What does 'Edge' mean to you?

[MarjorieFreeman]

At this point, I think everyone knows what Edge means, but few know of actual edge use cases. 

How would you describe Edge technology in layman's terms? 

For instance, Chick Fil A deploys Kubernetes at the Edge to run its internet-independent applications. Many people have had Chick Fil A or at least been through a drive-thru or two in their day!  

What are some everyday use cases of it that people may not think about? 

[MarjorieFreeman]

Thank you so much!

[Carey]

Hi new to devops. Edge router for example are the network devices that border your company. For example whether it is Aws , IBM the outer routers or whatever Enterprise has edge routers which define the "edge" of your company, whatever the company is.

Regards

[MarjorieFreeman]

Thanks, @Carey ! How long have you been in DevOps? 

[drlavery]

Edge technology in layman's terms...

I see it like this, we have a invisible world of technology, and its abit of a mess with AI, anaylitics, silos, different data centers, networking meshes... I think edge is the beginning of bringing it all together...creating the core of this world which edge computing and technologies can plug into this core of data, centraliszing things and creating a unique oneness in the near future. 

Thats just my take on it from a high level view. 

[MarjorieFreeman]

I think this is perfect, though. It definitely is part of the "invisible world of technology," -- which is why I was curious about how people would explain it to a person who isn't as aware of this "invisible world" (i.e. - people outside of technology). Great definition!

[SaifBassim]

Edge computing refers to a range of networks and devices at or near the user. Edge is about processing data closer to where it’s being generated, enabling processing at greater speeds and volumes, leading to greater action-led results in real time.

It offers some unique advantages over traditional models, where computing power is centralized at an on-premise data center. Putting compute at the edge allows companies to improve how they manage and use physical assets and create new interactive, human experiences. Some examples of edge use cases include self-driving cars, autonomous robots, smart equipment data and automated retail.

Some disatvantage of an edge computing:

1-Storage and Cost.

2-Data Loss.

3-Security due to the data being distruputed in multiple sites.

[MarjorieFreeman]

This is great @SaifBassim , especially calling out a few of the disadvantages, which people need to be aware of just as much, if not more, as the advantages.

Can you think of some ways organizations are mitigating a few of these disadvantages?

[Marulasiddaiah]

Edge is like cutting edge technologies in Airtificial Intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, automation, robotics etc. Red Hat is one of the pioneers in creating edge solutions and technologies, the technologies built by Red Hat are of open-source, and these edge solutions increases greter productivity, time, cost etc. I agree Red Hat Openshift Container Platform is edge technology for deploying multiple application in lesser time.

[MarjorieFreeman]

Thanks for your comment! Do you work closely with OpenShift in your job? 

[Rajanikanty]

Edge is about processing data closer to where it's being generated.Dont need to bring data to data center and compute and then perform next action , Compute at 'Edge' only . example : IoT devices ,Remote surgery equipment ,Drones etc