing zone, which can be centralized. Edge computing is preferred as it enhances data-stream acceleration and enables real-time data processing in a seamless manner. It has proved to be beneficial for businesses for a number of reasons.
The Scene Earlier
It was more than a couple of decades ago that companies first thought of outsourcing their data center requirements to third-party service providers specializing in data centers. These companies came up with class facilities in IT-intensive cities like Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, etc.
Of late, there is a burgeoning requirement from giants like AWS, Google and Microsoft that has prompted the construction of large ready-to-use data centers that are being lapped up by the big three even before the construction is completed. Datacenter colocation service providers with the wherewithal to support such requirements were sought after for the ever-increasing needs of corporate applications. Today, edge computing that can be delivered from edge data centers is evolving as a viable alternative.
Moving towards ‘edge’
In areas of certain businesses that go by algorithms where even a fraction of a millisecond can make or break things. The function of latency as this is often referred to (like in the movie The Hummingbird Project) has empowered emerging applications such as IoT and IIoT, which are set to revolutionize the IT industry by making vast amounts of data easily and quickly accessible at unimaginable speeds.
Coping with Latency
Pages taking ages to load, movies taking hours to download, etc., are instances of latency that tend to irritate the user. Even when data is transmitted at the highest speeds possible (speed of light) from a centralized data center to a remotely located facility, there can be transmission delays that result in increased costs.
The advent of technologies like IoT and IIoT has helped firms track the collection and processing of data accurately. Latency can play spoil-sport and that is where edge computing can offer lasting solutions.
How does an Edge Data Center Function?
With edge computing set to be a standard feature in the network strategies being adopted today more companies are on the lookout for edge data centers to come to their aid. Edge data centers are not necessarily huge centers but rather small facilities enabling the delivery of cloud computing resources or streaming content with nil or negligible latency.
Hence, edge data centers need to be in line by:
- Being smaller in size (in comparison to regular data centers) thus offering services at many affordable costs.
- Being robust enough to withstand the vagaries of weather and have reliable systems with power backup features.
- Locating the center strategically so that a prospective customer can have ready access.
Who can provide the best ‘edge’ services?
The services that can be made available to the end-users will largely depend on the specific requirements and locations where the services are required. The edge marketplace is likely to be dominated by wireline and wireless service providers. The existing data centers that have colocation facilities in the same vicinity can provide these services. With the concept of edge computing still catching on it will be a few years before services get streamlined.
About DataCenterandColocation
DataCenterandColocation is a free professional and non-bias service provided to clients for selecting the right data center, colocation, managed hosting or cloud facility for their requirements. DataCenterandColocation is one of the largest colocation site consulting firms in the United States. They represent approximately 3000 data centers and colocation centers in the United States and Canada. At no cost to clients, they identify specific space, location, power and security requirements, solicit proposals, professionally analyze the responses, compare the strengths and weaknesses of each facility, negotiate to price and deliver highly competitive bids for colocation. They also perform a comparative analysis of in-house vs. design-build services, wholesale data center space, and data connectivity.