Gartner expects that by 2022 more than 50 per cent of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside the traditional data center or cloud. With the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), the amount of data devices collect is becoming so vast that it cannot all be stored and monitored in the cloud. This is why industry needs to invest in edge solutions.
Martin Thunman, CEO and co-founder of the leading low-code platform for streaming analytics, automation and integration for industrial IoT, Crosser, explains more.
As industry migrates its data to the cloud at an ever-quickening pace, sending every fragment of raw data, and from every single machine, will not deliver value. IoT technologies can benefit every industry — whether that’s connected cars, smart factories, or even retail environments. To get this data faster and in a more secure and cost-effective way, companies need to turn to edge computing.
On the edge
Low code and edge computing are two of the biggest current technology trends. At its basic level, edge computing brings data storage closer to the device where it’s being gathered. An edge gateway, for example, can process data from an edge device, then send only the relevant data back through the cloud to reduce bandwidth needs.
Alternatively, it can send data back to the edge device to meet real-time application needs. Low code platforms increase productivity and bridge different departments and skill sets within an IoT project, enabling innovation for both developers and non-developers in the same environment.
Founded in 2016, Crosser describes its own platform as an interface that simplifies development, innovation and collaboration in its users’ internal teams. Its low code-based software handles analysis, automation and integration so that users do not have to send more data than necessary to the cloud.
Specifically, Crosser aims to provide edge solutions to the manufacturing industry. This is because, generally speaking, operations in manufacturing are complex and plant managers have access to a lot of data. But often they are unsure how to manage it.
Untapped potential
Currently, only 32 per cent of data available to enterprises is put to work. The remaining 68 per cent goes unleveraged, according to research by Seagate Technologies. With so many connected assets, manufacturers see the value in collecting operational data. However, the raw data that’s collected is not providing the solution it was intended to offer — that of a decision-making engine. Organizing this data, and taking what’s useful, will help plug the gap that’s causing manufacturing to fall behind in its digital development.
Crosser was founded to help businesses handle their data at the edge of their networks. As a relatively new company that’s growing in an area of innovation, Crosser adapts a laser focus to stay ahead of competition. We must assume that the technology we’re developing today will be in the hands of competitors in a few years’ time — and we need to continue to adapt to keep ahead.
Industry is recognizing that not all data needs to head up to the cloud and, with continued investment and innovation, Crosser is ready to support manufacturers as they start to do more with their data.
