Differences Between Cloud Computing and Edge Computing

Thanks to technologies and devices, the generation of information and data is unstoppable. Millions of data are generated every day and need to be processed. As a result, services are emerging that improve these processes, among which we can highlight cloud computing and edge computing.

Although they may seem the same, we will talk about their differences and how each of them is used. In addition, we will answer questions such as why are they so important in companies nowadays, and if they represent a technological and business revolution.

Read on to find out the differences between cloud computing and edge computing and see which service might be best for your company.

differences between cloud computing and edge computing

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What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a set of technologies that allow remote access to software, as well as the storage and processing of data that is processed by artificial intelligence.

Cloud computing is characterised by the fact that data is not stored on local servers, but resources are accessed through the equipment of cloud service providers.

It should be noted that cloud computing services are unlimited data storage systems that optimise IT processes. For example, e-mail is a cloud computing service that we use on a daily basis and that we are often unaware of.

Among the advantages of using a cloud computing service are the great capacity to store information and data, its lightness and speed, as well as the savings in equipment, as it is not on local services but on those of the providers.

Mobile cloud computing

Cloud computing services adapt to different environments and the increasing use of mobile devices means that cloud computing services need to be adapted. Mobile cloud computing uses cloud computing to deliver apps to mobile devices.

In this way, apps use fewer device resources, adapt to different operating systems, and the information stored in the cloud is more secure.

Cloud computing is not the only computing service that is becoming more popular, edge computing is also on the rise, which is why in this post we explain the differences between the two.

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What is edge computing?

When cloud computing goes one step further and evolves, we can talk about edge computing.

This type of computing service allows data storage and processing to be brought closer to the source where it originates. Thanks to edge computing, the devices capable of collecting data are also responsible for processing and storing them.

In this way, edge computing acquires the advantages of cloud computing and brings data closer to the users. In addition, it makes fewer processes run in the cloud, improving the speed of IoT devices.

One of the great features of edge computing is the ability to process a lot of data in real-time.

Such services are used in autonomous cars or in the world of healthcare, where robots are used to improve patient care.

Differences between cloud computing and edge computing

Although both services have in common the storage and processing of data and information, there are some aspects that make the difference between cloud computing and edge computing.

The biggest difference between cloud computing and edge computing is the way in which data is handled. Cloud computing stores data in the cloud; edge computing brings data closer to users and their devices.

Edge computing, on the other hand, requires little bandwidth because of where the data is processed.

It should be noted that cloud computing can process large amounts of data and is a centralised system controlled by a single organisation, while edge computing’s capacity to process data is more limited and its distribution is decentralised.

These are some of the differences between cloud computing and edge computing that will help you to know better both systems and which one can be the most interesting to implement in your company.

The ABAMobile team has been developing mobile applications and digital solutions for more than 10 years and is familiar with the world of software in various fields. Contact our team without obligation and we will advise you!

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