Edge computing questions and answers: What you need to know about edge compute

What is edge computing?

Edge computing brings processing capabilities closer to the end-user or the source of data. In effect, this means having less computation and storage in the cloud, and instead moving to local places, such as an edge server. Read our overview of edge computing here.

Why focus on edge computing now?

New technologies and demand for new applications means the time is ripe for edge. Consumers want low latency for content-driven experiences and enterprises require local processing for security and resilient operations. If you want to learn more about where edge computing is headed, we cover the future of edge computing here.

What are the major edge computing use cases?

There are many use cases which involve edge computing, from virtualised RAN to cloud gaming. We explain 10 examples of edge computing in more detail.

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What companies are working in edge computing?

Many companies, big and small, are looking to play within this space. We compiled a list of edge computing companies to look out for in the next couple of years.

How does 5G and edge computing?

5G needs edge computing for two reasons: 1) 5G will rely on edge computing to meet latency requirements of 5G applications 2) edge computing will help cultivate an ecosystem of applications that also need 5G. Find out more about edge computing and 5G here.

How does IoT relate to edge computing?

IoT applications will need edge computing for the benefits it gives around latency, bandwidth and security. Learn more about IoT and edge computing.

How STL Partners can help you

Those who want to add value in this space need to understand the business models, the use cases and define a clear go-to-market plan, including operators who can use edge computing to grow revenues outside connectivity.

Read more about edge computing

Edge computing market overview

This 33-page document will provide you with a summary of our insights from our edge computing research and consulting work:

Accelerating the network: Lessons from Lumen and SK Telecom

STL Partners has conducted extensive research on telcos globally, focusing on their edge computing deployments. STL’s report “Telco network edge computing: Lessons from early movers” delves into the experiences of Lumen, SK Telecom, Telefónica, Verizon, and Vodafone, all of which commercialised edge nodes before 2020. This article highlights key findings and four crucial insights gleaned from these early telco-edge movers.

100 Edge computing companies to watch in 2024

As always, this list includes a range of companies, from start-ups to those established in the ecosystem. This year, we’ve asked companies to provide more information on their key proposition within the edge computing market, as well as who their customers are.

$8 billion invested in edge since 2020

This article summarises the key findings of the report, “Analysing Edge Computing M&A Trends,” which provides a comprehensive overview of the edge investments market over the last four years. Despite a slowdown in broader technology markets in 2023, investments in edge computing have shown remarkable resilience. This resilience underscores the sector’s strategic significance and its potential for continued growth.