Fog computing is a recent evolution in the computing world and has extended the scope of services like Cloud Computing further. This new age technology eliminates the limitations being faced by the Cloud technologies. In spite of large-scale usage of cloud computing in providing day-to-day services, some applications/services could not benefit much. This was due to inherent shortcomings of cloud computing technologies like:
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Latency
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Lack of mobility support
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Location-awareness
Services or applications like real-time gaming, real-time streaming and augmented reality are extremely latency-sensitive and hence are not able to make complete use of the cloud technology. The cloud data centers are usually located near the core network, and the application/services running remotely face round-trip latency when data is transmitted between end devices and the data center. Cloud based platforms have also been unable to address issues like mobility support, geo-distribution, and location-awareness. Fog computing has emerged as a viable and appropriate solution to such constraints.
Cloud platforms have already made their presence felt in the market and have made their way into all spheres of business. With benefits that immensely influence the operational cost of a business, every organization is looking for a Cloud based business solutions. Fog Computing will enable the Cloud Computing service to penetrate further into the market and give a new lease of life to Cloud based platforms.
Some of the main advantages of “Fog Computing” are;
1. Minimize latency: In today’s fast-paced world, even a millisecond matters. Processing data close to the device reduces the data turn-around time. E.g., a split second decision to close an emergency gate based on data sent by a fire sensor.
2. Conserve network bandwidth: Numerous applications generate a huge amount of data. Such data can be processed locally and hence helps conserve bandwidth that can be used for other tasks. This will also reduce the cost involved in procuring more bandwidth.
3. Secure Environment: Since the data has to travel less on the network, chances of data being leaked or stolen is reduced.
4. Operate reliably: Such services/applications are less likely to crash in case of a network or data center failure.
A traditional cloud based architecture which works by moving all data from the edge of the network to a data center or a processing center adds latency. Data from millions of users or systems/sensors choke the bandwidth capacity and add to latency in an emergency situation. Also, certain government regulations and internal company policies for some organizations prohibit the transmission of sensitive data over the network. This further presses the need of using Fog Computing. Fog computing acts as a companion to a cloud as it supports in handling time-sensitive data locally – at the edge of the network. Processing the data closer to where it originated helps keep the storage and processing needs of the core processing center low while making processes much quicker. It eliminates the need for costly bandwidth upgrades by offloading GBs of network traffic.
Fog computing is the future of Cloud Computing. It will help Cloud platforms cover grounds which otherwise were unachievable.
Know how your business can benefit from Fog Computing, get in touch with the experts, Global IT Services at www.globalitsvcs.com
