A big challenge I hear when I speak to CIOs is the almost unstoppable growth of edge data. Data that’s created locally and is processed and often stored close to where it was generated. Often large and unstructured, this data can be accessed centrally, but it can take time and can be difficult to manage, with version control and latency major issues for starters.
Although edge data can be unwieldy, it’s not impossible to start getting benefits from it rather than headaches. Here are three improvements CIOs tell me they wish they could make to their data at the edge, and some steps you can start taking now to feel more in control of yours:
1. Manage data sprawl at the edge
Edge data offers significant opportunities for IT teams: more data at the edge can lead to better real-time insights and more informed decision-making. And local processing reduces the need for extensive data transmission, optimising network usage and reducing latency.
But uncontrolled, chaotic data growth at the edge also brings increased complexity, data redundancy and security risks, along with integration difficulties, data silos and inefficient workflows. Let’s face it, it also increases your costs as you store more and more data.
To start to bring your edge data under control, consider a storage audit to get to know where all your data is and how it’s used. Next develop a data lifecycle management strategy that sets out how data is created, stored and managed right through to deletion – obviously in line with regulatory frameworks. And implement policies for archiving, deleting and transferring your data from edge devices to central systems.
2. Strengthen security at the edge
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to the edge is that, naturally, there are more entry points for someone to access your wider network.
If you’ve already conducted the storage audit, you’re in a strong starting position. You know where your data is, you know what’s critical and what’s not so important. Deploying advanced encryption, access control and real-time threat detection, are steps you and your team could take now to protect your edge data. And evaluating your current security measures, vulnerabilities and compliance will help you to establish edge-specific security protocols and highlight the tools and training your team could benefit from.
3. Integrate seamlessly across edge and core systems
If you’re experiencing data fragmentation right now, you’ll recognise this. Isolated silos with data that’s difficult to access and analyse. Inconsistent data where different versions exist in various locations, impacting insights and decision-making. And increased costs thanks to inefficient use of storage resources and manual data synchronisation.
This does not just result in a headache for the IT team, user experience is affected too. Not great for the IT team’s reputation.
Of course there are hybrid cloud architectures, synchronisation tools, distributed file services, and in-house solutions that could help enable seamless movement of data between edge and core. But before you investigate a new solution, take some time to review your current infrastructure.
Identify your integration gaps so that you can decide whether your existing systems and technologies can fill them. Spot inefficiencies in the flow of data to and from the edge and determine what is causing them. Evaluate your current performance when it comes to data integration to predict what will happen as your data continues to scale. This insight will help you decide whether your current solutions are up to the job, if they need some assistance, or need a complete overhaul.
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Although your edge data can be unruly and hard to manage, don’t be afraid of it. Learn how your organisation’s people work with it, and get to know whether your current strategies, policies and solutions meet your requirements.
If you do, and you bring your edge data under control, you’ll be playing a huge part in your organisation’s success. From improving business agility to enabling data-driven decision-making.
Jimmy Tam
Jimmy Tam is CEO of Peer Software, providing enterprise data management, data availability, and data collaboration solutions. Founded in 1993, Peer has over 10,000 corporate customers world-wide
