Is the edge ‘edgy’ anymore? This is a question that IT and telecommunications has found itself increasingly plagued by as network and data topologies continue to transform. Once, taking workloads to the edge was considered the new frontier of IT advantage — a wild west where only the bold and pioneering set up camp. Now, adoption has ramped up as the benefits of edge computing became well known, and general discourse wonders: If everyone is doing it, is there really anything left to talk about?
It’s undeniable that the way IT demands have developed has made edge computing an important component in many digital transformation initiatives, if not a necessity. This is why forecasts note that the global edge computing market size will likely re ach $43.4 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 37.4%. For enterprises around the globe and across an array of verticals, the advantages that come with keeping data close to the end user simply can’t be overlooked. You’ve likely heard them many times before: ultra low latency, improved network performance, — all in service of the new era of digital initiatives.
Here’s the truth: Just because the edge has become in some ways standard doesn’t mean it’s any less important or any less innovative. There are applications maturing right now that have the ability to reinvent our world, and those applications only thrive with edge computing as a foundation. That in itself should be enough to make forward-thinking enterprises take note — and the rest of the global digital economy keep watch. Let’s dive into one of these use cases to explore why and how the edge is still the place where IT transformation takes shape.
AR, VR, and the Edge of the future
In the landscape of developing IT, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) stand as some of the most exciting — and perhaps even some of the most underrated. These technologies, while delivering hugely disruptive potential, fly under the radar because they’re still in the initial innings of development and roll out. This means they can often take a back seat to other applications like 5G and IoT, which have gained significant momentum and are on their way to true realization. Even in these early stages, however, it’s becoming clear just how much power AR and VR pack for a new world of business and consumer demand.
Truthfully, AR and VR are also hindered a bit by their reputation, which often centers around leisure activities and entertainment. Of course, this arena is where augmented and virtual realities currently thrive (think gaming headsets), but that’s not the main reason this technology deserves more investment. Instead, the biggest draw of AR and VR is that they allow us to add data-driven context and visibility to existing business processes, providing greater ease and insight in a host of environments.
Today, for instance, healthcare workers are able to get a digital view into the body without making an incision, enabling diagnosis, treatment and outcomes to be improved while making the quality of life better for the patient. With AR and VR, if you can imagine it, it’s likely to be possible, and that’s what makes it so exciting. But this is just the beginning. As this technology is developed further, even more immersive XR (extended reality) experiences are soon to come. For example, haptic feedback capabilities - sometimes referred to as kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch — leveraged with existing healthcare, education, or industrial AR and VR use cases will make the virtual world work even more seamlessly with the real one and further advance the value delivered.
Here’s the key, though: These opportunities are still in the works, and edge is their foundation. Low latencies, high speeds and seamless data management capabilities are fundamental to these applications’ viability. If a VR wearable can’t reliably and quickly access a stream of environmental data to build visuals for the wearer, all value is lost. This means further development at the edge is still a crucial consideration for businesses wanting to gain a competitive edge, streamline operations and improve service. It also makes the edge the ideal place for pioneering companies to make major moves in an up-and-coming tech space.
The case for a new Edge
Augmented and virtual reality represent just one example of the edge’s ability to help the world advance — but it’s a clear case of why building and leveraging edge networks and data centers are just as important (and just as vital for innovation) as they’ve always been.
As we continue to dive deeper into use cases like AR and VR, we begin to see why the question of ‘is the edge still edgy’ has one clear answer: yes. Leveraging the edge might not be the unique act it once was in its infancy, but that’s only because it’s becoming revolutionary in new ways. Making the edge ‘edgy’ again means leveraging it in ways that transcend the current standard, building on speed and latency benefits and reimagining how they can be applied to any and all situations.
Understanding the edge through a new lens and keeping a finger on the pulse of new developments makes it easy to see how innovation is being built and where interested enterprises can find new opportunities. Going forward, the edge will be the place that continually reinvents itself as end-user demands and business strategies do the same, pushing our collective success to new heights. That makes the edge a pretty compelling place to be.
