OpenStack is among the most distributed infrastructure software and what better way to expand along with the edge computing network?
Three years ago, the OpenStack Foundation embraced new strategic areas to expand their reach and contribution within the open source community. One such area was edge computing which led to the creation of OSF's pilot project called the Edge Computing Group (ECG).
What started as just community interest at one of the many events organized by OpenStack, has now evolved into a full-blown project with developers working hard to define use cases and architecting new deployments to support the group.
Because of ECG, the interest in massively distributed systems is nurtured all over the open source community. Furthermore, influencing such a large number of members promises excellent advancements for the future of cloud computing.
OpenStack Leading the Way
With the efforts of the OSF, we can identify not only current capabilities but also future challenges of edge computing. ECG has determined that to adapt to edge computing and its adoption on a global scale requires transformations from within the IaaS core services. The synchronization between services and edge specific is crucial.
Room For Innovation
The approach towards edge computing hurdles can vary. Some are taken care of by implementing existing projects and resource management mechanisms, but a lot of them also call for innovative solutions over time. By identifying these, OpenStack edge computing group has carved a path for all thinkers and innovators to step up and fill the gap. Some areas worth exploring are:
Reinforcing security on the edge
The integrity of each site along the edge perimeter is of high importance. Both physical and virtual security and access measures are essential to the integrity of edge devices and applications.
Integration based on location
Applications along the edge are not in use at every location at all times. It is possible that tracking of demand for applications with a geographical filter will improve the performance and efficiency of the edge network.
Expanding OpenStack Based Use Cases
The Edge Computing Group is continually working towards new ways to architect the system and test the validity of edge architectures. It is common knowledge that one architecture does not fit all, and the same is the case with edge computing. Formulation of different models based on the use case is vital to each cloud environment.
However, the ECG is steadily working towards defining some high-level layouts. Some use cases can rely on these as references. Additionally, the OpenStack Edge Computing Group has its work cut out for them in domains like:
Architectural Evolution
Storage integrations and specialized configurations in the edge network are two areas where in-depth exploration can take place.
Testing
More efficient testing with values that better represent both geographically and configurationally different distributions.
OpenStack for Edge Computing
Among infrastructure software, OpenStack is the most highly distributed already. It provides the building blocks for a robust infrastructure to deploy in a location of your choice. Consequently, making it ideal for the edge network. Therefore, OpenStack and edge network have a long journey ahead of them.
With the work that OSF Edge Computing Group puts in, the use case of OpenStack on the edge network is on the rise in some sectors. Do not miss out on the benefits of edge computing along with the adaptability on an OpenStack based cloud. Reach out to us to know more about how OpenStack can take you to the edge.
