In recent years, two significant trends have emerged in the computing world: edge computing and cloud computing. Although the two concepts may seem similar, they are actually very different. Edge computing focuses on moving device processing power closer to the user. In contrast, Cloud computing offloads processing tasks from individual devices and distributes them across multiple servers in remote data centers.
Edge vs. Cloud is the most frequently asked question in the IT industry. Both technologies have their own use cases in business environments, but it’s essential to understand the key differences between the two. But before getting into the differences, it’s necessary to first understand edge computing and cloud computing technologies.
What Is Edge Computing?
Edge computing provides immediate data processing and storage by bringing computing systems as close as possible to the devices, applications, or components that collect or generate the data.
Longer processing times because all data is processed at the edge, minimizing the need for communication with a central processing system. This results in more efficient data processing, reduced Internet bandwidth requirements, lower operating costs, and the ability to use applications in remote locations with limited connectivity. Gartner predicts that 75% of enterprise computing will be done at the edge by 2025.
Edge computing improves data control, reduces costs, delivers faster insights and actions, and delivers more continuous and optimized data processing and storage by processing and storing data closer to its source. Edge computing can also help improve cyber security by reducing the need to interact with public cloud platforms and networks. The simplest examples of edge computers are laptops, smartphones, and IoT sensors.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing uses hosted services such as servers, data storage, networks, and software over the Internet and stores data on physical servers managed by cloud service providers.
Cloud computing has revolutionized many industries by changing the way companies think about their IT resources. Cloud computing gives organizations access to applications, storage, physical and virtual servers, networking, development tools, and other cutting-edge technologies on demand over the Internet for a nominal fee. Cloud computing services are hosted by a third party or in remote data centers that are privately managed by your organization.
A broader definition of cloud computing includes the technologies behind the cloud, including virtualized IT infrastructure such as operating systems, servers, and networks. This virtualization technology uses purpose-built software to consolidate and securely share computing power regardless of physical hardware limitations.
Cloud computing virtualization allows cloud providers to optimize infrastructure usage. For example, a single hardware server can be divided into several different virtual servers to serve other users.
Cloud computing has three main types: public, private, and hybrid. Public cloud platforms are owned and managed by third parties that serve multiple customers over the Internet. Your provider pays for all hardware, software, and supporting infrastructures, such as internet connectivity and electricity.
An agreement with a provider allows a customer to access the provider’s hosted infrastructure, platform, or software through her web browser. Examples of public clouds include Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud.
Edge computing vs. cloud computing: Which is better?
Both cloud computing and edge computing have their strengths and weaknesses, and both continue to be used side by side. Ultimately, the best solution for you will depend on your specific needs, location, and level of control over your data. A better question would be: How can we use these technologies for our business? I
These two important technological advances complement each other very well. Each solves a different set of problems and compensates for areas where the other has weaknesses or limitations.
Combining these two technologies provides enterprises with a scalable IT strategy that offers unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings. Organizations that want to get the most out of their infrastructure should not move to the entire cloud or edge. It would be best if you pursued an intelligent hybrid model to get the most out of both.
Switch To Hybrid Cloud Architectures: Best Of Both Worlds
Many organizations need the convergence of Cloud and edge. Organizations should be centralized where possible and decentralized where necessary. A hybrid cloud architecture allows organizations to leverage the security and manageability of on-premises systems while leveraging public cloud resources from service providers.
Hybrid cloud solutions mean different things to different organizations. This means training in the Cloud and deploying at the edge, training in the data center and using cloud management tools at the edge, or training at the edge and centralizing federated learning models with the Cloud. There are endless ways to integrate Cloud and edge.
Conclusion
It’s important for businesses to understand that edge computing and cloud computing are two different technologies that cannot replace each other. Edge computing is ideal for processing data in real-time, while cloud computing is suitable for processing large amounts of time-independent information.
Combining edge and cloud computing can shape a new computing paradigm for businesses in every industry. The main difference is responsiveness. These computing platforms have individual and standard applications in various future scenarios.
