Business growth opportunities at the edge

Issue 4 2023 Infrastructure


Chris Buchanan.

While the number of use cases at the edge continues to grow, so do the complexities of edge operations. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for the edge, and every industry is required to take a tailored, strategic approach to effectively manage and secure their edge technologies.

For example, the Q36.5 Pro Cycling team recognises that innovation is driven by data and makes extensive use of data-driven rider selection as well as pre, post and during race data to make informed decisions faster. In this way, technology delivers a competitive advantage by giving the team’s riders the best chance of success through greater insight and active intelligence.

Virtual training apps and gamification enable cyclists to interact, train and compete in a virtual world, and even allow management teams to test riders for possible team selection regardless of location. In addition, 5G technology boosts capacity and performance for mobile broadband and provides real-time edge compute capacity as well as purpose-built connectivity for end devices – all critical in a sport where the norm is to race 280 days a year, in 25 countries, on five continents.

In another example, manufacturers use sensors and cameras to keep an eye on the efficiency of production floor machinery as well as the standard of goods from the assembly line. Edge computing examines the data from many sources to look for broad trends. To maximise system efficiency, factories can use data insights to speed up the system, enhance output quality, and address breakdowns in real time – something that is critical and cannot be addressed as quickly if data otherwise needs to travel back and forth from a data centre or public cloud. Data is processed on the shop floor, giving manufacturers improved data insights and accuracy, so they can act quickly and increase efficiency.

Additionally, retailers can offer better shopping experiences by tracking product movement to better manage inventory and supply, or by assisting consumers more promptly. Edge technology is also helping to unify the physical and online shopping experiences, from automatic checkout in grocery shops to inventory analytics that guarantee shelves are always stocked (and shelf inventories are accurately reflected online).

Understanding challenges at the edge

Many enterprises want to manage and safeguard data at the source, but have limited IT assistance to do so. This has led to an increase in the complexity of edge deployments and often involves unclear objectives and conflicting processes between IT and operational technology (OT). With the amount of data generated growing nine times annually and expected to reach 221 zettabytes by 2026 (according to IDC), organisations need a simple and effective way to manage and secure the diverse ecosystem of edge technologies.

Focusing on the end goal is the foundation of effective edge projects. Prior to discussing technology, make sure your intended business objectives are agreed upon and aligned. For instance, if you work in manufacturing, consider whether you want to minimise costs or increase production yields by proactively avoiding machine failure and the ensuing downtime.

To help your business save money on edge computing, look for chances to combine apps onto a single infrastructure. Think of your edge as a system that permits effective operations rather than a collection of disconnected devices and apps. Key components of a system that can support consolidation include virtualisation, containerised applications and software-defined infrastructure. Edge consolidation offers more flexibility, while also being more effective.

These are just some of the challenges to consider as you plan for growth and develop agile processes at the edge.

Planning your edge

It is important to choose a partner who can assist you in defining your edge, consolidating your edge computing operations, and developing a growth strategy. The data collected and processed at the edge can change both businesses and our everyday lives. Adopting technology that secures and streamlines the edge can lead to outstanding business outcomes.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Western Digital reveals new solutions
WD South Africa Products & Solutions News & Events Infrastructure
Western Digital unveiled new solutions and technology demonstrations at the Future of Memory and Storage Conference 2024. The innovations cater to diverse market segments, from hyperscale cloud to automotive and consumer storage.

Read more...
The Duxbury Services Gateway revolutionises the Edge
Products & Solutions Infrastructure
Duxbury Networking has announced the launch of the Duxbury Services Gateway (DSG) range. These cost-effective edge compute appliances are designed to meet the diverse needs of South African businesses including SD-WAN, Firewall, and IP PBX applications.

Read more...
Navigating the evolving tech landscape in 2024 and beyond
Residential Estate (Industry) Infrastructure
Progress in the fields of AI, VR and social media is to be expected, but what is not, is our fundamental relationship with how we deploy solutions in our business and how it integrates with greater organisational strategies and goals.

Read more...
Eight terabyte desktop SSD
Products & Solutions Infrastructure
Western Digital has expanded its SanDisk portfolio with the new 8 TB SanDisk Desk Drive, its highest capacity yet on an external desktop solid state drive (SSD), also available with 4 TB

Read more...
78% of organisations highly concerned about cloud security
Information Security Infrastructure
As organisations develop and deploy more cloud applications, security becomes more complicated. Many organisations are adopting a hybrid or multi-cloud approach, which has expanded the attack surface and increased complexity.

Read more...
Share large files securely and without delay
Infrastructure Products & Solutions
Professional teams don't have to wait for large file uploads, dabble with insecure sharing platforms, or spend money on file servers and network storage. StorVault FileSpace is a South African solution providing fast, affordable, and secure file streaming.

Read more...
Expanded Cambium cnMatrix portfolio for enhanced network automation
Infrastructure Products & Solutions
Duxbury Networking, a southern Africa distributor for Cambium Networks, has announced that Cambium has expanded its cnMatrix switch portfolio with enhanced network automation and the new EX3024F Fibre Aggregation Switch.

Read more...
Do you need a virtual CIO?
Editor's Choice News & Events Infrastructure
If you have a CIO, rest assured that your competitors have noticed and will come knocking on their door sooner or later. A Virtual CIO service is a compelling solution for businesses navigating tough economic conditions.

Read more...
The TCO of cloud surveillance
DeepAlert Verifier Technews Publishing Surveillance Infrastructure
SMART Security Solutions asked two successful, home-grown cloud surveillance operators for their take on the benefits of cloud surveillance to the local market. Does cloud do everything, or are there areas where onsite solutions are preferable?

Read more...
Cyber resilience – protect, defend, recover
Infrastructure
The challenge with AI is that threats are getting harder to detect. As a result, plans in 2024 are not just about detection and prevention, but about recovery.

Read more...