In 2017, Gartner predicted that 75 percent of data would be generated and processed outside the corporate data center by 2025. Multiple sources have confirmed the accuracy of Gartner’s prediction. However, few organizations have robust processes for storing, managing and protecting data at the edge of the network.
In fact, many organizations are struggling to keep up with the rapid growth of edge-generated data. The need for faster processing, lower latency and improved reliability is driving the shift to edge computing, but managing and securing this distributed infrastructure remains a significant hurdle.
Edge data management can help organizations overcome these obstacles. An edge data management strategy emphasizes local processing, data filtering and embedded security. The edge is seamlessly integrated with enterprise applications and the cloud for deeper data analysis and long-term storage. Organizations maximize the speed and efficiency of the edge environment while better utilizing edge data.
Why the Edge Is Now Essential
Edge computing arose in response to the limitations of centralized computing in the distributed IT environment. Data is being generated and accessed by remote and mobile users along with a diverse array of devices. The IoT also generates vast amounts of data at the edge.
Transmitting that data to and from a centralized data center or the cloud causes latency that limits the organization’s ability to gain real-time insights. It also strains internet bandwidth and creates security, privacy and compliance risks. Many remote environments have slow or unreliable connectivity and need the ability to operate offline. Storing and processing large volumes of data in the public cloud can be expensive, particularly when low latency and high availability are required.
Edge computing addresses these challenges by placing compute and storage resources closer to where data is generated and consumed. Localized data processing reduces bandwidth requirements, minimizing latency, and improving security and compliance.
The Edge Is All About Data
Many organizations focus on the compute aspect of the edge environment, but it’s really all about data. The goal of edge data management is to maximize the value of data to support operations and enable better decision-making.
Large amounts of data are generated at the edge, but it’s not all useful and some of it is useful for a very short time. That’s why edge devices need localized storage, particularly in edge sites with unreliable connectivity. Data may be stored at the edge temporarily or persistently and synced with a centralized data center or the cloud when connectivity is available.
Before data is transferred, it is filtered, analyzed and prioritized so that only valuable information is stored in centralized systems. Robust access controls and end-to-end encryption protect data at rest and in flight, reducing the risk of a data breach and helping to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Integration with enterprise applications minimizes data silos and a fragmented environment.
Overcoming Challenges at the Edge
While the edge can reduce network bandwidth and cloud storage costs, it should not be viewed as a cost-cutting measure. Organizations will face substantial upfront costs in hardware, software and connectivity, as well as ongoing maintenance and management.
Management costs can be a significant component of the total cost of ownership. Edge sites are often geographically dispersed. Edge devices often have limited processing power and storage space. Organizations need robust monitoring and management tools to identify and troubleshoot issues, apply patches and updates, and ensure security and data protection at scale.
Cerium’s team has expertise in every aspect of edge data management and can help maximize the reliability, security and performance of your edge environment. We can help you develop an edge data management strategy and implement the right tools and processes to better leverage edge data in your operations.
