I often read/hear discussions “Edge vs Cloud”.
The “Edge vs Cloud” is not a real conversation in the IoT space.
Arguments in favor of the Edge:
- IoT devices operate at the Edge.
- data is generated and gathered at the Edge.
- Edge deployment ensures minimum latency for real-time applications.
All of the above statements are true. Devices live at the Edge, gather data using sensors, and impact the environment using actuators.
On the flip-side, those devices have limited compute and storage capabilities - as a result, they can not fully utilize gathered data and maximize the business outcome.
Those arguments are in favor of Cloud centric deployment.
Cloud provides:
- unlimited compute
- unlimited storage
- advanced analytics
Once again, all of the above statements are true. The truth is that unlimited compute and storage do not provide business value without data.
That is why, in my opinion, “Edge vs Cloud” is not a real conversation in the IoT space.
We should discuss the “Edge & Cloud” topics. This way Internet of Things system can provide actual business value.
Actually, the “Edge & Cloud” opens way more interesting discussions, like:
- How to distribute the compute between the Edge and Cloud to maximize business benefits, reduce costs, and save battery life?
- How to establish the trust between devices deployed at the Edge leveraging advanced Cloud capabilities?
- How to reduce the amount of data transferred from the Edge devices to the Cloud without impacting the business value of the entire system?
That is my point on the Edge and Cloud conversation in the Internet of Things deployments. I would love to know your opinion!
PS. I am aware of systems that need to be totally isolated, but that constraint is not the case for the majority of IoT deployments.
