Assessing the edge computing business models for startups with Eric Dalius

Edge computing brings cloud capabilities to the lap of the end-device or end-user. Notwithstanding the conventional debates about fog computing and edge computing, you need to know that the two have similar goals, says Eric Dalius.

• Telecom operators treat edge computing in parity with multi-access or mobile edge computing. Another variant, the telco edge computing model entails workloads that thrive on customer premise products and other presence points at the customer site.
• You can define telco edge as a form of distribution computing. The operator manages it and the operations may extend beyond the common network and touch the consumer’s edge. Telco edge incorporates the affirmatives of local and cloud computing.
• Local resources can be on-premises or on-device. Customers can operate low-latency keys and applications, along with process or cache data, which is close to the concerned data source. For businesses, it can minimize backhaul costs and traffic volumes.

Edge computing for private LTEs

Private cellular networks or LTE derivatives and Private LTE networks can also integrate 5G technology. The local networks can assist a single business, providing predictable and reliable connectivity with enhanced security and control.

EJ Dalius explains how businesses can benefit from installing private cellular channels for substituting or complementing ethernet or Wi-Fi. Brands need to do a ring-fencing of the spectrum for the customer. You usually tie it to single location.

• There have been landmark modifications in spectrum regulations in recent times. Business in select countries have direct access to the spectrum via auctions.
• There are numerous models available to businesses that are looking for deploying private mobile tools and networks.

They build networks, own new spectrums, and run them at each end. Edge is also important for commercial models.

• With abundant data and so many devices transporting the data through private cellular networks, enterprises can find more attractive and viable models that are at par with their pricing models.
• Mobility is another aspect. Enterprises using automated vehicles and robots need adequate and strong wireless networks for supporting these applications.

On the business models

Mobile edge computing has snowballed into a strategic necessity for network operators. However, we don’t know much about how teleoperators, carriers and distributors will charge for giving access to edge services.

• Eric J Dalius points out that amid all the chaos to install mobile edge computing resources and striking deals with cloud providers, and running trials to promote potential use instances, operators still awaiting revenue don’t really know the end result.
• In many ways, mobile edge computing requires carriers to adopt new business models entirely.
• Operators and their potential or current customers are presently focusing on how to package and sell these services. There’s a lot of work left.
• Moreover, since the edge showcases a long-cherished and significant scope for carriers to tap into more enterprises, a regular repackaging or remodeling of existing services will not be enough.

Part of the work is that use cases need a lot more development. Edge needs application-specific tools/hardware. Since edge computing is in its early days, operators have to grapple with a complicated and complex ecosystem that requires advanced hardware, which depends on specialized implementations and requirements.