IoT edge cloud balances the best of cloud and edge computing

To understand cloud at the edge, otherwise known as edge cloud, tech experts must also define the two terms it combines and the differences between them.

Cloud computing refers to the storage and processing of data in a community, private, public or hybrid cloud data center in a centralized location. For IoT applications, processing all data in the cloud introduces greater latency to complete an action.

Edge computing refers to the process of real-time data storage and computation on the device or data source, rather than sending it to a distant data center. For IoT devices, this dramatically decreases lag and saves bandwidth. The centralized cloud still serves as the main storage facility for large amounts of data and additional processing. The IoT device where edge processing occurs acts as a node.

Edge cloud refers to the decentralization of the traditional, massive cloud data centers. The IoT edge cloud moves cloud storage and compute closer to the edge source while also scaling down its size. Edge sites may connect to each other or to a core cloud for additional data inputs and processing or storage capabilities, or isolated in instances of a data breach or service compromise.

Edge cloud requires additional remotely administered data centers — also referred to as edge sites — close to the end users. It also calls for a large number of edge sites at specific locations where increased compute and processing is needed beyond what can be completed at the edge in conjunction with low-latency, time-sensitive IoT tasks.