Gartner defines edge computing as “a part of a distributed computing topology in which information processing is located close to the edge – where things and people produce or consume that information.”
Edge computing allows us to bring processing and data storage closer to the our sensors where data is being gathered, rather than relying on a data center or a network video recorder located a distance away or on the cloud. This is done so that real-time data, can be use to trigger an event and does not suffer latency issues that can affect an application’s performance. There is also cost savings by having the processing done locally, reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed in a centralized or cloud-based location. Reducing both bandwidth and clouds storage cost.
Where you can reduce the distance, the speed of electrons being essentially constant, you minimize transport and this will result in minimal latency, simplified maintenance and cheaper cooling for the climate conscious.