Odds are good today that your devices probably connect to the cloud in some extremely meaningful way. An excellent example is an Amazon Alexa equipped device. While the device of course contains a small computer, Alexa itself does not exist locally, but instead as a remote cloud service to which data is interpreted and sent. The problem is, with billions of devices worldwide sending scads of data to the cloud, and ever more advanced devices collecting ever more data, cloud computing for all aspects of IoT is no longer an optimal solution.
Enter Edge Computing, the IoT Edge solution. By equipping IoT devices with computing power to handle logical functions, devices no longer need to send all their data to the cloud. IoT devices are no longer restricted to simply gathering and passing on data – they can now reliably process and make use of that data locally. And of course, because they’re IoT connected, they can still send the data and requests that make them most useful. In the example of Alexa, for instance, an IoT Edge enabled Alexa device can break down spoken requests and commands locally, and then send a request to the cloud for whatever was asked.
But what are the actual benefits of an Edge Computing solution vs cloud computing for IoT? Most experts agree in at least three primary benefits.
More Data Privacy – IoT devices, especially those found in the home or in commercial environments, may collect a lot of sensitive or proprietary data, including names, numbers, preferences, etc. Every time that data is passed to the cloud, it enters more hands, with more opportunities to be compromised. An Edge Computing solution keeps data local, and safe.
Lower Latency – The power of the Cloud is undeniable, allowing computing feats unimaginable a few years past, on a massive scale. However, every time data is passed to the Cloud and then returned locally, operations slow down. Edge Computing allows more data to be processed locally, reducing interactions with the Cloud, and latency. Faster computing is the ultimate goal.
Function with Poor Connectivity – In industry, it can be disastrous if work stops every time connectivity goes down – whether because of a local, or remote issue. Properly configured and powerful Edge Computing means that your IoT equipment can continue on with many or all of its functions, even when facing a connectivity loss.
New i.MX8 PicoITX boards Support Edge Computing
At Estone Technology, we’re always innovating. That’s why we’re developing new, extremely small and adaptable PicoITX boards featuring NXP’s i.MX8 processor technology. This processor technology is specifically designed to support the fastest growing IoT functions, including human/computer voice interaction, streaming video and video conferencing, and AI/Machine learning functions, including supporting autonomous driving, industrial machine vision, and human-machine interface functions.
We’re pairing this powerful new processor technology with our own reliable and adaptable PicoITX board designs to ensure maximum adaptability for your needs. Our new boards are being designed to support special, growing markets like Alexa-enabled devices and other voice-assistant devices, as well as Artificial Intelligence functions. Keep an eye out for the latest from Estone Technology regarding Edge Computing and other innovative technologies.