To the edge: Strategies to adopt edge computing in your organization

As organizations look to optimize their IT infrastructure, secure their data, and reduce latency, edge computing emerges as a critical component of modern hybrid multi-cloud and on-premises computing strategies.

In this article, I explain why edge computing is on the rise and how to prepare your organization for this digital transformation.

Edge computing refers to the practice of processing data closer to where it's generated, rather than sending it to a centralized cloud or on-premises data center. This approach reduces latency, improves real-time decision-making, and enhances user experiences.

Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of edge computing.

5G networks and IoT devices have created a massive influx of data that needs to be processed in real time. Edge computing provides an ideal solution for processing this data closer to its source, reducing latency and enabling faster decision-making.

Organizations that rely solely on public cloud infrastructure or on-premises data centers may face limitations. Edge computing offers a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of on-premises computing with the scalability of the cloud.

Relentless data breaches and cyberattacks have led organizations to rethink their security strategies. Edge computing adds a layer of security by processing sensitive data closer to its source and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Because edge computing processes data locally, it can help organizations reduce costs associated with data transmission, storage, and processing.

Due to the explosion of AI (generative AI specifically), a lot of organizations are looking for safer and more cost-effective ways to run their AI implementation or infrastructure. Edge computing plays a significant role in this area.

Follow these steps to determine whether edge computing should be part of your cloud strategy. 

1. Assess your current infrastructure: Evaluate your current IT infrastructure to determine whether edge computing is a viable solution for your organization. 
2. Research edge computing solutions: Explore various solutions and vendors to find the best fit for your business needs.
3. Develop an edge computing strategy: Develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing edge computing in your organization, including process changes and employee training.
4. Create an environment to adopt edge: Create an environment where engineers can validate use cases for edge computing. A good example would be inference at the edge. Due to the cost of running and training models in the cloud, the edge can play a significant role in cost savings, faster response times, and improved security for an organization.

Like any digital transformation, adopting edge computing can create culture shock and new knowledge gaps. Consider these components to successfully navigate this shift and implement edge networking in your organization.

Secure unwavering support from top management. They’ll champion the change and set the tone for a data-driven, agile culture that trickles down to the rest of the organization.

Demonstrate the value of edge computing through small, manageable projects that yield tangible results and build momentum for wider adoption.

Break down departmental silos by creating cross-functional teams that collaborate closely, share knowledge, and work towards a common goal.

Provide ongoing communication about the benefits, challenges, and evolving landscape of edge computing. Offer comprehensive training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills for success in this new environment.

Recognize and reward individuals and teams who embrace new ways of working, contribute to the successful adoption of edge computing, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Remember, culture change is a continuous journey, not a destination. Patience, persistence, and a genuine commitment to fostering a data-driven, collaborative work environment are essential to navigating this transformation and unlocking the full potential of edge computing.

Shifting your organization to the edge requires more than installing new hardware and software—it demands a significant cultural transformation and change management.

These tips will help you navigate the organizational change edge computing requires.

Traditional enterprises often use centralized decision-making models. Edge computing empowers local teams to make faster, more informed decisions based on real-time data captured at the edge. This shift requires leaders to change their mindset and trust individuals and teams with greater autonomy and accountability.

When data flows to a centralized hub, it can create departmental silos and hinder collaboration. Edge computing shatters this paradigm by pushing processing closer to the data source. This requires a culture of shared responsibility and open communication, one where teams across departments (like IT, operations, and marketing) work together to share data and insights in real time.

In an edge computing environment, the rigid, lengthy deployment cycles of the past give way to a culture of agility and experimentation. Rapid prototyping and deployment become the norm, which means teams need to embrace change, learn from failures, and iterate quickly. This agile approach requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Edge computing demands new skills like edge application development, security, monitoring, and data analysis at the edge. To meet this need, organizations must invest in training programs and upskilling initiatives to bridge the gap and evolve traditional IT roles.

Real-time insights generated at the edge become the cornerstone of decision-making. To make the most of this data, organizations need to cultivate a data-driven culture that fosters data literacy, analysis, and visualization skills across all levels of the organization.

To ensure everyone understands the benefits, challenges, and implications of computing at the edge, organizations need open communication channels and transparency. This includes clear communication about roles, responsibilities, and the evolving landscape of edge technologies.

The resurgence of edge computing is a response to evolving data processing, security, and cost savings needs. By understanding the benefits and limitations of edge computing, organizations can successfully adopt and integrate it into their existing IT infrastructure.

Learn more about edge computing:

• How GenAI is changing edge computing (and the skills you need to keep up)

• 5G and Edge Computing: Executive Briefing

• Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC): Executive Briefing