If we agree that edge computing brings cloud services and capabilities including computing, storage and networking physically closer to the end-user, then we also might agree that edge computing value will be generated as computing and cloud services can be executed locally.
A corollary is likely that the suppliers of brand-name cloud apps and computing as a service will have a big role in edge computing, as buyers will be looking for functionality provided by the name-brand apps.
Mobile and fixed network connectivity suppliers have viewed edge computing as a way to increase the value of their assets and services. Mobile operators see 5G private and public network access as an opportunity to support ultra-low latency use cases, for example.
Other participants in the connectivity value chain (tower operators, data centers, system integrators and infrastructure providers) might also see opportunities.
Local real estate also is an opportunity, in the form of space, cooling, security and power for edge servers. Such real estate can be provided at a cell tower, street cabinet, network aggregation point, a central office or internet exchange point, for example.
More complicated are moves to supply the actual computing as a service function. In fact, recent moves by leading U.S. mobile operators to use hyperscalers as the suppliers of the cloud computing to support the 5G network cores illustrates the advantages of not creating a custom computing function, even to support the internal operations of the 5G virtualized network.
Most telcos are looking at the brand-name hyperscalers to supply the computing platform, for example. That is not to say all telcos will do so.
It is possible, in some regions, that connectivity providers will have greater opportunities to create general purpose edge computing infrastructures that have brand-name computing as a service suppliers present as tenants, much as hyperscalers are tenants at third party data centers.
On the other hand, hyperscalers also will aim to supply on-the-premises edge computing facilities for enterprises, thus avoiding the need for much “in the metro area” real estate.
It is too early to predict precisely which business models will flourish, as far as telco edge computing involvement.
No comments:
Post a Comment