There is no denying it – cloud computing has changed the way businesses operate. From flexibility and scalability to reducing upfront IT costs, the cloud has become an essential part of modern infrastructure. But what’s not always made clear is relying only on the cloud can introduce some serious challenges.
Maybe you’ve already noticed the signs; lagging systems, unpredictable costs, compliance headaches or service outages that stop your business in its tracks. If so, you are not alone. Many organisations are starting to realise that while the cloud is powerful, it’s not always enough on its own.
The Hidden Costs of a Cloud-Only Strategy
The cloud offers incredible benefits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. A cloud-only approach can leave critical gaps, and real-world examples show just how costly those gaps can be.
Latency
When data travels long distances to and from the cloud, delays, known as latency, are inevitable. This becomes a critical issue for systems that require real-time responsiveness, such as manufacturing automation, retail checkout, or vehicle telemetry. For instance, consider a factory where automated robots manage the production line. If every command or decision must be sent to the cloud and back, even a small delay could disrupt the workflow or cause costly mistakes. By processing data locally instead, these systems can respond instantly, ensuring operations remain smooth and efficient.
Bandwidth
Cloud platforms typically charge based on the volume of data transferred and stored, which can quickly become expensive for data-intensive operations like video surveillance, remote monitoring, or IoT deployments. Take, for example, a business running hundreds of security cameras that stream footage to the cloud around the clock. The constant upload generates an enormous volume of data—and equally enormous bandwidth costs. By processing footage locally and only uploading flagged events, the business can significantly reduce both data usage and associated expenses.
Security and Compliance
As data privacy regulations become more stringent, certain types of data, particularly sensitive or personal information cannot legally, be transmitted to or stored in the cloud, especially across international borders. Centralising all data in the cloud also increases the risk of cyberattacks by creating a single, high-value target. For instance, a healthcare provider must store patient information in a way that complies with strict regulatory requirements. By keeping sensitive data on local servers at the edge, they can maintain security and compliance, while still leveraging the cloud for less sensitive analytics and insights.
Outages
Even the most dependable cloud providers can experience outages, and when a business relies entirely on cloud-based systems, any disruption can lead to costly downtime and lost revenue. Imagine a retail chain where every store depends on the cloud to process payments, if the cloud service goes down, transactions across all locations could grind to a halt. By adopting edge computing, each store can operate independently, maintaining essential functions locally and continuing business as usual, even if the central cloud system is temporarily unavailable.
Why Edge Computing Is the Missing Piece
Edge computing solves many of these issues by processing data closer to where it is generated, whether that is on a factory floor, in a warehouse, or inside an automated vehicle. You do not have to send everything to the cloud; you can filter, analyse, and act on data locally, then send only what is needed to the cloud.
With edge computing, you can:
- Respond in real time
- Reduce bandwidth usage and costs
- Keep sensitive data safe and local
- Continue operating during cloud outages
How SmallSpark’s CORTEX Brings It All Together
This is where SmallSpark’s CORTEX comes in. A platform designed to seamlessly integrate edge and cloud infrastructure, so you get the best of both worlds.
With CORTEX, businesses can:
- Process time-sensitive data on-site, at the edge
- Use the cloud for what it does best. Scalability, analytics, and long-term storage
- Keep control over where data lives and how it’s accessed
- Stay flexible and resilient no matter what the environment throws at them
The Smarter Future Is Hybrid
The cloud is still an incredible tool but in today’s fast-moving, data-driven world, it is not enough on its own. A hybrid cloud-edge approach gives you:
- Faster, real-time performance
- Stronger control over data privacy
- Lower and more predictable operating costs
- Business continuity even during disruptions
- More flexibility and control overall
If you want to build a smarter, more resilient business, it is time to think beyond cloud-only and embrace the powerful possibilities of edge computing with SmallSpark’s vertically integrated solution in our CORTEX platform and our ultra-low-power edge computing hardware, AXON.
Interested in moving your operations to the Edge?
SmallSpark’s edge-computing technologies can offer faster decision making, greater security and lower operating costs over traditional systems. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to cloud computing or wanting to understand how edge computing can improve your competitiveness, get in touch.
If you’re a large organisation wanting to explore adopting edge-computing to replace your current infrastructure, apply to join our CORTEX pilot program to see how our technologies can provide tangible improvements over your current solutions.