Cloud, Fog and Edge Computing: In the digital age we are living in, companies are continually looking to reinvent themselves through technology.
The search is always for better and faster tools that align with current technological demands and meet customer needs. IoT technology is an excellent ally in this process, as it offers ease of connection and speed for users in carrying out day-to-day tasks and for companies in their operational processes. For this reason, it has revolutionized the way people and companies think and relate to the world.
However, the storage and processing of data still performed in the cloud are already being thought of as alternatives since the use of only a central cloud may not be enough to meet all demands due to overload and data congestion. in that environment, slowing everything down.
In this sense, along with Cloud Computing, Edge and Fog Computing are also becoming increasingly popular, as they can be instrumental in filling the gaps in Cloud Computing.
Cloud Computing
In cloud computing, data is processed and stored on a virtual server, far from its generating source, instead of using a hard disk or a local server.
Some of this computational model’s advantages are scalability, which releases services and functions according to the company’s demand, the possibility of remotely controlling operations, and reducing costs since it does not involve spending on local servers and the services and tools are scalable.
Although it is also used for consumption and streaming applications, cloud computing is slower because, in addition to latency and bandwidth problems, the large volume of data supported in this environment makes it difficult for information to flow.
In other words, if the objective is to work with a large volume of data that does not require very fast or real-time responses, the cloud computing model is very suitable.
Fog Computing
Mist computing works with decentralized architecture, distributing data processing and storage in a location close to the generating source. From there, communication with the central cloud is made.
Fog Computing works as a “union” of Edge Computing and Cloud, combining these solutions in a single architecture. This makes the distribution of management and applications more intelligent, organizing them in the best possible way.
The transmission takes place from the collection point towards a gateway, where they will be processed and sent to the Edge, which will connect with the central cloud. For this reason, this model stands out for performing this kind of interconnection between the data generation environment and the cloud environment.
This makes technologies closer to the end-user, facilitating their connection with devices (smartphones, tablets) and sensors.
In IoT technology, fog computing is currently the most indicated due to its high information processing power, low latency, and high performance in operations requiring a faster response time.
Edge Computing
Edge Computing, or edge computing, is a computing model that works with data collected at the Edge of the network, processing it in real-time. As with Fog Computing, data is processed and stored close to where it is produced.
It is a new real-time architecture used to process data while connecting with other devices. It is a “shortcut” to transport data to the cloud.
Instead of sending everything to the cloud, Edge Computing retains some information locally, at the Edge, that is, on the same devices used by users, and sends only what is necessary, what needs to be sent to a central cloud.
That is, while Cloud Computing works with the most robust data, centralizing those that require cloud treatment, Edge will bring the processing closer to the requester, the user. This balances the architecture and optimizes scalability, as it slows the traffic flow to the cloud and accelerates processing performance, requiring higher response speed.
Cloud, Edge, Or Fog Computing: Which Is The Best Model?
Each computational model performs essential and distinct functions, complementing each other to expand opportunities for problem-solving and creating innovative solutions.
Deciding on which architecture to use is the job of the organization’s management and IT management because, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the strategic needs and objectives of the organization or project, analyzing the efficiency and impact of this technology on the results.
In parallel, the IT team will work so that the implementation meets what was planned with strategic thinking. Therefore, it is essential to have a well-trained and up-to-date team that can extract the best from these three solutions (Cloud, Fog, and Edge), transforming the operations of the tools into results for the business.
Also Read: Cloud Computing: 5 Trends For 2022