New research uncovers edge computing challenges

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, on May 19 unveiled findings from a newly commissioned IDC Whitepaper entitled Succeeding at Digital First Connected Operations, highlighting the power of edge computing in enabling the shift to a digital-first world.

“As organisations seek to create new or improved experiences for customers and become more operationally efficient, they are leaning more on digital technologies. The whitepaper examines the crucial role that edge computing and edge deployments play in enabling digital-first, connected operations,” says Chris Hanley, SVP for Commercial Operations & Global Channels at Schneider Electric.

Edge computing is one of the major enablers of a digital-first paradigm. In fact, the most common use cases of edge infrastructure include cybersecurity systems to monitor the operational network locally as well as storing and processing operational data to bring it to the cloud.

Edge computing moves some portion of storage and compute resources out of the central data centre and closer to the source of the data itself.

“Resilient edge resources are the foundation for shifting to digital-first, connected operations. To future-proof edge deployments, leaders must develop a strategy that addresses concerns, such as cybersecurity and connectivity issues, and ensures access to maintain resilient edge infrastructures,” said Jennifer Cooke, research director for Edge Strategies at IDC.

Organisations can future-proof edge with resilient, secure, sustainable power and connectivity resources in the edge planning phases; by remotely monitoring and managing edge resources at a large scale; and with trusted partners that can provide the necessary skills for the above edge resources.

As a trusted partner and full solution provider, Schneider Electric works closely with customers in designing their strategies to ensure certainty, resiliency, security, and sustainability at the edge via resilient, secure, connected, and sustainable physical infrastructure solutions for any edge environment, delivering certainty in a connected world; the cloud-based monitoring and management platform EcoStruxure IT providing remote visibility including security, data-driven insights, and recommendations, reporting capabilities and digital service capabilities; and an integrated ecosystem composed of IT alliances, a global network of trusted experienced channel partners, and service engineers as well as rules-based design tools.