Cloud Computing: scalability and centralised resources
A cloud is an external data storage facility that provides computing resources via the internet. Cloud computing offers numerous advantages, including scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency compared to maintaining in-house IT infrastructure. Due to these benefits, cloud computing has become a key driver of digital transformation and is increasingly adopted across industries and the public sector. However, cloud access relies on internet connectivity, and real-time data transfer is constrained by the physical distance between servers.
Edge Computing: low latency and local processing
Edge computing, by contrast, brings computational power closer to the data source – at the so-called edge of the network – reducing latency and lowering data transfer costs. Additionally, data can be processed securely at its point of origin. However, edge computing resources are typically more limited in capacity compared to the large-scale data centres that support traditional cloud computing.
The Cloud-Edge Continuum: combining strengths
Seamlessly integrated cloud and edge computing combines the strengths of both approaches. Resources and applications are distributed dynamically between the cloud and the edge, depending on the specific requirements of the computing task. This approach, known as the Cloud-Edge Continuum, enables greater adaptability by balancing ultra-low latency and real-time processing capabilities with the scalability and resource diversity of the cloud. The scalability and flexibility of the Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum also supports optimisation for best power efficiency.
A federated and open ecosystem
Beyond its technical benefits, a cloud-edge continuum also fosters a more competitive and open ecosystem. Traditional cloud computing favours economies of scale, often benefiting large providers and resulting in vendor lock-in and limited service provider ecosystems. In a Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum, infrastructure providers will be diverse, reflecting the variety of infrastructures they contribute. This inclusion of smaller cloud and edge providers, enabled by advanced orchestration mechanisms, facilitates seamless interconnection between different infrastructures and providers. As a result, the Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum fosters a federated and distributed environment, enhancing infrastructure resilience and supporting an open, innovative ecosystem of service and application providers.
Tailored solutions for end users
For end users, the Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum will offer tailored solutions that optimise performance based on factors such as scale, latency, privacy, security, and sustainability. Advanced applications will be able to leverage a wide range of services, benefiting from the flexibility of a distributed architecture. This convergence of cloud and edge resources will enable unprecedented low-latency applications while mitigating vendor lock-in and significantly improving the resilience of enterprise software architectures.
Infrastructure and orchestration
The Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum will integrate various types of infrastructure. Large-scale data centres will be complemented by smaller, co-located facilities, as well as on-premise and on-device edge nodes. This results in a heterogeneous network of computing resources, ranging from standardised servers and telecommunications infrastructure to specialised processing devices embedded in industrial environments.
Achieving an effective infrastructure continuum requires intelligent workload orchestration. The foundation for this interoperability lies in an open reference architecture and smart, standardised APIs. These will enable automated operations and the use of AI to orchestrate workloads while ensuring consistent Quality of Service. In turn, the continuum will support federated data processing with guaranteed latency and bandwidth parameters, offering enhanced resilience through decentralised workload distribution. This innovative approach will be underpinned by a holistic commitment to security and sustainability.
Governance and open-source foundations
A sustainable Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum will depend on strong governance, built on clear rules and compliance frameworks. Open-source software and its supporting community will play a pivotal role in fostering trust, transparency, and low entry barriers – ensuring inclusive participation for cloud providers and end users alike.