Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing: Understanding the Major Differences

Quick Run-Through: Technologies are advancing rapidly, leading to greater demands for better performance and higher speeds. Organizations nowadays need more rapid experience, efficient solutions, and futuristic services. This is where cloud and edge computing comes into action. But the question is which to opt for – edge or cloud computing? For the answer, you’ll need to read the blog until the end. Happy reading!

Do you belong to a tech background? So, what will you choose from edge computing vs cloud computing? This is the most common yet significant question tech people go through in today’s fast-tech time. But don’t worry, today you’ll get all your answers. Bernard Golden, quite a powerful voice in cloud computing, once, in a fireside chat, discussed the importance of cloud computing in today’s time and how edge computing can transform the future of IT. Today in this blog, we’re going to do the same. It’s not a fireside chat, but I promise to make our quite valuable.

The emergence of cloud computing is proving to be the greatest revolution that enhances the critical capabilities of organizations of varied sizes. It gives organizations exceptional power to replace the physical, boring in-house infrastructure and make numerous services available over the Internet.

Moreover, its potential to integrate with different digital tools is one of the best reasons cloud computing has become the apple of every tech geek’s eye in the 21st century. In fact, as per Harvard Business Review’s - The State of Cloud-Driven Transformation Report - 83% of respondents feel that the cloud is significant for their business’s future growth and tactics.

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However, technologies are advancing rapidly, leading to rising demands for better performance, and higher speeds have pushed the cloud approach over its limits. And right now, enterprises need and want more rapid experience, efficient solutions, and more futuristic advanced services. And this is where edge computing comes into action, and many organizations are already buckling down to edge computing. However, both cloud and edge computing can be incomparable. Why? Because edge computing just helps in cloud computing optimization and lets the cloud maximize the asset returns. Isn’t it amazing that they both can go hand in hand?

Thus, when thinking about edge computing vs cloud computing, always remember both edge and cloud computing (as well as their integration) have great significance for enterprises. Because only cloud and edge computing can provide the swiftness for businesses to serve their clients efficiently and offer their workforce what they require to achieve better outcomes. Moreover, edge computing helps to resolve different cloud computing shortcomings.

Curious to delve into the details of edge computing vs cloud computing? Well! Let me allow to help you.

In this blog, we’ll try to understand their significant differences rather than debating edge computing vs cloud computing and declaring which is best. Comparing these computing models that go so well together is not fair play! You’ll learn about these two different computing techniques: pros, cons, use cases, similarities, etc. And lastly, I’ve also talked about an approach that is the best of both worlds.

But to know it, you must be with me until the end.

Ready to learn something exciting? Let’s begin, then!

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing is a distributed Information Technology (IT) architecture where the computing operations occur near or at the data source. You can achieve this with the help of physical equipment like edge nodes, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cameras, and sensors. This equipment carries computing power to the edge of the device or network, enabling increased bandwidth, minimized latency, and faster data processing. Therefore, by deploying edge computing, enterprises can quickly achieve the needs around computing.

And to learn more about edge computing, you can listen to the podcast – Over the Edge. This one is my favorite because the interviewer discusses several aspects of edge computing and keeps you up to date on all the latest advancements in edge. Hope you like it too!

Advantages of Edge Computing

So, before directly starting with the advantages of edge computing, let me tell you something fascinating. According to Gartner, the global enterprise market with edge use cases may value around USD 19.3 billion by 2024. Wondering why? All due to the advantages of edge computing.

Let’s have a look.

• Better Reliability

In case your central server breaks down, everything connects to it. However, deploying edge computing means you no longer rely on just one server for your IT operations execution. And believe me it is one of the most essential advantages of edge computing.

• Enhanced Privacy and Security

With edge computing, there is no central server. Also, there are fewer checkpoints for information to migrate and reach the edge equipment. This means hackers are only left with a few ways to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Of course, built-in security measures, like access control and surveillance, will enhance the physical security of the edge device.

• Integration with Existing Workflow

On the contrary, to switch to cloud computing, edge computing can efficiently work with it. For instance, autonomous vehicles rely on different cloud computing trends and tactics to receive data, such as traffic data or maps. However, for different time-sensitive needs, such as whether to turn right or left or to prevent an object on road, edge computing helps with these requests. Therefore, consider their integration contrary to discussing edge computing vs cloud computing. I bet that can do wonders!

• Minimized Bandwidth and Latency Bottlenecks

Edge computing helps bridge the gap between data sources and computing power. This quickens the data transfer, resulting in more reliable, more rapid services. There are fewer device bottleneck risks since fewer data source connections to the single-edge device exist.

Disadvantages of Edge Computing

Following are some of the limitations of edge computing:

• Control

As we know from above, edge computing is a decentralized system. And because of this, some systems are less reliable and require the user’s attention.

• Vulnerable to Thefts

As a decentralized system, the data processing takes place outside the edge of the network or device, so there might be good chances of identity theft. This is also the primary reason why organizations opt for cloud enablement services; when choosing between edge vs cloud.

• Compatibility

Some IoT systems produce ample data each second, increasing the challenges of handling on edge.

• Contracts and Lock-In

You must sign some crucial contracts and lock-ins to opt for edge computing.

That’s all for the advantages and disadvantages of edge computing. Now, let’s come to a much more exciting topic and learn where you can use edge computing to its utmost potential.

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Use Cases of Edge Computing

Some of the most critical use cases of edge computing include:

• Traffic Lights - The three properties of a traffic light make it a suitable applicant for edge computing. How? Because of their internet connection losses occasionally, low data output, and their need to respond to real-time modifications.

• Smart Thermostats - They generate less data from these devices. And besides, some of the data they collect, such as any time of the entire day when individuals are home and change the thermostat settings, can affect their privacy. Therefore, keeping the data on edge helps minimize safety issues and is the most feasible option.

• Autonomous Vehicles - These vehicles include self-driving cars, which can gather substantial data and make real-time decisions regarding passengers’ or animals’ safety on the road. And to be honest, latency issues and in-vehicle response times may spark off millisecond delays leading to severe consequences (sometimes deadly too).

Now, let’s move towards the next part of our blog and learn about cloud computing and why organizations still prefer hiring cloud migration company in the following sections. This will help you understand the difference between edge computing vs cloud computing more seamlessly.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is an approach to deliver computing services across the internet immediately. From analytics and development to storage, intelligence, databases, servers, and databases, you can transmit a wide range of digital services over the internet, known as the famous “cloud.” Cloud computing offers digital transformation services to consumers and business applications, like developing custom digital marketing solutions, storing emails and databases, streaming television shows and films, and many more. One needs to host cloud services at a dealer’s central data center, hence, managed by your cloud services provider.

In essence, cloud computing allows you to rent instead of directly buying your IT infrastructure (and believe me, it helps you save bucks). There’s no need to purchase a physical server to store your organizational data; instead, you can just keep it on the internet space with the help of a cloud computing provider. It’s usually done based on the monthly fee, and the provider will supervise all the operations of your cloud storage, ensuring the data you upload is safe, secure, and accessible whenever you need it. Moreover, some platforms allow you to build your cloud solutions with large-scale cloud infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis. Yes, you read it right!

Therefore, with the help of custom AWS development services and Azure development services you can also directly build cloud solutions with excellent infrastructure and efficient implementation capabilities from the ground up.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

The benefits of cloud computing are unquestionable. This is leading to the rising adoption of cloud computing by different organizations. Let’s now look at some best benefits of cloud computing.

• Scalability and Building Capabilities

You can quickly scale your cloud infrastructure as per your changing business requirements. Moreover, you can also opt to build and scale cloud solutions by hiring a top-notch cloud based application development company like Radixweb. Therefore, rather than purchasing and installing new software, you can scale or build your cloud-based solutions according to your specifications.

• Low Maintenance

Cloud hosting providers are responsible for all the maintenance processes; this is one of the best benefits of cloud computing. They take care of all the timely maintenance, updates, and immediate repairs whenever needed. Thus, it helps you save time and effort.

• Better Collaboration

Another significant benefit of cloud computing is that it lets your team and clients collaborate quickly and efficiently. Moreover, you also get the liberty to collaborate with different platforms for developing and hosting applications. For example, you can easily collaborate with the Google App Engine development platform for development and hosting.

• Reduced IT Expense

Who doesn’t want to save a few extra bucks? Indeed everyone. So, this is again one of the most significant benefits of cloud computing - reduced IT costs. And how’s it possible? Since no physical infrastructure is present, it eventually lowers the ongoing cost of cloud maintenance. And you don’t need to stress about changing weather conditions, theft, or natural calamities degrading your physical device. Hence, a plus point when deciding between cloud computing vs edge computing.

These were some of the most important benefits of cloud computing, but knowing the disadvantages is essential too.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Apart from the different benefits of cloud computing, it does come with some challenges too, including:

• Higher Risk Factor

The essential data is stored in the central system, so when information is migrated from the edge to the cloud, it maximizes the chances of attacks.

• Potential Losses

As there is an ongoing increase in cloud infrastructure data, there are chances of more thefts and losses.

• Lengthy Outage Period

As there is an exchange of data between cloud and edge computing, it may take longer for cloud migration than edge computing.

• Security Loopholes

When choosing a cloud system between edge computing vs cloud computing, you cannot trust the security, and there are times when companies compromise their data confidentiality.

See, to understand the difference between cloud and edge computing and decide between edge computing vs cloud computing, it’s imperative to go through their use cases. Because then only you can understand the application part of cloud and edge computing.

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Use Cases of Cloud Computing

Let’s go through some of the best use cases of cloud computing. Such as:

• Video Camera Systems - Videos generate loads of data and produce great details. Therefore, processing and saving the information at the edge is impossible because it would need a vast and specific infrastructure. When thinking about cloud computing vs edge computing, in this case, opting for a centralized cloud device would be accessible and much more affordable.
• Intelligent Lighting Systems - These systems help you monitor lighting with an Internet connection in an office or home, but they don’t generate better details. Yet light bulbs cultivate little processing power (yes, the smart ones too). However, there are no ultra-low latency standards for lighting systems, which doesn’t make it a big deal if it needs a second or two for lights to turn on. And therefore, here, you need infrastructure as code services to overcome these challenges.
• Standard Applications - It’s challenging to think of any standard application requiring edge infrastructure responsiveness or efficiency. It could save some milliseconds, requiring an app to load or reply to requests, but the price makes it hardly worth the change.

Well, frenzy all over, we’ve reached the most essential part of our blog. Well, congratulations! Here, we’ll discuss the relationship between edge computing and cloud computing. This will help us understand the similarities and differences between edge and cloud computing.

Yes, yes, it also will help you decide on edge computing vs cloud computing. Therefore, by the end of this blog, you’ll have an opinion on whether to opt for one computing model or go by cloud and edge computing together.

Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing: Understanding the Similarities

Is the edge part of the cloud? This is the question every tech enthusiast struggles with within the learning process. Allow me to answer! So, there isn’t always a clear-cut line where one finishes and the other starts. Although cloud and edge computing are related ideologies, they’re different too.

Edge systems do contribute to the cloud. Wondering how? Suppose these devices’ computing capabilities and storage at the network endpoints are combined, abstracted, and shared across a network. In that case, it becomes a significant part of a more extensive cloud infrastructure. It’s like using edge computing in cloud computing. Apart from being computing approaches, there’s a reasonable relationship between edge computing and cloud computing.

When talking about edge vs cloud computing, yes, they’re different from each other by definition. Edge computing defines workloads that occur and reside in remote locations that are exterior to what we usually consider cloud environment. And it’s much close to where a data source or physical equipment exists.

Let’s understand cloud and edge in my way:

• Clouds - These are locations where you store data or run an application. Sever farms or data centers develop these software-defined environments.
• Edges - These are locations where data accumulation takes place. These are physical environments made up of hardware external to a data center.
• Cloud computing - It is the act of executing workloads in a cloud environment.
• Edge computing - It is also an act of executing workloads on edge systems.

Therefore, always remember that an edge (a location) is unlike edge computing (an action). The same is the case with cloud computing too.

Now, I’m sure you understand how cloud and edge computing are a bit similar (somehow).

Regarding edge computing vs cloud computing, the following section will address the significant difference between cloud and edge computing.

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Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing: Major Differences

Knowing the difference in understanding edge computing vs. cloud computing is significant. So, when differentiating cloud vs edge computing, the most important factor is to understand data processing. However, there are more parameters to compare edge vs cloud computing. Let’s understand!

• Based on Definition

Edge Computing helps manage data by placing it closer to the source of its creation or data source. This enables rapid responses to required modifications. Moreover, edge computing also ensures that everything runs seamlessly while accessing information.

Cloud Computing helps data processing and storage on remote servers rather than storing them locally. Cloud computing enables users to access their files whenever they need, yet they cannot control and manage what occurs with their data after they’re uploaded to servers.

• Based on Data Processing

Data processing is collecting and manipulating digital data to generate meaningful information. If the observer detects any information changes, it is called data processing.

Edge helps in quick data processing and colossal volume closer to the generation point, offering real-time action-driven solutions. Contrary to other traditional models like cloud computing, where there is centralized processing power for an on-premises data center, it does have some unique features. Although one of the significant selling advantages of the edge is its deterministic behavior, cloud services often don’t provide any real-time reassurances.

• Based on Data Distribution

The advancements in IoT have led to the development of the edge computing industry as a decentralized, distributed computing infrastructure. IoT systems frequently generate data that needs quick processing as they’re subjected to real-time data analysis because sometimes it requires quick decision-making. However, cloud computing also addresses the same issue using central, cloud-based storage, primarily a data center far from the system. On the contrary, edge computing eradicates the requirement to uplink data to the cloud with data calculation, storage, and analysis, closer to the data accumulation devices.

• Based on Focus

Edge computing major focuses on processing real-time data and efficient communication between devices. On the other hand, cloud computing focuses on storing and processing shapeless data in massive amounts simultaneously. So, when comparing edge computing vs cloud computing, organizations use cloud computing to handle data that is not time-driven; edge computing helps to process data that is time-driven and sensitive.

• Based on Use Cases

Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Software-as-a-Service, software testing, hybrid cloud management, virtual machine development, and multi-cloud are some of the primary use cases of cloud computing. On the other hand, edge computing is used in predictive maintenance, IoT, cloud gaming, and Big Data analytics.

Mentioned above was the significant difference between edge computing and cloud computing. Now, you can easily decide on the subject – cloud computing vs edge computing.

Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing: Understanding the Differences

As we know, edge computing and cloud computing solutions are secure, reliable, agile, and scalable. However, there are some differences you can find between these two.

• The primary difference between edge computing vs cloud computing is that edge computing is suitable for applications requiring real-time decision-making, such as smart grids and autonomous vehicles, while cloud computing is suitable for applications that require significant computational power and storage, like ML and big data analytics.

• The difference between edge computing and cloud computing is that data is more secure in edge computing since it’s processed locally, while cloud computing requires robust security measures to secure data in transit in centralized data centers.

• Talking about cloud computing vs edge computing, cloud computing is dependent on reliable internet connectivity for accessing and processing data, while edge computing can be more reliable where network connectivity is unreliable.

• While talking about edge computing vs cloud computing, edge computing can be more cost-effective for apps that require real-time processing and reduced data transmission, on the other hand, cloud computing may cost you more due to data transfer, storage, and compute resources in data centers.

Phew! That’s all about comparing and differentiating between edge computing vs cloud computing. Though, to be honest, rather than comparing cloud and edge computing, I’ve majorly focused on acknowledging you about the relationship between edge computing and cloud computing. Therefore, we covered both their similarities and differences.

Last but not least, we’ll see how integrating both cloud and edge computing can do wonders. (Technology is advancing rapidly, so should we)

Hybrid Cloud Architecture: The Best of Both Worlds

For many organizations nowadays, integrating cloud and edge computing is necessary. And in this remarkable computing approach, organizations can opt for centralization when they can and distribution when they need to. Therefore, the hybrid cloud architecture enables enterprises to experience the security and manageability advantages of the on-premises devices while also deploying public cloud resources with the help of a cloud service provider.

However, when thinking about hybrid cloud solutions, you must understand that it means different things for different enterprises. It can also be trained in the cloud and implemented at the edge, trained in the data center and use various cloud management tools and technologies at the edge, or trained at the edge and used cloud computing to centralize devices for better learning. What a gem of the concept!

Hence, there are endless opportunities and potential to bring edge computing and cloud computing together. So, why stick to debate - edge computing vs cloud computing when we can enjoy the best of both approaches?

Okay, let me give you a simple example - when opting for cloud native app development solutions, you can use different techniques and technologies, including edge computing.

So, it’s up to your needs and specifications whether you want to choose between edge computing and cloud computing or experience the best of both worlds.

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ConclusionWhether you opt for one among cloud and edge computing – or go for both – it is essential that you choose the right option for the job. For instance, edge computing is a perfect choice if your organization needs quick, timely delivery of critical data since its speed and performance are remarkable. However, cloud computing could be ideal for managing more significant data volumes from multiple sources. And there may be certain times when you may even need integration of both.The hybrid cloud and edge architecture can mean and help in separate ways for different organizations. So, if you opt for the ideal approach that allows your organization to be more efficient, then believe me, you’re going right. There are several ways to use cloud and edge computing to your benefit. So, choose what suits you best!And in case you feel overwhelmed and confusion walls up, you can always use Radixweb’s help.Being a reputable software development company, Radixweb understands the technical needs of today’s times. We know that every business in today’s time strives to stay competitive in the digital age, opting for computing approaches. As a certified cloud application development company, we will help you leverage edge and cloud computing technologies and make high-impact changes with minimal effort.So, why wait, then? Contact us today to learn more about these computing models.