An emerging technology that has the potential to transform the web hosting industry, edge computing promises faster, more reliable and scalable solutions that meet the growing demands of businesses and consumers. In this post, we examine how, by shifting processing to the edge of the network and closer to users, edge computing is reshaping the future of web hosting.
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Improving website performance
As website data takes time to travel through a network, the traditional method of storing and processing data in a data centre can impede loading times due to the distance between the server and the user’s device. Speed can also be affected by network congestion.
Edge computing overcomes these issues as the data is stored and processed on servers located nearer to end users. Instead of having to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach a user’s device, the shorter distance reduces latency, providing faster load times and a smoother user experience. At the same time, as local networks can be less congested than those transmitting data to and from busy data centres, delivery can be even faster.
While the proximity of the server to the end user can improve performance for all websites, its ability to cut bandwidth usage in centralised data centres and potentially reduce operational costs makes it especially useful for high-traffic sites.
Learn more about the importance of performance, read: How Website Speed Can Affect Revenue
Enhanced scalability and reliability
Most businesses scale up using centralised data centre resources. While this option can be essential to handle high traffic, it can also be costly. Edge computing gives businesses greater choice, enabling them to scale their operations using either edge or data centre resources.
This gives them greater control over cost and allows them to use the most appropriate scaling solution – for instance, if traffic were coming from a specific geographical region, it would make sense to use edge resources in that vicinity to cut latency.
Edge computing also enables businesses to overcome bottlenecks in data centres as edge servers can distribute workloads across multiple locations. This scalability provides additional resources that ensure websites and applications have enough bandwidth to remain operational and responsive even during peak demand.
In terms of reliability, edge computing also reduces the risk of downtime caused by hardware failure. If one server has an issue, another edge server can instantly take over, ensuring service is uninterrupted.
Supporting emerging technologies
Edge computing is an ideal solution for emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time applications. Many IoT devices generate enormous amounts of data, much of which can require instant processing. The ability of edge computing to process data close to where it is generated, and thus reduce latency, makes it highly suitable for real-time analytics and decision-making.
This speed can be critical in a wide range of cases, for instance, the operating of driverless vehicles, the analysis of medical data in emergencies, and delivering smooth live streaming, online gaming and augmented reality experiences.
Edge computing can also utilise high-speed 5G networks in areas where cable technology hasn’t been installed or in situations where it is infeasible, like moving vehicles. This makes it useful for smart city infrastructure, like traffic management, street lighting or flood control systems.
For more information, read: The Internet of Things: Benefits and Challenges of IoT for Business
Providing faster online experiences
With today’s internet users expecting instant and uninterrupted access to online content, edge computing can play a crucial role in helping businesses meet customer expectations. For instance, it can ensure online stores load quickly to cut abandonment rates and prevent buffering and lagging on streaming platforms.
Furthermore, by storing and processing data closer to users in different geographical locations, edge computing enables global businesses to provide all customers with fast and reliable services wherever they are based.
Environmental benefits of edge computing
As businesses strive to become environmentally friendly, edge computing offers them a new way to cut their carbon footprints. By processing data locally, the amount of energy consumed from data transmission and data transport is cut while the reduction in network congestion means less energy is required to run network infrastructure.
For more information, read: How Technology is Making Data Centres Greener
Conclusion
While centralised data centres will continue to play a critical role in web hosting, edge computing adds a new dimension that complements a web host’s services and provides important benefits for businesses. These include its ability to reduce latency, enhance scalability, and support the latest technologies. As a result, companies that utilise edge computing can improve their sustainability and deliver better and more reliable customer experiences.
With regional data centres in York, Leeds, Nottingham and Maidenhead, Webhosting UK helps businesses deliver faster and more reliable online experiences for their customers across the UK. Our managed cloud solutions offer the high performance, uptime and security you need, together with 24/7 professional support. For more information, visit our Enterprise Cloud Hosting page.
