**6. Why cloud-edge technology?**

Overall, cloud-edge technology allows organizations to improve their operations and stay competitive by taking advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the cloud while also enjoying the low latency and high performance of edge computing.

#### **6.1 Architectural concepts of cloud-edge technology**

Cloud-edge technology refers to the integration of cloud computing and edge computing to create a hybrid computing environment. The main architectural concepts of cloud-edge technology include the following [9–19]:


#### **6.2 Similarity of cloud-edge technology**

A comparison of cloud and edge technology can be made based on several factors, including the following [9–19]:

*Location of data processing:* Edge computing involves processing data at or near the source of data collection, while cloud computing involves processing data in a centralized location such as a data center or the cloud.

*Latency:* Edge computing can provide lower latency as data does not need to be transmitted over long distances to a centralized location for processing. Cloud computing, on the other hand, may have higher latency due to the distance data needs to be transmitted.

*Scalability:* Cloud computing is known for its scalability, as resources can be easily added or removed as needed. Edge computing, however, may have limitations in terms of scalability as resources are typically more constrained.

*Security:* Edge computing devices are often located in remote or hard-to-reach locations, which can make them more vulnerable to security threats.

*Cost:* Edge computing can be more cost-effective as it reduces the need for data transmission over long distances. However, the cost of deploying and maintaining edge devices can be higher than cloud computing.

*Flexibility:* Cloud computing offers a high degree of flexibility as resources can be added or removed as needed. Edge computing, on the other hand, may have limitations in terms of flexibility as resources are typically more constrained.

By combining both cloud and edge technologies, organizations can take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the cloud while also enjoying the low latency and high performance of edge computing. It also allows for real-time data processing and decision making, as well as the ability to offload data and processing to the cloud for storage, management, and advanced processing.

#### **6.3 Dissimilarity of cloud-edge technology**

The main difference between cloud and edge technology is the location of data processing and the way data is managed [9–19].

Cloud technology refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. Cloud computing is a centralized approach where data is stored and processed in data centers, which can be located anywhere in the world. It allows for scalability and flexibility as resources can be easily added or removed as needed.

Edge technology, on the other hand, is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, to improve response times and save bandwidth. Edge computing devices are located at the edge of the network, closer to the source of data collection. These devices process data locally, reducing the amount of data that needs to be sent to the cloud for processing. Edge computing can provide lower latency as data does not need to be transmitted over long distances to a centralized location for processing.

By combining both cloud and edge technologies, organizations can take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the cloud while also enjoying the low latency and high performance of edge computing. It also allows for real-time data processing and decision making, as well as the ability to offload data and processing to the cloud for storage, management, and advanced processing.

#### **6.4 Cloud-edge management**

Cloud-Edge management refers to the processes and tools used to manage and maintain the hybrid cloud-edge computing environment. This includes managing the distribution and allocation of resources, monitoring performance, and ensuring security and compliance.

Some of the key elements of cloud-edge management include the following:

