Edge management: The increasingly complicated task of managing a sensor-cloud hybrid

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 31, 2023

The increasing reliance on Internet of Things (IoT) technology has created a shift away from centralized public cloud solutions. Instead, companies are building clusters of data centers close to end devices to better manage and utilize IoT data. However, this presents a new challenge for businesses as they must now find a way to effectively manage sensor and cloud technology.

Edge management context

Edge computing is an IT architecture that processes client data close to a network or a data source. Unlike public clouds that use a centralized data center in one location to save energy and resources, edge computing goes as close to the data as possible to ensure real-time response. An example is a group of smart CCTV cameras on public roads. Instead of hooking up these cameras to a centralized data center somewhere in the Arctic, a security company can create a data processing hub on every street corner to ensure a smooth connection between the video transmissions and data processors. This way, latency (response time between a network and a device) is reduced, and there's room to address any concern immediately. 

Edge management effectively maintains these numerous hubs, ensuring that infrastructures and data are always secure. In addition to reducing latency, edge computing can help lower data transportation costs. By processing data locally, companies lower bandwidth costs and reduce the strain on network infrastructure. However, managing edge systems can be challenging, particularly when dealing with large numbers of edge devices spread out over a wide area. Effective edge management requires robust security protocols, efficient data storage and transfer mechanisms, and careful monitoring and maintenance of machines.

Disruptive impact

As companies increasingly adopt a sensor-cloud hybrid system, it has become more critical to effectively manage their edge and cloud computing infrastructure. In many cases, companies use edge computing to handle tasks requiring real-time processing while still relying on public clouds for other tasks. This approach allows them to take advantage of the benefits of both edge and cloud computing while minimizing the drawbacks of each.

One of the challenges in managing an edge-cloud system is ensuring consistent data quality across all edge computing systems. This requirement is essential for companies that rely on updated data to make critical decisions. To address this issue, companies can use data normalization algorithms and automated data quality checks to ensure that the data collected from their edge devices are accurate and reliable.

Another crucial consideration is cybersecurity. With more and more edge devices being deployed, there is an increased risk of cyber attacks that can compromise the security of these systems. To address this challenge, companies can use encryption, intrusion detection systems, and secure firmware updates. These solutions can help prevent unauthorized access to edge devices and ensure that critical data remains secure. Meanwhile, to effectively manage their edge computing infrastructure, businesses can deploy remote installers and monitoring systems. These tools allow them to quickly launch and configure edge devices, monitor their performance, and detect any issues. 

Implications of edge management

Wider implications of edge management may include:

• Companies hiring dedicated edge management engineers to maintain both public cloud connections and edge infrastructures. 


• IoT driving the need for more network clusters that can immediately process data from smart homes, smartphones, and autonomous vehicles.


• Cybersecurity providers creating more specialized suites for edge management, remote operation management, and “kill switch” mechanisms.


• More reliable availability of critical services such as healthcare, education, and emergency response.


• Reduced cost of delivering content and services, especially in remote areas with limited infrastructure, helping businesses expand their reach, generate new revenue streams, and create new jobs.


• Governments using edge servers to monitor and control the spread of information, which can limit freedom of speech and privacy.


• Edge management helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, allowing remote communities to access the same services and opportunities. This trend can lead to more equitable outcomes for people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


• More innovation in technologies such as 5G networks, IoT, and A.


• New job opportunities in network administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics. 


• Reduced data center energy consumption, which contributes to carbon emissions. 


• Increased risks of cyber threats and data breaches as more devices and endpoints are connected to the network. 


• The development of new public and private infrastructure, such as micro-data centers, edge gateways, and network nodes. 

Questions to consider

• How do you think edge computing can improve how you receive Internet services?


• How do you think the sensor-cloud hybrid will evolve over the next few years?