Edge Computing Can Help MSMEs, SMEs Operate Efficiently: Here’s how

Edge computing can make information sharing more reliable, affordable, efficient, and secure.

Edge computing provides a much-needed balance between security and intelligent functioning.

Source : Getty

The world today is heavily dependent on data for every activity. Data is the new currency and economies worldwide are almost entirely data-driven. This is especially true for small businesses and enterprises, as everything that slows down fast data processing makes them fall behind their competitors. Here’s where Edge computing comes in.

What is Edge computing?

Edge computing refers to a system that puts a fast-computing power or storage capacity near the data source. This is then connected to a cloud to ensure speedier, more reliable, affordable, efficient, and secure information sharing. 

Edge computing for MSMEs, SMEs

Edge computing presents a new way of looking at where and how information is accessed and leveraged to optimise performance, cost, and efficiency for small businesses. It enables:

Lowered IT costs

By using Edge computing technology, SMEs need not invest in hardware resources (servers, storage systems, switches, routers, etc.) or platforms or software. Instead, they can outsource all their infrastructure needs to the cloud.

Applications in the cloud are accessible by several devices through a simple interface, such as a web browser. The SME therefore, does not need to manage or control the underlying infrastructure of the service, including network communications, servers, operating systems and storage. 

This ensures that IT costs are cut significantly. 

Besides cutting costs, Edge computing also contributes to helping SMEs increase their ROI through enhanced data transmission speed and improved networks needed to experiment with new models.

Faster data processing

For SMEs, part of the draw of edge computing is its speed. Edge computing negates the need to transfer data to be analysed elsewhere, such as a centralised cloud, decreasing latency. 

This helps SMEs compete with bigger entities that possess computing power of a much larger scale and scope. Edge computing helps level the playing field by operating at speed.

Reliability

The dependability of Edge computing can be highly advantageous to SMEs. If the SME relies entirely on a central point for its computing infrastructure, it can face a huge risk as soon as that point is compromised. 

As an alternative, computing at the edge means that even if a single point within the network fails, the rest of the endpoint devices can continue to function at full capacity. Because outages are so common, computing at the edge grants SMEs the ability to avoid a crisis and keep collecting important data without relying on a single and potentially fallible source.

Greater data security

Cybersecurity is always a concern for MSMEs and SMEs. Edge computing allows companies to maintain control over data as they can decide what goes to the central processing units and what remains behind at the local sources. This secures personal as well as business-centric information. It also helps with:

• Enhanced security in remote or hazardous areas
• More digitization in branch offices
• More efficient use of inventory and patient management in healthcare

Intelligent functioning

Functioning as a private cloud enables the efficient integration of local data with the central cloud, thus ensuring a unified user interface. Multiple levels of data can be easily accessed, allowing the efficient utilisation of AI and ML tools for data analysis and prediction of market trends. 

This provides a much-needed balance between security and intelligent functioning.

Increasing Bandwidth while reducing latency and congestion

Bandwidth, in the simplest terms, refers to the units of data a network can carry in a prescribed time. The kind of connection and strength of the network usually limits this. 

Latency is the time taken for information to travel between two points on the network. In other words, this can be seen as the response time. Congestion refers to the volume of data that is being sent across.

For SMEs to function adequately, the bandwidth should be high so that a large amount of data can be shared without stringent network restrictions, and latency and congestion should be reduced to allow faster transfer without any hurdles.

The use of Edge computing does just this, fostering a connection between many devices over a smaller and more effective LAN. Servers available locally perform edge analytics and reduce the volume of data collected in the local storage, to allow faster real-time decision-making.

The Future Of Development

Edge computing can function as a boon for SMEs, allowing them to carry out operations, even with limited network options quickly, securely and economically. This is especially important for those operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas, including multi-specialty hospitals, government centres, and local businesses. It is the flag bearer of inclusive development.  

(The author is the Managing Director at Varanium Cloud Limited)

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.