What Is Cloud Edge Computing?

Cloud edge is an IT paradigm that brings cloud computing to the edge of the network. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and other technologies, organizations need the ability to process massive amounts of data while reducing latency and maintaining high availability. Cloud edge computing provides this capability by locating cloud resources closer to the places where data is created and consumed, eliminating the need to backhaul data through centralized data centers in distant locations.

Cloud computing makes computing capabilities such as processing, storage, databases, networking, and analytics available as flexible, highly scalable services accessed over the internet. Using virtualization to create vast pools of computing resources, cloud infrastructure delivers higher performance, greater reliability, and incredible scalability while reducing costs through pay-as-you-go pricing. While cloud services allow organizations to quickly provision any amount of computing power, the fact that cloud storage and processing resources reside in distant locations can add latency to business-critical processes. It can also introduce greater risk since data must travel long distances to get from local devices and servers to a centralized cloud data center.

In contrast to the centralized nature of cloud architecture, edge computing is a highly distributed IT architecture in which information is processed at the periphery or edge of a network, close to the users, devices, and applications that generate and consume the data. Since data is processed on nearby servers, edge computing significantly reduces latency while protecting sensitive data by limiting its exposure to the public internet. However, the scale of edge computing can be limited by the number, size, and availability of edge servers that are close to a given workload. For technologies like IoT and applications like artificial intelligence that generate enormous amounts of data that must be processed in real time, edge networks may not provide enough computing power.

To accommodate the processing needs of new and emerging technologies, tech companies are shifting to a cloud edge model that brings cloud computing infrastructure closer to the network’s edge. In the near future, cloud edge will comprise far more data centers located closer to users, interconnected on an application-aware network that quickly adapts to changing needs in real time. This eventual evolution of the cloud computing and edge computing models will deliver the flexible, on-demand services that businesses require from cloud computing, while also providing lower latency, higher performance, and stronger data and network security that new fields of technology require.

By pushing cloud computing processes closer to the source of data — and the people, devices, and applications that use the data — cloud edge computing can deliver significant benefits.

• Faster response times. Data within a cloud edge network can be processed and consumed close to where it is generated, enabling faster response times for enhanced user experiences.
• Optimized bandwidth. By processing more workloads locally, cloud edge networks minimize the need to transmit massive amounts of data to centralized servers, reducing network usage and lowering bandwidth needs.
• Increased security. By processing and storing data locally, cloud edge networks limit the distance sensitive information must travel, and minimize its exposure to threats.
• Simpler data governance. Many countries and jurisdictions have different requirements for how data such as customer records can be collected, used, stored, protected, and retained. When data travels long distances to reach cloud data centers, managing these data sovereignty mandates can be complex and time-consuming. Cloud edge computing simplifies data governance by processing and storing data locally.
• More flexibility and scalability. Cloud edge networks make it easy to scale applications with ease and to run modern apps built on containers or existing apps on virtual machines, all within a single platform.
• Real-time insight. Because cloud edge computing enables data to be processed faster and delivered with quicker response times, solutions such as analytics platforms can deliver insight to end users with greater speed and timeliness.

• Multimedia experiences. Cloud edge networks can improve video streaming services and online gaming experiences by providing faster response times that eliminate latency and lag.
• Manufacturing. IoT devices within industrial manufacturing plants rely on cloud edge networks to collect, process, and deliver real-time analytics and insights into areas such as product quality, workplace safety, equipment maintenance, and process automation.
• Self-driving vehicles. Autonomous vehicles generate massive amounts of data that must be processed in real time to make split-second decisions about vehicle speed, navigation, and safety.
• Healthcare. Cloud edge capabilities enable healthcare clinicians to view real-time data about the conditions of patients and allow them to make faster decisions to improve healthcare outcomes.
• Smart cities solutions. The low-latency performance of cloud edge networks is essential for smart cities technology, such as smart traffic lights that respond to real-time traffic conditions. Cloud edge can also support smart surveillance that gathers data from thousands of sensors and security cameras to monitor conditions on the street, track criminal activity, and enhance public safety.

Security for cloud edge computing requires a multifaceted approach that combines several key technologies and frameworks.

• A Zero Trust approach to security is essential for cloud edge networks. In a Zero Trust framework, no user, device, or application is automatically granted permissions. Rather, each must be authenticated and validated on every request for access to IT resources. Permissions must be given on a least-privilege basis, where access is granted only to the resources needed to perform a specific task at a specific time. This reduces the chance of malicious actors gaining unauthorized access to the network, and limits the impact of a successful attack by blocking lateral movement.
• Network security solutions like web filtering, intrusion prevention systems, next-generation firewalls, and anti-malware technology reduce the risk of malicious actors gaining access to the corporate network.
• Cloud security technologies — including encryption, cloud access security brokers (CASBs), web application firewalls, secure web gateways, and Zero Trust network access — can help to ensure security of cloud assets.
• Endpoint security is essential for monitoring and managing activity on user devices.
• Encryption helps to protect sensitive data that may be exposed, leaked, lost, or exfiltrated.
• Superior identity and access management prevents unauthorized access and ensures that users have access only to the IT assets they require.