Today, many organizations feel migrating applications and hardware to the Edge is a matter of 'when' and not 'if.’ According to a recent poll, 41% of IT decision-makers view Edge Computing as the cornerstone of their IT strategy. Their reasons include emphasizing the urgency among businesses to leverage data insights and avoid falling behind competitors. As a result, the global Edge Computing market is projected to surge from $15.96 billion in 2023 to an astounding $139.58 billion by 2030.
That's a lot of strategic computing power deployed outside the data center. So, what's driving the change?
1. Better Response Times
In a world driven by 5G connectivity, quick insights are not just a luxury but a necessity. Edge Computing reduces response times by processing data closer to its source, ensuring critical insights are delivered swiftly. This advantage is crucial in scenarios where latency can significantly impact business outcomes. Specifically, operational data (i.e., equipment performance) is paramount in retail, manufacturing, and energy verticals, and user behavior data is most important in industries like financial services, transportation, and telecom.
2. Addressing Data Management Challenges
However, having faster access to more data is only the beginning. With sources scattered across diverse locations, managing them becomes more challenging than within the confines of a traditional data center. Technologies like Dell's PowerEdge XR servers are tailored to handle these challenges, offering robust management tools even in remote environments, essential for seamless operations in sectors like manufacturing and retail.
3. Leveraging AI
Edge Computing goes beyond data collection to incorporate on-site analytics; its combination with artificial intelligence is a game-changer. For example, the Kraft group uses edge-based AI at Gillette Stadium to enable workers to respond to customer needs faster. Other organizations are leveraging AI at the Edge to enhance transportation through vehicle-to-vehicle communication to optimize fleet management.
4. Securing Edge Assets
In an era where data security is paramount, edge servers frequently operate in vulnerable environments. Organizations must simplify their digital footprint, move toward a Zero Trust environment, and work with a few dependable vendors like UNICOM Engineering and Dell Technologies. The Dell PowerEdge XR servers ensure robust data security in these crucial scenarios, solidifying their position as the preferred option for safeguarding data.
5. Growing into Newer, Challenging Locations
As the volume of data grows exponentially, the scalability and adaptability of servers become paramount. Organizations are reporting an average of nine use cases with the potential for solid growth. Often, this means deploying into locations not traditionally conducive. Edge servers are designed to endure harsh conditions, including dust, vibrations, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This resilience ensures uninterrupted operations in diverse environments.
How Popular is Edge Computing?
More and more organizations are seeing clear benefits to Edge Computing and are planning deployments accordingly. A recent Dell Technologies survey reports that 40% of companies expect to be in production at the Edge within two years. Furthermore, 97% of Operations and IT decision-makers believed their organization would see negative consequences if they didn't make the move.
Industry 4.0, Omnichannel Retailing, And Other Edge Use Cases
In several ways, Edge Computing is facilitating trends already set in motion. For example, Industry 4.0 refers to the expanding role of computers in manufacturing to the point of automated decision-making, and omnichannel retailing is the trend of blending the online and brick-and-mortar buying experience for consumers. In both cases, using robust and rugged edge servers deployed in more locations enables the delivery of applications in unprecedented ways.
Closer to home, Dell Technologies is pioneering Edge technology to support the growth of digital cities. They believe the modern urban environment will use Edge servers to deliver better health care, safer and less congested streets, better access to government services, and a cleaner environment.
At the Core of the Edge: Dell PowerEdge XR Servers
At the heart of the Edge's hottest use cases are servers delivering top performance under the harshest conditions. Dell's PowerEdge XR servers offer a variety of configurations and form factors with the latest CPUs and GPUs. In addition, they're constructed to comply with the latest MIL-STD, NEBS, and Marine standards and can handle shock, dust, and temperature extremes.
To Bring Your Edge Initiatives to Reality, Partner with UNICOM Engineering
Dell Technologies remains at the forefront of a brighter, data-driven future. They believe their PowerEdge servers are not merely hardware components but catalysts for change. As a Dell Technologies Titanium OEM partner, UNICOM Engineering is uniquely positioned to design, build, and deploy the right hardware solutions for your next Edge initiative. By partnering with UNICOM Engineering, you gain access to industry-leading technology and a team dedicated to the success of your solution, from design to deployment.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how UNICOM Engineering can help optimize your solution and grow your business.