What Is Edge Analytics?

You've probably heard of edge analytics. You may have even tried it yourself. If not, we are here to tell you more about it. Did you know that edge analytics isn't just a thing? It's a process! What is edge analytics? Edge analytics refers to data analysis from some non-central point in a system, such as a network switch, peripheral node or connected device or sensor. As an emerging term, "edge analytics" defines the attempt to collect data in decentralized environments. How do you do it? The first step is to identify an edge device. This can be anything from a sensor on your car to a webcam that records your every move. It doesn't matter what it is, but it needs access to the data you want to analyze. Next, you need to install software on the device itself to send its data back to central servers where it can be interpreted by big computer brains like yours (and mine). Finally, and this part is essential, you must ensure the connection between your computer and the edge device stays strong so you don't lose any precious gigabytes of data! In a world where data is everywhere, it's no surprise that we're looking for ways to make smarter decisions. Enter edge analytics. One way to understand edge analytics is as an alternative to traditional big data analytics. It's performed in centralized ways, through Hadoop clusters or other means, often from a big data warehouse or another central repository. This has been a popular way to drive analytics, but now, data scientists are exploring how edge analytics can work as an effective alternative. Edge analytics allows for faster results and will enable you to use existing data sources more effectively, which means you can return to making money!