The question for most business and IT leaders is not whether to embrace edge computing as a vital part of their IT and digital transformation strategies, but rather how to ensure their organization can maximize the value of edge computing now and into the future.
The first step in the journey is to recognize that edge computing is broader than just an infrastructure discussion. To be deployed successfully, edge computing should be viewed as a part of a cloud-edge continuum that encompasses several important aspects, including:
- Smart connectivity for secure access to any of the relevant network infrastructure options, whether 5G, Wi-Fi 6, cable or LTE.
- Ability to dynamically meet latency, configuration and other requirements of each of the different network technologies.
- Integration of edge and cloud for a transparent infrastructure to organize and deploy software components on demand.
- Uniform management of distributed digital infrastructure for different edge types, cloud components and services.
- Dynamic deployment and provisioning of services and applications that are time- and location-dependent.
- Management of data to maintain data security and optimize data processing.
A platform model is the best way—and realistically, the only way—to successfully achieve this cloud-edge continuum. As described in the white paper “Edge Computing: Winning With Platform Approaches,” edge computing requires a managed software architecture that can organize computing capacity, network functions and software functions on site, in dynamic environments with flexible processes.
A comprehensive platform strategy across cloud and edge computing is the basis of any sustainable digitalization strategy. IT and business decision-makers should look for four important factors to ensure that their platform lets them maximize the value of the cloud-edge continuum. These are:
Edge Computing: Winning with Platform Approaches
This paper explains how edge computing securres the digitalization of companies, which key challenges companies are facing when introducing edge computing, and how to successfully use edge computing.
Download NowFactor No. 1: Network Connectivity
A suitable network infrastructure— whether 5G, Wi-Fi 6, cable or LTE—is the basis of the platform model. Today’s trend is to move away from static cable infrastructures toward Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. Edge computing infrastructures benefit from synergies with 5G. The ability to control properties of 5G networks via interfaces through an edge platform means latency times, throughput and connection stability in the network can be optimized. The coupling between network and applications enables optimal, seamless and almost fail-safe operation.
Factor No. 2: The Edge Hub
The hub of the platform brings together the central cloud and decentralized edge computing, using a managed software architecture to enable holistic management of services and data across the cloud-edge continuum. The hub layer allows applications to be deployed and executed in the appropriate physical location at any time, based on their requirements for latency times, data security, performance and scaling.
Factor No. 3: Services
Services are the foundation of any application. They provide basic functionalities that are necessary for the operation of higher level applications. In the cloud-edge continuum, typical services are monitoring, identity and access management, databases or integrated platform as a service.
Factor No. 4: Applications
The connectivity, edge hub and services layers of the edge platform form the basic framework on which applications operate. In an edge computing environment, organizations are increasingly operating applications based on innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence or augmented and virtual reality. In addition, classic software for enterprise resource planning, data aggregation and analysis, and other use cases can also use on-premises edge computing to achieve efficiency gains and cost advantages.
For more information on use cases, see “4 Innovative Use Cases for Edge Computing.”
Taking the Next Step
By leveraging a modular infrastructure built on a layered stack of smart network connectivity, hub management software, services and applications, organizations can reap the benefits of a cloud-edge continuum that eliminates silos and facilitates holistic end-to-end digitalization.
This model requires extensive planning and knowledge, but it minimizes points of friction and enables a precise estimation of the business value. When it comes to deploying an edge computing platform, T-Systems brings expertise in all areas of a platform model, including consulting and telecommunications and integration, as well as a complete vendor-agnostic ecosystem that can be adapted to the specific needs of each customer.
T-Systems is the leading global provider of edge computing solutions. For customers across the DACH region, as well as Spain and the Netherlands, EdgAIR offers an end-to-end platform, including provisioning and integration of edge computing solutions, IoT devices, integration of cloud services, network infrastructure, security, AI, analytics and more.
In addition, EdgAIR takes advantages of 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors to achieve high performance for devices at the edge, including servers, as well as intrinsic security and data privacy protections such as Intel Crypto Acceleration. The 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable platform is designed for the enterprise. Built-in acceleration technologies offer enhanced performance for applications to process data at scale, regardless of location.
With the combination of T-Systems solutions and 3rd Gen Intel Xeon processors, customers can be assured that they are maximizing the value of edge computing and creating a cloud-edge continuum that can empower their most strategic digital transformation goals and initiatives.
For more information on how your organization can leverage the power of an integrated platform model for your cloud-edge continuum, please visit T-Systems.
