I had many epiphanies while researching Edge Networks, and hopefully you did too while reading. So where to begin with the takeaways?
I think the biggest for me was seeing that CDN features are but one application on top of the edge networks at $FSLY and $NET, the first of many more to come. Do not limit your thinking by lumping them in w/ legacy CDNs in a commoditized market!
That CDNs are but an app is supported by how $NET used Workers (their edge compute platform) to create a cybersecurity platform that clones $ZS. And they plan on using Workers for all new product lines from here! Fastly is assuredly doing the same w Compute@Edge.
Another epiphany was how the strength of edge networks is in both their programmable network AND edge compute. The power is BETWEEN the edges. It all makes for a potent combination that is adept at handling traffic flows in ANY direction - not just origin to user that CDNs do.
Edge compute does not mean a standalone server. It can control the network inflows and outflows. It can intercommunicate with other compute nodes to distribute workflows and compute jobs. It can maintain network health and redirect traffic and compute jobs as needed.
And most of all... it can scale! It can handle the massive increase in data originating from endpoints, and the increase in traffic from 5G and IoT. All while saving companies money in less infrastructure and bandwidth.
Edge networks are not aspirational ... they are solving today’s problems while also being well positioned to solve tomorrow’s problems too. It is an exciting time to be an edge network! $FSLY and $NET are both quite compelling for similar reasons (yet divergent strategies).
My writeup on Edge Networks, with much more... hhhypergrowth.com/what-are-edge-…
