This is the era of digitalisation and every day, a new technological innovation emerges. One of the latest technologies to surface is edge computing. Edge Computing is significantly shaping the IT industry by determining how the data is stored, processed, analysed and utilized. It is the processing of data at or near the source of data collection—instead of in centralized data centres far away.

It reduces latency, conserves bandwidth, and enhances privacy by processing data closer to the source. By employing the use of edge computing, organizations and businesses can immensely increase the speed and efficiency of data processing. It can also provide real time insights and actionable intelligence required to make critical decisions.

Benefits of Edge Computing:

1. Low Latency: The main aspect of edge computing is to process data near to where it's required. This reduces latency and improves response times and enhances quick decision making. Autonomous driving, real-time medical monitoring, and automated manufacturing all require speedy response times. As the data is produced locally, there is less delay in the transfer of data - ergo, reduced latency.

2. Bandwidth Optimization: With a lot of data, the strain on the bandwidth network grows. However as the data is processed locally in edge computing, there is a lesser need for transferring the data to the centralized locations. Therefore, it optimizes bandwidth usage and reduces the dependency on the network.

3. Enhanced Security: It is imminent that sensitive data is not leaked to various networks. Edge computing reduces threats and vulnerabilities to the data. It also mitigates the risk of unauthorized access or interception during data transmission as the data is processed locally.

4. Empowering IoT and New Technologies: The combination of Internet of Things devices with edge computing is revolutionary as it offers efficiency and functionality. Smart devices can work faster and better when the data is processed near to the source.

5. AI and Machine Learning: Intelligent decision-making without constant reliance on cloud infrastructure is enabled with the integration of AI and ML with edge computing. Edge AI enhances automation, predictive maintenance, and personalized user experiences.

6. Improved Performance and Efficiency: With the data being processed in proximity to where it's required, tasks can be performed in real time, therefore, increasing and enhancing the performance and efficiency of the devices. Real insights enable quick decision making for time sensitive issues.

7. Reduced costs: Edge Computing solutions are usually less expensive than the traditional data processing solutions as they do not utilize the same infrastructure required for data processing. You can reduce reliance on costly cloud services and optimize the performance of their IoT investments. Incorporating edge computing will help organizations and businesses work faster, make quicker decisions and it also cost effective.

8. Edge-to-Cloud Integration: Both the solutions can be utilized efficiently to process data. While critical data can be processed at the edge for instant processing and real time insights, non time sensitive issues can be sent to the cloud network for long term insights and storage.

Edge Computing will play a massive role in shaping businesses and organizations in the coming future. IDC has described edge computing as a top priority for C-suite executives and is critical to the success of strategic business objectives. If you want to keep up with the market trends and stay ahead of your competitors, try incorporating edge computing in your business model so you don’t fall back.