Ep. 46 Edge Computing and Multicloud: Seven use cases.

Welcome to this week’s episode. Another important topic on Digital Transformation is Edge Computing. Today we will discuss the concept behind it, and seven use cases where using Edge Computing is critical for digital transformation initiatives.

As always, this will be simple and concise but accurate. Click on Subscribe if you want to be informed of new episodes.

This is a follow-up episode of the previous one: EP45 (The Multicloud)

In our previous episode, we commented about the typical progression of service reallocation from on-premises to cloud, building mixed/hybrid environments, and moving into multiple Cloud Service Providers. We also discussed the need to create an Enterprise Architecture that encompasses all cloud services and on-premises services to take benefit of the new IT approach called Multicloud.

Concentrating services in the Cloud accelerates the propagation of information between processes and Stakeholders.

But, some cases exist where accumulating processing resources in a central entity (the cloud) does not cover all the organization’s needs.

Enter Edge Computing

Edge Computing is a method of optimizing cloud computing systems by allocating data processing in distributed remote locations. This is because certain use cases require capturing and processing an essential volume of information that could be more practical to be processed as close as possible to the source of origin. This typically involves remote locations.

Ok, Jose, I see the point. May you please elaborate on these use cases?

Edge Computing Use Cases

Think of this: Typically, the Digital Transformation goal is enabling organizations to collaborate in real-time with customers and partners, to learn from these interactions, and to respond to these interactions in real-time.

There are several situations where the volume of information created in a remote location can only be effectively processed close to the information source.

I see two major categories for Edge Computing: Remote information originating from IoT sensors and Cybersecurity.

Edge Computing connected with IoT devices:

A couple of use cases:

1. IoT Processing to support business decisions: Think of Smart Cities (external) or Predictive Maintenance (internal), where thousands of remote sensors provide information on device status. The organization needs to process the data and respond accordingly in real-time.
2. IoT Processing to respond to critical events: Think of Medical Devices or Autonomous Vehicles, where the organization must respond to events to protect people and assets.
3. IoT Processing to support intelligence systems: Think of Robotics, where Edge Computing can be used to process data produced by IoT, such as geographical information (LIDAR) or Robotic vision, supporting decision-making.

Edge Computing and Cybersecurity:

The rationale behind this application is that global organizations often evaluate using Edge Computing to monitor, detect and remediate events in remote locations. This is a powerful alternative enriched with AI / ML algorithms.

1. Intrusion detection and prevention: Edge devices are an excellent choice for analyzing network traffic and detecting potential security breaches in real time, allowing for quick response and mitigating threats.
2. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection: Edge computing can be used to filter and redirect traffic away from a targeted server, reducing the impact of DDoS attacks.
3. Endpoint security: Edge devices can be used to monitor and protect the security of individual devices and users within a network, such as through antivirus software and firewalls.
4. Advanced threat intelligence: Edge devices can be used to gather and analyze data on emerging security threats, allowing organizations to defend against them proactively.

Is Edge Computing the right solution for all organizations?

Many times, but not all times: The decision to complement Edge Computing with Cloud Computing should be based on the business needs, business drivers, and goals of the organization.

The best-case scenario is that this decision should be a consequence of their Digital Transformation initiative.

Ok, Jose. Quick question: If an organization wants to improve its existing Multicloud deployment by adding Edge Computing, is that accomplished via a multi-step approach (evolution) or a big-bang approach (disruption)?

Many things can be fixed via evolution; in some cases, it will be required to implement some disruptive changes.

And a bonus!

There is an increasing trend in Enterprise organizations to explore and hire Managed Services Providers to help them build and complement Edge Services with their existing Multicloud environment and mitigate some implementation risks.

Typical key values that an MSP provides

1. Planning and strategy: MSPs can help clients develop a Digital Transformation strategy that adds Edge Computing to their Multicloud strategy that aligns with their business goals and requirements. This can involve assessing the organization’s current and future workloads, determining which use cases would benefit from Edge Computing, and developing a roadmap for implementing and managing their Multicloud architecture.
2. Implementation and integration: MSPs can assist with the technical aspects of implementing an Edge Computing architecture, including integrating the new use cases with the various cloud environments.
3. Management and maintenance: MSPs can provide ongoing management and care of the improved Multicloud environment, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing performance and costs.
4. Consulting and expertise: MSPs can provide guidance and expertise on best practices for using Edge/Multicloud and help clients make informed decisions about which cloud providers and Edge Technologies to use.
5. Support: MSPs can provide technical support to help clients with any issues or questions that arise during the Edge/Multicloud implementation and management process.

Good enough?

I hope you find this Episode valuable and entertaining.

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