How the Drivers Behind Edge Computing Translate to Opportunity for Partners

Edge computing offers significant opportunity for APC by Schneider Electric partners because it promises the creation of numerous small data centers or server closets that will all require some or all of the same sort of infrastructure as larger data centers, including racks, power, cooling and control software. It’s a good idea, then, for partners to have a handle on what edge technology is all about, including what’s driving companies to use it and the benefits they derive.

In a nutshell, edge computing involves providing computing power, control, storage and applications close to the end users who are using them. It can play a role in at least three main sorts of applications:

• As a way to more efficiently distribute large amounts content, such as video on demand, 4K TV (ultra high-definition) and streaming video
• As aggregation points in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment
• To improve availability and response times for cloud applications

In the first example, edge computing may involve placing a series of caching devices at strategic points in the network, close to large groups of end users. The idea is that content is streamed once from its source to each of the caching devices, and then from there to end user locations. That saves significant amounts of bandwidth across the network while also dramatically improving response time for end users.

In an IoT environment, it’s sort of the same idea in reverse. As numerous devices generate data, rather than all of them sending it to a central collection point, they instead send it to a nearby aggregation point where the data is collected and stored until it’s eventually sent to a central data center.

Finally, in a cloud environment, edge computing can add resiliency and improve performance. Typically, a cloud application runs in a single, centralized data center. Should any sort of outage occur, all users of the application are out of luck. Using an edge architecture, companies can replicate some or all of the edge application at various points around the network to improve resiliency and response times. Or, edge may be used as a way to employ cloud-based storage facilities with on-site applications.

Depending on what companies are trying to accomplish, they have a few options for how to implement an edge architecture.

The most basic level involves devices or appliances that fulfill a specific purpose, such as running a building security system, storing local video content or acting as a cloud storage gateway. Such devices are simple to deploy and are a fit for home or small office applications.

A step up from there is to employ small, micro data centers of 10 racks or fewer. These can be pre-engineered, configure-to-order systems that are assembled on site or fully prefabricated micro data centers assembled in a factory in a single enclosure. Here the opportunity for partners becomes greater, as such a setup involves significant data center infrastructure.

A third option is to employ a series of larger, regional data centers with 10 racks or more. Such facilities will need largely the same infrastructure as a full-blown data center, just on a smaller scale. Clearly, the partner opportunity here is significant indeed.

What’s more, partners can take advantage of the APC by Schneider Electric Edge IT Program to get significant discounts on products involved in edge IT deployments, namely:

• Network UPS (Single phase Smart-UPS and Symmetra UPS)
• Racks and enclosures
• Concurrent services (3 year extended warranties and advantage plans)
• Rack-mount PDUs
• DCIM software
• Security and environmental monitoring

Check out this previous post for details on how the program works and be sure to participate in our #APCedge contest. To learn more about edge computing, download the free APC by Schneider Electric white paper number 226, “The Drivers and Benefits of Edge Computing.”

Don’t let the edge opportunity pass you by.

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