Johannesburg, 09 Oct 2017
The implementation of technical innovations and the accompanying organisational change is largely dependent on the highly complex data centre.
As the company and the digitalisation of its business processes grows, so too does the need for commensurate physical IT hardware, says Jacques Klopper, General Manager, Sales at Rittal. "The rooms and IT infrastructure in which the computers or data storage systems are housed have to be aligned with the technology. At the same time, the demand for improved security, higher availability and better energy efficiency in modern data centres is constantly growing. The aim is also to construct or modernise data centre infrastructures on a sustainable basis."
Klopper continues: "The answer to this challenge, as well as the increasing demand for availability, security and a high level of energy efficiency, is the IT infrastructure solution of the future."
Edge computing is speeding up communication by bringing the network closer to the data. It does this by enhancing application performance, lowering down time and the operating cost of the network infrastructure. This serves to reduce latency and increase real-time analysis. From the plant floor to the subway tunnel and remote desert solar installation, the Internet of things (IOT) is integrating sensors, data and systems to help centralise control over the systems that run the world today.
"Deploying edge computing for IOT devices can be a complex task," continues Klopper. "You need to find a partner that has the expertise to bring you the equipment and support you need to make edge computing your reality. If your information network model currently has your major processing and storage operations at a home data centre, consider moving to the edge. For many businesses, edge computing represents a big change in both operations and distributed information technology."
The top 5 benefits of edge computing, according to Klopper, are:
* Supports the IOT world
Edge computing brings the data to you faster and more efficiently. With the deployment of IOT, edge computing speeds the process of collecting data from smart sensors across the factory floor.
* Speed rules
Process control and efficiency is built on speed. Today, thanks to edge computing, latency is reduced to near-real time, compared to 42 milliseconds from the cloud. The data is at your fingertips for rapid analysis, to enhance productivity.
* Operational savings
Overall cost control in every facet of operations and data management is job one. In edge computing, racks may employ increased processing power, and need a built-in, high performance cooling system. Long-term savings are achieved through improved cost and inventory control, reduced downtime and enhanced security, which are heavy operational costs.
* Reduced cloud dependence
With the localised computing of an edge system, the volume of data sent to the cloud is reduced. This opens up constricted networks to allow the company to employ cloud storage for less urgent data. Lowering the bandwidth used keeps the most immediately critical information right at hand, without delay or data drop.
* Local redundancy
Redundancy in an edge system allows other IT assets to remain fully functional and operational, even if one device fails. Eliminating downtime of the line, preserving key data and rapid response all contribute to a healthier bottom line.
From subway tunnels to cruise ships to the manufacturing floor and securing your information technology, edge network computing is enabling the Internet of things and revolutionising the speed of control and data analysis. It enables the business to implement mission-critical decisions, saving time, resources and energy.
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