TALKING

The pandemic has hit each market differently but a common theme regarding the workplace is that data is increasingly born , created and modified in different places . While the future of work is well and truly here , businesses are still navigating uncharted waters in this space . This begs many questions of decision makers : What ’ s the best way to capture and protect data ? Does my Edge approach meet privacy and security needs ?

There has been a significant shift in the approach to remote work and there ’ s a way that businesses can best set their employees up to ensure Business Continuity . It lies with Edge Computing – a key technology to futureproofing the new workplace environment .

Don ' t let implementation dictate the outcome

According to Juniper Research , Edge Computing is on a growth path to US $ 8.3 billion spend globally , in less than five years . This has no doubt been exacerbated with the proliferation of Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices .

As our new workplaces constitute more and more remote points of presence – mobile , tablet , smart speakers – which sees a vast amount of data being generated on the outer Edge of computing networks , the task of implementing an Edge strategy may fall into the too-hard basket for many , and simply out of reach for some . However , the key to Edge Computing success lies in focusing on the outcome , before looking at implementation .

Every business wants to analyze and activate their data , at speed , but the power of Edge Computing does not mean all data has to be analyzed and activated . Rather , it helps businesses ascertain at which aggregation points is best to consume data , preserve it , make inferences from , where analytics is applied and knowledge is gleaned from . For one business , the impact could simply be installing on-site servers capable of real-time analysis . For another , it could be installing IoT sensors to help transmit data from security cameras .

Like any technology solution , implementation for the sake of doing so is not going to benefit any business . However , the Edge is relevant for any business that has digitally transformed their processes , especially in the last 12 months .

Edge Computing allows businesses to focus on how to get the most out of their most important data , and in turn , keep up with the pace at which the workplace is transforming .

Securing the Edge

An Edge strategy doesn ’ t mean data protection , security and compliance efforts have to be more complicated . Traditionally , endpoint backup has been the most underrated rack of technologies but as the benefits of Edge Computing gain traction , its use case takes on a whole new level . And the good news is that there isn ’ t much ‘ reinventing the wheel ’ involved .

Why ? The Edge isn ’ t entirely new – it ’ s an extension of what we ’ ve known . As an accelerant of Digital Transformation , it ’ s breaking down the data center walls and pushing cloud capabilities outwards . Businesses need to remember that the Edge must be treated as part of hybrid cloud architecture , of which technologies are already being used by employees to provide a seamless and secure IT experience .

Edge Computing is critical to ensuring a seamless transition from the traditional workplace setting to the future of work . It is here now and it ’ s hybrid . To realize its full potential , businesses must focus on the outcome rather than the implementation of the technology . p

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