How AI and 5G Fuel the Edge Cloud Explosion 

We have more mobile devices gathering more information with more storage needs than ever before. Artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and edge cloud services working in tandem enable broader data analysis and collaboration in real time. As the technology and capabilities behind business intelligence and big data analysis grow daily, businesses are looking to capitalize on new opportunities for growth. 

Data-driven decisions help you create effective strategies, identify inefficiencies, and monitor industry trends. AI and 5G complement each other by providing you with resources to process, analyze, and transfer information. Edge computing allows data to be processed close to the source of where the information is coming from, which means faster service with low latency and more reliability. This leads to better response times when you are using applications or programs, and that, in turn, boosts the customer experience. According to Gartner, 75% of data is expected to be processed at the edge, outside of traditional, centralized data centers and the cloud by 2025.  

Cutting edge collaboration 

The combination of AI, 5G networks, and edge computing helps produce more comprehensive analysis of large and complex data sets. For business customers, this means fewer service interruptions and system failures. For example, a bank needs to process big data and complete many transactions in real time from IoT devices connected to the bank. If there is a communication breakdown between these devices, it could lead to errors and security risks for a bank customer’s financial information. 

Time is of the essence when it comes to patient care, and hospitals are utilizing edge computing to process big data closer to the source. For example, sensors and wearable devices can continuously monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. AI, meanwhile, provides predictive insights that are transforming early detection and diagnosis. With low latency and increased processing speeds, doctors can use this information to evaluate patients in real time. 

Sensors and IoT devices are even being used in sports to monitor performance. Formula One race cars, for instance, are now full of devices that gather information on the tires, speed, the performance of the brakes, and the health of the driver. This information helps create models to anticipate where the racing team needs to make adjustments, if the driver is the right fit for the car, or if the vehicle is well-tuned. 

There are two key ways that AI can be utilized. AI can be embedded in components of the network and facilitate data transmission, optimizing routes and avoiding collisions and errors. AI can also be used in the application components, processing and analyzing big data. 

AI and its machine learning tools can be used to run simulations and test performance, which helps improve the security and reliability of IoT components. In turn, quantum computing will collaborate with AI to test these different scenarios and choose the best possible outcomes.

Processing and storing data locally also reduces security risks from hackers because data is not transmitted over long distances. Safeguarding consumer data is essential, and AI has become an ally in network security because of its ability to establish patterns. 

See also: Nailing AI From Cloud to the Edge

Managing digital services 

While businesses are increasingly turning to AI and 5G networks, many organizations use them separately with little cohesive management. A siloed approach prevents you from taking full advantage of the power of this technology. Integrating these capabilities in a hyperscale platform opens up opportunities for your business.  

If you use AI, 5G, and edge cloud services on the same platform, you can reduce costs and use energy resources more wisely. And because you are operating these systems on “the edge,” you are providing better security for AI applications.  

Telcos, for example, can deploy computing resources at the network edge over local nodes hosted on a full stack platform. Telcos can also utilize the infrastructure of a hyperscaler platform. This edge network may have AI tools integrated. Telcos can also use private 5G network services for data transferring. 

See also: How Businesses Can Drive Impact by Using AI/ ML in Cloud Computing

Powering innovative subscription services via edge

AI, 5G, and edge computing are introducing new ways of serving customers and opening up recurring revenue streams. Across industries, cloud native applications can run at the network edge of hybrid environments and be sold as subscriptions.

Telcos can offer more digital services on a subscription basis that are managed through a hyperscale platform, streamlining the process of incorporating connectivity and applications. Telcos can also sell segments of 5G private networks, as well as access to hyperscalers’ infrastructure through monthly subscriptions.

Telcos can also build partnerships with third-party vendors to sell, cross-sell, and up-sell service solutions.  They can also improve efficiencies by establishing a simplified system through end-to-end automation of ordering fulfillment and billing of subscriptions. For example, a T-Mobile customer can get cell service along with a subscription to Netflix. As a business customer, you benefit from a user-friendly self-service storefront for your digital service needs. 

From healthcare to banking and beyond – sensors and devices are broadcasting and storing information more than ever before. Active monitoring and performance review of smart networks powered by AI enables service continuity and predictive analysis. These insights help run simulations, create models, and analyze multiple results. Edge computing allows you to process all this information locally, which can improve performance and security. 

Traditional approaches and manual processes are inefficient and bog down in-house resources. At the same time, implementing automation haphazardly prevents you from taking full advantage of advanced technologies. Working with a hyperscale platform can help you coordinate the deployment and monitoring of these advanced technologies. In the digital marketplace, AI, 5G, and edge cloud services can work together to provide service continuity, as well as opportunities to collaborate and offer new and innovative services.