This is a series of two reports exploring the potential for edge-native architectures and how they can bring new monetisation opportunities for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Deploying applications at the edge requires a new architectural approach

We have conducted a series of two studies, in partnership with Tinkerblox, to examine why cloud-based solutions fail at the edge, how edge-native platforms can support edge applications and how edge-first AIoT can unleash a plethora of new service-driven experiences.

• Part 1: ‘Why edge-native platforms are the future of computing’ – download it by pressing “Download” under the full report section to the left.

• Part 2: ‘Edge-first AIoT: Powering the next generation of smart products’ – download it by pressing “Download” under the “Additional files” section.

Scroll down to see the details for each report.

 

Contextualising the challenge: Cloud systems at the edge

Cloud computing has emerged as a foundational enabler for modern software applications, large- scale data storage and scalable computational resources. Its capacity to process extensive datasets and deliver elastic infrastructure has positioned it as a critical asset across a wide range of industries, including finance, media and entertainment, technology and e-commerce.

However, as IoT and AI workloads increase, industries are progressively requiring real-time intelligence and decision-making at the site of operation. Simultaneously, concerns surrounding the centralisation of sensitive data and dependence on connectivity infrastructure are intensifying challenges that traditional cloud architectures are ill-equipped to address.

With the increasing demand for low-latency and localised data processing, edge computing has emerged as a strategic solution to the limitations of centralised cloud architectures. By bringing computational capabilities closer to the data source, edge computing enables reduced latency, enhanced autonomy and real-time decision-making.

If you are not a subscriber, enter your details below to download an extract of the report

Table of contents

• Executive summary
• Contextualising the challenge: Cloud systems at the edge
• Why do cloud-based solutions fail at the edge?
• How do edge-native platforms support edge applications?
• How edge-native platforms work in practice: Autonomous vehicles
• Shaping the future with edge-native platforms

Reframing the product-customer relationship

For decades, OEMs have built their business models around one-off product sales – designing and manufacturing reliable goods at scale. Whether it’s an automotive vehicle, an industrial machine or a consumer product such as a washing machine, success has traditionally been measured by units sold and, in rare cases, operational efficiency. However, as product differentiation becomes increasingly difficult and hardware becomes increasingly commoditised, this model is facing mounting pressure to evolve with the times.

Today’s customers expect more. They demand proactive support, real-time insights and, above all, personalised experiences that evolve over time. When something goes wrong, they expect remote diagnostics, predictive alerts or even self-healing systems. This marks a fundamental shift – hardware is no longer just a product but part of a broader, service-driven experience ecosystem requiring enhanced connectivity, intelligence and responsiveness.

Table of contents

• Executive summary
• Introduction: Reframing the product-customer relationship
• What is AIoT — and why it matters now
  • Smart elevator and escalator systems
• Fast-tracking AIoT adoption: How to speed up development and integration
  • Building an AIoT solution leveraging reference architectures and COTS stack components
• Accelerating AIoT success through modularity and ecosystem readiness

If you are a subscriber, access the first report by clicking the ‘Download’ button on the top left corner and download the second edition by clicking the button under the ‘Additional files’ section on the left.

Related research

• Why is now the time to rethink edge orchestration?
• Edge computing market sizing forecast: Fourth release
• External pressures shaping the edge AI landscape
• Edge AI market forecast: The USD157 billion opportunity

If you are not a subscriber, enter your details below to download an extract of the report

---