Otelco : How Edge Computing Can Benefit Your Business

While the popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices remains on the rise, the average consumer doesn't necessarily stop to think about what keeps their network running smoothly - even as they continue to add to the devices in use at their home or office.

Consider that each of these devices needs to send and receive data from the cloud, and that as more devices are competing for this capability on the same network, they're essentially creating a traffic jam. In most cases, information can still get to where it needs to be, but there can be significant delays that result in subpar performance.

Edge computing comes into play by reducing the distance data needs to travel, and therefore combating latency issues and improving processing times.

How edge computing works

Edge computing optimizes performance by placing data storage and computing centers closer (at the edge of the network) to the devices that rely on them most heavily. Think of edge computing as a shipping and processing center. Your IoT devices only need to send data as far as these local edge data centers, which then process data and send along what's relevant, cutting down on bandwidth needs and improving speeds.

What does this mean for your business technology needs?

After a year in which we've all learned to adapt to meeting customer demands and business needs in an increasingly digital world, it might be obvious that your current system needs improvement. Edge computing offers a number of safeguards against potential threats and advantages in keeping things running smoothly.

• Reduced latency issues

  Consider the data that is constantly being sent and received by your systems (things like video surveillance, employee emails, manufacturing data, or other functions of smart devices that keep your office running). Now consider how much bandwidth would be saved if all of this data was traveling a fraction of the distance it currently travels to be processed.

• Better access to new technologies

  Current cloud computing services can't compete with where artificial intelligence technology is headed. Utilizing local data centers opens up opportunities for both providers and the businesses relying on these advancements. Access to edge computing can help prepare you for the next big development that will improve the way your business functions.

• Reliability for crucial tools

  Take the healthcare industry for example. With medical advancements, many patients are using tools like heart-rate monitors to track critical health-related data. Edge computing ensures the vital information from these devices is able to be easily accessed when needed.

• Less downtime

  Through more plentiful local data centers, outages are limited to each edge computing device and its local applications, rather than affecting an entire network.

• More control over privacy

  Data sent to far-off cloud servers is at more of a risk of being intercepted than information that is stored and processed at the edge.

Want to know more?

If you are interested in learning more about edge computing and how it can meet your companies unique needs, book a virtual visit with one of our IT experts. We are happy to e-meet with you to discuss how this new tool can work for you!