Edge data and its storage are priorities for many enterprises now. Read on to see what can help such data storage become better.
Edge data and its storage should be discussed widely, especially with the adoption of edge solutions. Many enterprises are already looking at their storage systems to see if they are adept at handling edge data and their other data.
With the pandemic and changing workloads, IT companies must determine how their data flows affect edge data and storage capabilities. In this context, here is a glance at five considerations to have on edge data to improve storage.
1. Edge Data Quantity and Type
Edge solutions support a variety of environments such as virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and streaming healthcare services. A proper data storage system should accommodate all such kinds of targeted workloads while also meeting data retention requirements.
If the solution is only created to manage a single environment, data storage becomes easy. With multiple workloads, things can get complicated.
2. Space Limitations
In some edge environments, space is a challenge. Edge data and storage must be capable of accommodating these space restrictions regardless of workload fluctuations.
A way to cope with this space problem is using smaller storage form factors - SSDs instead of HDDs, computational storage where processing happens within the storage system, etc., can be used here.
3. Condition of the Edge Environment
The physical environment where the edge system and data are stored itself can affect the storage architectures. Whether it is machinery, car, drone, camera system, or whatever, the movements, vibrations, atmospheric qualities, altitude, temperature, and humidity can affect the edge system. Ideal edge systems must be able to tackle these environmental challenges and function smoothly to foster proper edge data storage, processing, and transmission.
4. Edge Data Protection
Teams managing edge environments should ensure data privacy and security. There should be steps taken to protect the data even in case of a disaster. One major challenge is that since edge computing expands the potential attack surface, especially in cases with multiple devices, there is more risk of vulnerabilities.
IT teams must implement robust encryption protocols to protect the data. Other strategies that can help include firewalls, anti-malware, and VPNs. Furthermore, admins should enforce strict data monitoring and consider using intelligent, automated storage devices to reduce any delay in necessary action.
5. Infrastructure Impediments
The infrastructure surrounding the environment can also affect the edge data and storage. To address its limitations, many companies choose to process the data at the edge itself. This step means that they only send processed, structured data to the central storage systems, leading to better performance.
Edge Solutions with VEXXHOST
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