Why Edge Computing is key to strategic sectors

Can you imagine remotely operating on a patient with a robot, driving an autonomous car, or playing online with thousands of people without delay or interruption?

These are some of the applications that could become a reality thanks to Edge Computing, a technology that brings the power of Cloud Computing (computing power, storage, environments for running AI applications...) to the edge of the network. In other words, close to where data is generated and consumed.

This has several advantages, such as:

• Reduce latency, the time information travels from its origin to its destination and back. With data closer, information exchange is faster and more efficient, allowing real-time responses.
• Increasing data security and privacy, by preventing data from leaving a specific geographical area and being sent to remote data centers in other countries or regions, where it could be subject to different laws, regulations, or risks.
• Optimizing bandwidth consumption, by reducing data sent to the cloud and processed at the edge. This alleviates network congestion and improving performance.

Edge Computing, key to strategic sectors

Edge Computing is a technology that can benefit many sectors that generate and use large volumes of data. This is especially those requiring high availability, immediate response, or data residency. Some examples include:

• Healthcare, enabling telemedicine, telesurgery, imaging diagnostics, patient monitoring, or medical records management, among other applications that require fluid and secure communication between doctors, patients, and medical devices.
• Transport and logistics, to improve mobility, safety, and efficiency of connected and autonomous vehicles, drones, navigation systems, traffic control, or fleet management, among other applications that depend on high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
• Energy and utilities, optimizing the operation, maintenance, and safety of electrical grids, generation plants, substations, smart meters, or renewable energy sources, among other applications involving a large number of sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
• Industry, enhancing automation, robotics, computer vision, Edge AI, quality control, or process monitoring. In addition, it enhances other applications requiring high processing and real-time data analysis capabilities.

Edge Computing, 5G, and the Sovereign Cloud

To harness Edge Computing capabilities, next-generation connectivity like fiber optics or 5G connectivity is needed. These connections offer high bandwidth, high speed, and minimal latency, allowing data to be transmitted and received almost instantly.

Edge Computing and 5G are complementary technologies that enhance each other, enabling new interaction possibilities between people and machines, both in the physical and virtual worlds.

The sovereign cloud, on the other hand, refers to a cloud computing infrastructure that respects users' and countries' data sovereignty, ensuring their protection, control, and regulatory compliance.

The sovereign cloud is based on collaboration between local and global providers, offering cloud services tailored to the needs of each market and sector.

Edge Computing is a key piece for the development of the sovereign cloud, as it brings cloud services closer to the edge of the network, where data is generated and consumed, respecting data residency and security.

Conclusion

Edge Computing is a technology that brings cloud computing to the edge of the network, where data is generated and consumed. This technology has multiple advantages, such as reducing latency, increasing security, and optimizing bandwidth. Edge Computing is critical for strategic sectors such as healthcare, transportation, energy, or industry, which require a quick and efficient response to their data needs.

It is also related to 5G connectivity and the sovereign cloud, two concepts that improve connectivity and data sovereignty. In short, Edge Computing is a technology that is transforming the way we connect to the internet and opening new opportunities for strategic sectors.