By Ian Shearer, Managing Director, EMEA and APAC , Park Place Technologies
In 2024, the world is witnessing an unprecedented production of data. Meltwater’s 2024 Global Digital Report estimates there are currently over 5.5 billion internet users, which comprise over 66 percent of the global population. Interconnectedness is another key factor, with the rise of 5G networks and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The complexity and scale of data now outweigh the capabilities of traditional infrastructure and networks. The data center industry has also dealt with the consequences, especially its traditional model that relies on core data centers. Faced with poor connectivity, lack of bandwidth, latency issues, and reduced efficiency, data centers have turned to edge computing as a solution.
Edge computing is a distributed framework, located closer to data sources and, as the name suggests, at the edge of the network. This is in contrast to the traditional infrastructure where computing capability is centralised at a larger, on-premise data centre. By processing data closer to the point at which it originates, edge computing becomes a more efficient option. The proximity to data servers avoids the need to transfer data to a central data centre or cloud.
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 75 percent of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside of traditional centralised cloud or data centres.
Edge data centres are revolutionary for applications that require real-time responsiveness. This instantaneous decision-making makes edge computing a versatile option for applications across various industries, namely:
-Automobile
-Healthcare
-Smart Cities
-Retail
-Manufacturing
Apart from an efficient customer experience, edge data centres also offer increased savings, slicing high bandwidth costs and expensive telecommunication networks.
The risks and challenges associated with edge computing
For all its benefits, implementing an edge data centre framework comes with challenges. Decentralising infrastructure from one core data centre to multiple smaller edge centres increases the number of vulnerable points and potential attack surfaces.
Being smaller than traditional centralised units, edge data centres do not necessarily have the same physical protection. Edge data centres can be located in warehouses or offices that are liable to physical intrusion if high-tech fences and doors are not in place.
Monitoring and staffing is another potential area of concern. While core data centres are usually staffed regularly, edge data centres may be catered to by a third-party, smaller workforce. Coupled with the comparatively limited physical infrastructure, threat detection at these centres can be an issue, especially if it does not support cutting-edge network monitoring equipment. The interference risk is also greater since edge data centres do not always have backup reserves for resources such as cooling systems or power, both of which are integral to data centre functioning.
Security aside, the other difficulties associated with the establishment and maintenance of data centres are:
Complexity – Integrating edge data centres into an existing network adds another layer to the infrastructure.
Initial costs – The initial expenditure of establishing a new data centre and equipping it with edge computing capabilities can be high.
Synchronising data – Achieving consistency between the central and edge data centres requires careful synchronisation processes.
How to mitigate the risks associated with edge data centers?
Edge data center security can be bolstered by taking proactive measures rather than waiting for an issue to arise. A simple but effective procedure is to ensure edge data centers remain innocuous and unlabelled. Nondescript edge data centers are difficult to identify since they are small enough to fit in offices or even shipping containers.
Individuals must know cybersecurity guidelines and be consistently updated on the same. Similarly, edge data center staff must practice constant vigilance and have sharp procedural awareness about the policies and processes that prevent data leaks.
Modern remote monitoring devices can use AI to automatically flag violations, thereby further reducing the staff required to keep an eye on the video feed. Other technology-driven features like secure communication lines, authentication protocols for access, and encryption also help protect sensitive data by making it difficult to access.
Regulations for Edge Data Centers to consider
To avoid overstepping legal boundaries, data center operators must first be diligent with their research to obtain an understanding of local rules, regulations, and restrictions. They must then ensure their set-up matches these laws as well as the unique requirements of their customers. Running internal and external audits to identify potential gaps and improve existing architecture is also crucial.
Environmental guidelines are becoming increasingly important in today’s market. Data centers are known to use sizable amounts of resources such as water and electricity, while also producing e-waste and carbon emissions. Practices for limiting environmental footprint vary from region to region, making it important for data center operators to be aware of the different rules in place for each location.
To conclude, edge computing is revolutionising the data center industry by empowering operators to process data closer to their end users. This reduces latency, operational costs, and bandwidth issues, and improves customer experience. This real-time responsiveness is of value to numerous industries such as healthcare, automobile, manufacturing, and real estate. However, edge data center operators must proactively implement security measures and adhere to legal, contractual, and environmental regulations, all of which are dynamic. As long as their execution remains consistent, the popularity of edge data centers is expected to continue its upward trajectory.