FINAL WORD
According to Gartner , Edge Computing will be a necessary requirement for all digital businesses by 2022 .
Organisations across every industry sector are currently experiencing change on an unprecedented scale as they look to digitally transform operations , through the implementation of digital devices , smart technologies and an ever-expanding network , in the search for a competitive advantage . However , in order to leverage and evolve how we use data collected though Digital Transformation , it ’ s increasingly clear every business should be looking to the edge of its network . Where data and processing power were once concentrated in the back office , now they live at the edge , near the people who are using it – as both employees and customers .
A book , Opportunity at the Edge , from Fast Future , in collaboration with Aruba , demonstrates that Edge technologies have the potential to overhaul business models , transform user experiences and even create entirely new industries .
Edge Computing is defined as products that facilitate data processing at or near the source of data generation and delivers far speedier results than traditional architectures . At the edge , enterprises can deploy technology , from the mobiles that customers use to connect to service , to the sensors that can track activity , and the Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) that can analyse the data collected in real-time to create user experiences that are faster , more dynamic and personalised to individual needs . Edge Computing technologies – this makes it possible for every organisation to provide a radically improved level of service .
According to Gartner , Edge Computing will be a necessary requirement for all digital businesses by 2022 . But with business and technical hurdles to overcome , how can CIOs manage the business strategy of implementing their network at the edge ? With potentially trillions of dollars being invested in the hope of generating huge economic returns , the argument for paying attention to the edge opportunity is clear and the window for learning and action is narrowing .
Leadership
In order to truly embrace the edge , you have to start at the top . Senior-level management must develop a deep understanding of the shifts taking place in the marketplace , and the opportunities and challenges posed by adopting the edge as a cornerstone of business strategy . What ’ s more , leaders need to understand how the technologies will enable their business to create these new opportunities and recognising that it transcends the realm of IT , opening up new avenues of business . For instance , in the hospitality sector , Edge solutions can help create more personalised experiences for guests . Interaction between the guest ’ s intelligent assistant and the hotel can ensure that the mini-bar is stocked only with what is in their approved diet , and digital restaurant menus can automatically update using the same information , such as removing any high sugar content dishes . But with change comes challenge – the C-suite needs to have a full understanding of the challenges when making the transition and learn from other companies which have embarked on both successful and failed Digital Transformation efforts .
In order to succeed , managers need to prioritise objectives , ensuring that both IT
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 35
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