Today you are going to learn about the differences between edge computing and cloud computing. The term “edge computing” stands for computing as a distributed paradigm. It collects data from storage and computes power closer to the device. On the other side, cloud computing deals with data from centralized storage.
According to CISCO, cloud computing is rising rapidly. The amount of cloud’s data is going to be 14.1ZB by 2020. However, despite the advantages, there are also some problems with cloud computing. We will discuss everything in this article. So, let’s start.
Also Read: Three Different Types of Cloud Computing Service Models
What is Edge Computing?
Let’s first understand the term “edge computing”. Both edge computing and cloud computing are types of data management. Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm. It works on bringing computing and data storage closer to the required location. Edge computing aims to improve response and save bandwidth.
Edge computing starts its journey to eliminate the issues of cloud computing. Data overload and delay in the processing are the major two of them. IoT devices are also becoming an integral part of data processing. They are producing data on the outer “edge” of the networks. After completing the processing, they sent the instructions to the devices.
There are two types of edge computing – Cloud edge and Device edge. Cloud edge is the extension of a series of point-of-presence locations. Device edge represents the software operation on existing hardware.
Features of Edge Computing
Now we will discuss the features of edge computing. It offers faster speed and flexibility over cloud computing. Let’s discuss these in detail.
Ultra-high Network Performance: Cloud edge offers at least 10 times more speed in performances. The control scaling is linear and independent. It allows CSPs to rapidly and effectively scale resources at the edge. For many companies, speed is vital to run their business. Companies of the healthcare and financial sectors fall into this category.
Deployment Flexibility: Edge computing allows CSPs to deliver low-latency, multi-cloud services.
Security: IoT edge computing devices provide some important security advantages. Due to some technical weaknesses, traditional cloud computing is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The centralized structure of cloud computing is the main factor. Edge computing distributes processing, storage, and applications across a wide range of devices. This protects it from any single disruption.
Reliability: Due to security advantages, the reliability of edge computing is better. Edge computing processes data closer to the source to reduce data flowing.
Scalability: When a company grows, the deployment of a dedicated data center becomes expensive. Here edge computing takes the lead over cloud-based technology. Edge computing IoT devices allow businesses to scale their operations.
What is Cloud Computing?
In cloud computing, all data is stored and processed in a centralized location. In the computing term, this location is called the data center. The devices that are connected with the data center need to access centralized data. Also, in cloud computing, the security level is decent.
The data is stored in the center, and only secure login is accepted. Also, there are very few chances of data leakage. However, there are some problems with this traditional setup.
The entire data gathers in the data center. Also, the processing cost is higher if we compare edge computing and cloud computing.
Features of Cloud Computing
Now let’s discuss the features of cloud computing in detail. Following are the characteristics of cloud computing:
Resources Pooling: Cloud provider pools the computing resources to provide services to multiple customers. Generally, the customers have no control over the location of the provided data. However, they can identify the location at a higher level of abstraction.
On-demand Self-service: One of the important features of cloud computing is the option of self-service. The users can anytime monitor server uptime, capabilities, and network storage. Also, users get all details regarding computing capabilities.
Easy Maintenance: The servers are easy to maintain with low downtime. Even in some cases, it offers zero downtime. Cloud computing is also updated frequently to make it better. Updated versions work faster and are more compatible with the older ones.
Large Network Access: The data is accessible from anywhere if the user has an internet connection. Also, the process of upload is very easy. So, users get full control of their data from anywhere all the time.
Automatic System: Cloud computing can automatically analyze the required data. Also, it supports a metering capability in some services. Users can monitor, control, and report the usages. Both the host and customer get transparency.
Also Read: What is Edge Computing and Why Does it Matter?
Differences Between Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing
When we compare edge computing and cloud computing, the main point is the area of data processing. Centralized data processing in cloud computing is in sharp contrast with edge computing. Edge computing offers most of the processes, like data storage and processing at the edge. This main distinguishing point arises some other differences also.
When it comes to programming platform, edge computing requires several different platforms. All of them have different runtimes. In contrast, you only one platform to process the data with cloud computing.
Latency is another factor when you are working with cloud computing. Every time you want to access the data, the system has to reach the center. After data computing, the processed data will reach the user from the data center. This entire process takes some time, and we call it the latency period. But in edge computing, the latency period is very less. Sometimes edge computing offers zero latency in processing.
Also, the security requirement is different between edge computing and cloud computing. Edge computing requires advanced robust security planning. Whereas, due to centralized processing, cloud computing doesn’t need that.
Conclusion
So, these were the main differences between edge computing and cloud computing. Many companies are now moving towards edge computing. Latency-free data processing is the main reason behind it. However, edge computing is not the only solution and has some challenges.
