In recent years, edge computing has emerged as a popular technology for processing data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Unlike traditional cloud computing, edge computing allows data to be processed closer to where it is generated, which reduces latency and enhances data security. As more devices are connected to the internet, the amount of data that needs to be processed at the edge is growing exponentially. This article will explore edge computing trends, objectives, challenges, strategies, and cloud-based solutions in 2022.
Edge computing trends
According to a survey conducted by LogicMonitor, an average of 35% of computing resources now reside at the edge. This represents a significant increase from just a few years ago, as edge computing has become more accessible and affordable. Breaking it down further, 46% of organizations keep 25% to 50% of their data estate in edge workloads, while a further 29% said that half or more of their data estate is driven by edge workloads. This trend is expected to continue, as a majority (64%) of respondents expect the amount of data stored on the edge to increase in the next 12 months.
Objectives for edge computing in 2022
The survey also revealed that more respondents listed the need to process data from edge devices as a top objective in 2022 than in 2021. This represents the largest year-over-year increase in IT priorities among all of the changes the survey measured. The benefits of processing data at the edge are becoming clearer and organizations are recognizing the competitive advantages of adopting edge computing technology.
Challenges of Digital Transformation
Despite the benefits of edge computing, there are still challenges that organizations face when adopting this technology. One of the biggest challenges is gaps in technology skills and knowledge. Edge computing requires specialized skills and expertise, and many organizations struggle to find qualified talent to manage their edge infrastructure. Budget constraints are another challenge as edge computing often requires significant investments in hardware, software, and personnel. Technical debt resulting from siloed legacy systems and processes, cultural misalignment/disconnects between IT operations and development teams, and inadequate data analysis capabilities for decision-making are other challenges organizations face when implementing edge computing.
Strategies for IT infrastructure optimization
To overcome these challenges, tech leaders plan to focus on optimizing IT infrastructure through better monitoring and management. Edge computing requires a high level of real-time monitoring to ensure data processing is performed efficiently and securely. By leveraging modern tools and technologies, organizations can gain greater visibility into their edge infrastructure and respond to issues proactively.
Cloud-based solutions
Another strategy for optimizing IT infrastructure is the adoption of cloud-based solutions. Many respondents (62%) stated that they want to accelerate switching from on-premises to cloud-based solutions in response to the overall market environment. On average, 54% of data at respondents’ organizations resided in a public or hybrid cloud when the survey was conducted at the end of 2021. Cloud-based solutions are more flexible and scalable, and they can help organizations reduce costs and complexity associated with traditional on-premises infrastructure.
Edge computing is rapidly evolving, and organizations must keep pace with the latest trends, objectives, challenges, strategies, and cloud-based solutions to stay competitive. The adoption of edge computing technology offers significant benefits, but it also poses significant challenges that organizations must address. By focusing on optimization strategies and cloud-based solutions, organizations can overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of edge computing. In the coming years, we can expect edge computing to become even more prevalent and essential in the modern digital landscape.