By Anzhela Sychyk
Cloud computing provides us with the opportunity to store, manage, and analyze information on remote data servers. At the same time, this technology has some drawbacks, such as delayed data processing. That’s why you may face various difficulties while using cloud computing for time-critical tasks. Fortunately, the development of edge computing may help to overcome this challenge.
In this post, I will discuss whether edge computing is going to vaporize cloud computing. Plus, you’ll get acquainted with the benefits and drawbacks of each technology. Let’s dip into the future of edge computing and cloud computing to discover their perspective and influence on the development of the IT industry.
Benefits of edge computing
The implementation of this technology can solve some current crucial problems. It takes a lot of time for data to transfer from the edge device to the server for processing. Although such delay may not seem serious, each millisecond matters. Plus, there is a necessity to reduce the strain that is put on the bandwidth. In another case, high traffic and long distance may significantly slow down the network. Unfortunately, cloud computing can’t solve these issues as for now.
That’s why there is no doubt that edge computing has some advantages to offer over cloud computing. First of all, you can use it to process time-sensitive data. The technology can reduce the latency of information processing because it relocates crucial data processing to the edge of the network. Due to this feature, edge computing is ideal for applications that require an immediate response. It’ll make them more robust and fast-loading.
Besides, edge computing can be a preferred choice over cloud computing because it ensures lower management costs. Sending the most significant data within short distances can save a lot of network and computing resources.
Also, various intelligent devices may get a lot of benefits if they use edge computing instead of cloud computing. The technology will guarantee an immediate response, as well as the opportunity to conduct accurate and fast calculations. This feature comes especially useful for the development of autonomous vehicles.
What is more, this tech offers new opportunities for all large-scale content providers, such as Netflix or Amazon. These companies are interested in the development of streaming technologies, and edge computing becomes a go-to solution. This approach can provide users with faster access to favorite shows. Plus, these companies get a chance to expand their services without the need to compromise the current performance.
Benefits of cloud computing
Unlike with edge computing, if you use cloud computing, all your data will be processed and stored in a remote data center or server. Any device or app that needs to get access to this information must connect to the cloud.
Still, this technology may offer plenty of benefits to the companies that use standard server networks. Due to the usage of cloud computing, such organizations can ensure that only authorized users will get access to the stored data.
According to Cisco’s global research, it’s expected that both people and machines will generate about 800 zettabytes of information in 2020. And it is a no-brainer that only cloud servers can store such a tremendous amount of data.
Besides, the researches state that internet of things (IoT) devices, in particular, will generate more than 80 zettabytes. Unfortunately, much of this information will be deleted because the devices don’t have enough storage to keep the received data.
Although the main drawback of cloud computing is the lack of speed, this technology offers amazing processing capacity and storage space. These features will definitely continue to be useful for small business owners and people who don’t work with time-critical tasks.
Edge computing vs cloud computing
Bear in mind that sometimes, you may need to use both of these technologies to get high results. The combination of edge computing and cloud computing can provide you with the opportunity to maximize their potential and, at the same time, reduce their drawbacks.
Following such an approach will open up new horizons for IT and AI companies in particular. IoT devices will be able to run faster and process data efficiently without losing storage capacity and processing power. Of course, right now, edge computing seems to have more benefits than cloud computing, but you shouldn’t underestimate the advantages of the latter.
Nowadays, it seems that the future of networks lies somewhere between edge computing and cloud computing. There is no doubt that the leading companies will find a way to get more benefits from these technologies and overcome their disadvantages. It’ll open the possibility to improve a lot of services and drive innovations.
At the same time, some users forecast the end of cloud computing. However, many experts believe in the future of this technology. Additionally, as for now, there is no analytical framework that can prove that cloud computing becomes less popular.
Although edge computing offers solutions for many challenges, cloud computing remains an important part of the IT industry. Today, both of these technologies remain relevant and provide data analytics solutions for various organizations.
Conclusion
As you can see, edge computing and cloud computing are different technologies that can’t and won’t replace each other. Each of them is important for the IT industry and allows utilizing different approaches for the maximum benefits. However, nowadays, many companies turn to edge technology because it provides more opportunities in comparison to cloud computing.
The decision on one of these technologies is dependent on the goals and needs of your company. Try to find out whether edge computing can help you to overcome the tech challenges you have and make sure that it’ll work for your business.
Bear in mind that technologies are changing, and companies have to adapt to the new trends. But still, you should always choose only those solutions that can help to improve your business. Besides, you can always opt for both edge computing and cloud computing to achieve your company’s goals.
Anzhela Sychyk is a Market Researcher and Technical Writer at TheAppSolutions. She likes to learn new things about modern technologies that increase the efficiency of
business operations, especially the development of edge computing.