Introduction of Cloud Computing and Edge System Architecture

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Introduction

Do you recall the very first large, heavy computers? Over time, as gadgets have become smaller, their computing and processing power has increased dramatically. When it comes to processing speed, data warehouses and server farms were originally thought to be the greatest option, but "offsite storage" or the cloud soon gained popularity. Even entire SaaS businesses like Netflix and Spotify have built their entire business models around the idea of cloud computing. Cloud computing, however, has a number of drawbacks. Due to the distance between users and the data centers that host the cloud services, latency is the main issue with cloud computing. A new edge computing technology has been created as a result, bringing computing closer to end consumers.

Let's first comprehend cloud computing before delving further into the subject.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing offers online access to computer services such as servers, storage, databases, networks, software, analytics, and intelligence (Internet).

Cloud Computing provides an alternative to an on-premises data center. With an on-premises data center, we have to manage everything, such as purchasing and installing hardware, virtualization, operating system, and other required applications, network setup, firewall configuration, and data storage setup. After we've done all the setup, we take responsibility for maintaining it throughout its life cycle.

However, if we choose Cloud Computing, the cloud vendor is responsible for purchasing and maintaining the hardware. They also provide a wide range of software and platforms as a service. We can lend any required services. Cloud computing services will be billed according to usage.

The cloud environment provides an easily accessible online portal that allows users to manage computing, storage, network, and application resources.

Our Learners Also Read: What is Cloud Computing Architecture: Benefits, Components & More

How Cloud Computing Works?

Simply launch your browser, log in, and begin working with the cloud app.

With a cloud-based CRM, field sales professionals can access all the data they require from their mobile devices, according to this. You don't have to wait until you get back to the office to enter contact notes because they can be updated in real-time, keeping them current, complete, and accessible to others. Additionally, sales managers may access this information from their desktop computers at their workplaces, as well as their tablets and phones while they're on the go.

And all this happens without purchasing and managing hardware or installing and updating software. This is because the application's cloud company is fully responsible for the required hardware and software. This is due to the fact that the cloud provider for the application is entirely in charge of the necessary infrastructure and software. You don't have to since businesses like Salesforce have years of experience maintaining their cloud infrastructure and making sure it's safe and dependable.

You can run all kinds of applications in the cloud:-

• Create and collaborate on documents and spreadsheets using Google Apps for Business.
• Video conference with your colleagues on Skype.
• Manage your sales and customer service functions and key business processes on the Salesforce platform.

You can even build your own real-time social, mobile, and employee apps and run them in the cloud. The latest cloud computing innovations make business applications even more mobile and collaborative.

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing refers to computing performed at the point closest to the system's data or end user—where information comes from or goes. Edge architecture enables faster processing by reducing latency and delay. Apps and programs running at the edge can work faster and more efficiently, resulting in a better user experience and overall performance.

For example, suppose you're a shipping company. In that case, your "edge" might be each of several docks where shipments are loaded and unloaded, inspect goods before they leave the dock, and otherwise manage, collect, and transmit information. Your corporate headquarters could be miles away from the primary data center, but on edge is where the application processing takes place.

How Edge Computing Works?

The data is created on the user's computer or any other client application in a traditional setup. It then moves through channels such as the Internet, intranet, LAN, etc., to the server where the data is stored and processed. This remains the classic and proven approach to client-server computing.

However, the exponential growth of the volume of data produced and the number of devices connected to the Internet makes it difficult for traditional data center infrastructures to adapt. Edge computing with 5G creates enormous opportunities in every industry. It brings computing and data storage closer to where the data is generated, enabling better data control, lower costs, faster insights and actions, and continuous operations. In fact, by 2025, 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge, compared to only 10% today.

The concept behind edge computing is simple – instead of the data moving closer to the data center, the data center moving closer to the data. The data center's computing and storage capabilities are located as near (preferably, in-place) as possible to where the data is generated.

Types of Edge Computing

1. Device Edge

It is also a nano DC and contains one or more microservers. It would have limited computing power and only have one or a few customizations. Databases of this segment are unlikely to be installed in the rack. We should be able to function without using cooling. They are also in locations not usually associated with data centers. Examples are warehouses, wind generators, and weatherproof structures. They are directly present near the IoT sensors, so latency, bandwidth, and communication issues are not issues. The downside is that these tiny gadgets can only use a limited amount of power and have limited capabilities.

2. Cloud Edge

This primarily applies to large data centers operated by cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, etc. It may include VMware Cloud on AWS and other cloud or service providers. The main characteristics of the cloud are that it is centralized and works on a large scale. The downside is that infrastructure availability is exceptionally high, as there is no guarantee that network connectivity to sensors or processors at the edge will be available, and there will be increased latency. There's absolutely no doubt that using the internet to access and leave the cloud is expensive.

3. Compute Edge

A few too many server racks can be found in the basic data center. They may be needed for local law enforcement purposes and are frequently found at or close to IoT devices. These data centers are supposed to feature standard servers mounted on racks, ventilation, and other hardware. The fact that network latency would be lower at the edge than in the cloud would be one advantage. Network bandwidth ought to grow while staying more effective as a result.

Difference Between Edge and Cloud Computing

Conclusion

Many organizations have adopted edge technology to overcome the minor problems of Cloud Computing. Smart home devices are the best ways to implement edge computing. IoT devices are used in smart homes to gather data from many locations. A remote server where the data is kept and processed is then sent the data. In the event of a network outage, this architecture may result in a number of issues.

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