IT Executive Sam Tenorio III Explores the Benefits of Edge Computing
Edge computing is a distributed and open IT architecture and topology in which servers, processors and data storage arrays are positioned as close as possible to the people who need to access, use or consume information. What’s more, distance is not necessarily based on geography. Rather, it is often determined by routing expediency.
According to IT executive Sam Tenorio III, the Founder and President of Seamless Advanced Solutions which specializes in the design, deployment and support of virtualized networks, data centers and related solutions, there are five key benefits of edge computing: reduced latency, less expensive cooling, enhanced security, scalability, and greater business continuity. Each of these is briefly discussed below.
Reduced Latency
The most important — and for many companies, the most essential — benefit of edge computing is that it enables data to be processed and stored faster than through conventional topology, which can mean the difference between a positive user experience or a frustrating one,” commented Sam Tenorio III. “Take for example smart street lighting systems, which leverages edge computing to evaluate environmental conditions in real-time — such as light levels, fog, smog, and so on — and automatically adjust illumination in order to provide safer conditions for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. If latency becomes an obstacle, then the prevailing environmental condition may dissipate or change by the time the illumination adjusts — thus rendering it useless at best, and dangerous at worst.”
Less Expensive Cooling
Most folks outside the IT world would be surprised, if not shocked, to realize just how much it costs to keep large data centers from overheating and basically sending vast amounts of data — not to mention millions of dollars in hardware and other infrastructure — up in smoke. The good news is that this threat is addressed through industrial-level cooling. The bad news is that this is very expensive. Edge computing can help lower costs, since it allows companies to cool multiple smaller data centers instead of a single large one.
“Fundamentally, any approach to computing that is done more efficiently is going to reduce the processing burden, which in turn is going to reduce energy consumption — and hence cooling costs,” commented Sam Tenorio III.
Enhanced Security
Edge computing positions applications, storage and data processing across multiple data centers and devices, which makes it easier and more streamlined for businesses to fortify vulnerabilities without taking the entire network offline. In addition, more data is processed on local devices, which means less data is transmitted to data centers.
“Even if bad actors compromise a device, they will not have access to the contents of a centralized server,” commented Sam Tenorio III. “With this being said, edge computing does expand the overall threat surface. As a result, data must be encrypted through multiple encryption methods, and businesses need to shift from a centralized top-down info sec infrastructure to a decentralized trust model.”
Scalability
Large data centers are expensive to build, maintain, secure and keep updated. Edge computing allows businesses to afford the computing, storage and analytics infrastructure they need, but at a cost level that is feasible and sustainable.
“Cloud computing helps businesses avoid paying for more computing capacity than they need,” commented Sam Tenorio III. “They can adjust and adapt based on shifting requirements and target new markets without being obligated to expand their infrastructure.”
