Dev Test Only - Edge Data Centre – What is Edge and Why Use It?

What is an Edge Computing Platform and Why Your Business Needs It 

Edge computing is a vital part of today's business function. With more people choosing to work remotely and office spaces dispersed across the nation, having edge network compatibility is an essential component of any digital infrastructure. 

Edge allows users in remote locations to access and manage data from the network's Edge, ensuring security and integrity for your data no matter where people choose to use it. This is critical for any business working among locations or with remote or freelance workers.  

Here, we will explore what Edge is, how it works, and the importance of edge platforms alongside your data centre solution. 

What is Edge and how does it work?

Edge is about ensuring data is processed close to where the user generates it. This relates to a community of networks and devices that facilitate data management, generation, and processing. By having devices and networks located nearby that assist with data processing, your business can benefit from lower latency, greater speed, and higher processing volumes.  

This is vital for businesses that regularly manage high volumes of data. You will want to know that you have the digital infrastructure in place to ensure the secure processing of your business's sensitive data.  

Edge devices  

Edge devices can run computing programs from where they are located and connected to the internet, only occasionally needing to send data for better processing. Standard edge devices include: 

• Retail contact payment readers. 
• Point-of-sale systems. 
• Sensors. 
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
  
  

While these devices can connect to the cloud, such as for file sharing from remote workers' laptops, they can also work and complete functions without it—including saving personal files without internet access.   

Network edge

This is the point of the network where the data is processed. The network edge is vital for businesses wanting to drive down costs. Where it is too expensive to compute on the premises, but you need faster action than sending to the cloud, having a network edge is essential. This gives you the low latency speed required to access your systems and data while performing business operations without the high costs of computing everything within one premise. 

Our platformEDGE

Here at Pulsant, we have our own edge infrastructure platform offering. With platformEDGE, businesses can access all these components in one comprehensive solution. Emerging technologies like 5G, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are opening up new opportunities for businesses to innovate, expand into new markets, and transform their operations. It offers a unified solution that combines colocation, connectivity and distributed computing capabilities, enabling users to leverage edge computing to achieve their business objectives, which is reliant on the three key components: strategically placed servers, access to computing resources, and a high-speed network that integrates everything seamlessly. 

Why edge computing is important

Edge computing is vital for businesses wanting to drive down costs, speed up operations, and ensure their data is secure. By using Edge alongside your data centre infrastructure, you can provide the fast access and reliability you need to ensure the smooth running of your business.  

Some benefits of edge computing for your business include: 

• Lower latency – don't let latency slow down your business operations. Using edge computing can help ensure latency stays low, reducing wait times. 
• Lower transmission costs –  handling and processing data locally can help you improve your bandwidth efficiency, keeping latency low. It can also ensure you're lowering your transmissions, so you won't be reliant on waiting for data to go between your device and the cloud.  
• Data control – local data handling can also help with your business privacy policies and ensure added security and reliability. Data breaches are common IT issues, so reducing vulnerabilities is vital for your business operations and reputation.  
• Improved user experience – edge networks are a vital part of any digital infrastructure. They ensure the quick operation of your websites and other platforms and systems that customers interact with frequently.  
• Scalability – whether you're growing your business or need to cut costs and optimise your data consumption, edge computing can help.