Edge computing is bringing compute, storage and management capabilities to the edge of the network – just close enough to prevent the lag and potential security issues of the cloud without clogging up the network core.
At the edge is where many IoT and big data applications will reside. In many cases, these systems will be tasked with capturing, organising and analysing data to quickly reveal actionable insights. Such tasks require rapid responses that cloud-based systems, located in some remote data centre somewhere, cannot always deliver in a timely and affordable manner. Centralized cloud infrastructures instead will handle workloads where immediacy isn’t as much of a priority.
Edge computing will lead to the creation of micro data centres that, just like large data centres, will require power and cooling to function properly. As such, they will create new opportunities for APC by Schneider Electric partners that sell power and cooling solutions. Here are five reasons power and cooling is critical to edge computing implementations:
Infrastructure Protection
Just because the location of the solutions is changing, the need to protect them from power outages and surges, humidity and high temperatures doesn’t go away. All of these micro data centres that will handle tasks at the edge of the network will need the same levels of security, redundancy, data backup and, yes, power and cooling that they would require if the systems were sitting in some large data centre somewhere.
Management Opportunities
The micro data centres will be located in the networking, wiring and server closets that organizations thought they perhaps wouldn’t need anymore, as they pushed IT assets to the cloud. But now they’ll need them again, and someone has to manage the power and cooling solutions protecting these edge assets. Who better to handle this function than solution providers already experienced in implementing and maintaining these solutions for their customers?
Managed Services
If you have a managed services practice, you can turn power and cooling into another RMM (remote monitoring and management) service. APC’s InfraStruxure solutions, which are scalable and adaptable to various environments, can be assembled on-site or delivered as pre-configured solutions. This makes them a perfect fit for edge infrastructure, and their remote management capabilities provide a natural extension to managed services offerings. MSPs also can take advantage of the integration of Smart-UPS solutions with RMM platforms to deliver power and cooling as a managed service.
New Business
The creation of micro data centres at the edge brings the promise of new business – with new and existing customers. These data centres aren’t displacing anything in most cases; they’re actually adding compute and storage power, thereby creating new business opportunities to sell power and cooling. As such, they provide a growth path for your business.
Increased Revenue
As businesses spin up edge servers for applications, such as facial recognition in retail environments or health device monitoring, they will create new revenue potential for providers. If you approach the opportunity with a service mindset, you’ll see new revenue in two ways – the initial technology sale and the recurring revenue from delivering power and cooling as a managed service. To estimate this potential revenue for your business, access our free Business Planning Calculator.
Whenever there is a prospect of infrastructure expansion, there is a need for power and cooling. As such, edge computing is creating a new growth area that can help you set up your business for future profitability. To learn even more about edge computing, take a look at this free white paper, The Drivers and Benefits of Edge Computing.
