Infographic Edge Computing: 7 Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about the technology behind 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT)
By Insight Editor / 16 May 2020 / Topics: Data and AI Virtualization Data center Modern infrastructure
Edge computing is transforming the way data is processed — delivering new access to real-time insights and enabling new levels of customer service through real-time data, advanced analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more.
See how this architecture is laying the groundwork for innovation and see what the future holds for those organizations delivering experiences on the edge.
Accessibility note: The infographic is transcribed below the graphic.
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What is edge computing?
Edge computing refers to any technology capable of networking, processing or storing data closer to the point of use. By reducing the need to continuously send and retrieve data from the cloud or remote data center, edge computing:
- Reduces latency
- Saves bandwidth
- Improves security
What does an edge architecture look like?
Cloud
Private, public or hybrid, this is where compute, orchestration and management of data will occur.
Edge devices
Whether fixed sensors or servers, these devices handle compute and data processing at the edge of your network for reduced latency.
- Routers
- Switches
- Integrated Access Devices (IADs)
- Networking devices
End user devices
These serve as the interface between users and data
- Smart appliances
- Laptops
- Mobile devices and tablets
- Virtual assistants (such as Google or Alexa)
Where is the edge?
Any location where processors have been positioned to deliver the most expedient functionality to end users
Who is using edge computing?
- 62% financial services
- 48% healthcare
- 34% media & entertainment
- 58% manufacturing
According to Forrester’s Global Business Technographics® Survey, 57% of mobility decision-makers say they have edge computing on their roadmap over the next year.
How is edge computing being used?
- 5G: Global spending on 5G infrastructure is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2021.
- Augmented experiences: The global augmented reality market is projected to grow from $10.7 billion to $72.7 billion by 2024.
- IoT Gateways: The demand for IoT gateways is expected to grow to more than 17 billion units by 2023.
- Predictive maintenance: The global predictive maintenance market is projected to grow from $3.3 billion to $23.5 billion by 2024.
- Virtualization: Traffic from software-defined networks and network function virtualization is projected to increase from 5.6 billion zettabytes to 7.4 billion zettabytes by 2021.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): 54% of global mobility decision makers implementing edge computing believe the flexibility to handle AI demands will be among the biggest benefits.
Who are the major edge cloud service providers?
Forrester Predictions 2020 projects the edge cloud service market will grow by 50%.
- AWS
- Microsoft
- RedHat
- AT&T
- Akamai
- Telstra
- Vodafone Group
- Digital Realty
What does the future hold?
By 2025, the market size for edge computing will increase across industries
- 45% increase in manufacturing
- 45% increase in transportation
- 44% increase in consumer appliances
- 43% increase in healthcare
- 41% increase in energy
With the global market projected to reach $13.5 billion by 2024
Forrester predicts 2020 will be a breakout year for edge computing, augmenting cloud and on-premises infrastructure to enable new employee and customer experiences.
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Cisco Systems. (Feb. 2018). Cisco Global Cloud Index 2018. Statista.
Forrester. (July 2019). Global Business Technographics® Mobility Survey, 2019.
Global Market Insights. (July 2019). Edge Data Centers: Riding the 5G and IoT Wave. PWC.
IHS. (March 2017). Global Spending On 5G Mobile Infrastructure in 2019 and 2021. Statista.
IoT Analytics. (Oct. 2019). Predictive Maintenance – Market Report 2019–2024. Statista.
MarketsandMarkets. (2019). Augmented Reality by Offering – Global Forecast to 2024.
MarketsandMarkets. (June 2017). IoT Node and Gateway Market – Global Forecast to 2023.
Seagate; IDC. (Oct. 2018). Data Age 2025. Statista.
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