India's focus on open-source collaboration will lead to edge computing innovation: SUSE's Keith Basil

Edge Computing is becoming central to almost every digital strategy as it brings IT infrastructure to where data is collected, regardless of its location. While "Edge" includes various components, from servers on cellular towers to sensors in energy grids and factory automation systems, its primary goal for users is to reduce latency and minimise network disruptions, says Keith Basil, Global Head of Edge Business Unit at open-source company SUSE. In an interview with TechCircle, Basil highlights how Indian enterprises can adopt edge computing within a cloud-native framework, focusing on security, hardware needs, and open-source solutions. Edited excerpts:

How can Indian organisations navigate the various complexities of edge computing?

Many Indian enterprises serve both urban and rural customers, each facing unique challenges. By standardising workloads, they can focus on customer needs while leveraging a unified infrastructure. As India's public cloud market offers significant opportunities for enterprises, we offer a cloud-native strategy that helps them manage edge computing complexities using open-source technologies and modular solutions. Edge computing can enhance various applications, including online order pickups and inventory management. By adopting cloud-native principles like containerisation and microservices, organisations can effectively integrate edge computing into their systems.

Can you explain the role open-source plays in the edge computing ecosystem?

Open-source is crucial in edge computing, driving innovation and providing flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Providers like us help organisations avoid vendor lock-in and customise technologies to their needs. The collaborative nature of open source promotes continuous improvement and standardization, essential for managing complex edge environments. We are excited about the new upstream developer community, Margo, where SUSE has joined as a flagship member. This collaboration offers opportunities for both upstream and downstream communities, fostering transparency and engagement to address challenges and enhance edge deployments.

How are you helping enterprises address security and hardware challenges in edge computing?

Security is a major concern in edge computing due to the diverse network of devices. To address edge computing's needs, both security and hardware considerations are essential. Implementing robust, open-source security frameworks like NeuVector Prime can protect edge environments from vulnerabilities. Regular updates and adherence to standardised security practices are also crucial. On the hardware side, using solutions optimised for resource-constrained environments ensures efficient operation despite limited connectivity. Integrating these strategies is vital for secure and efficient edge operations.

How according to you can edge computing speed up 5G deployment?

5G enables faster data transmission and higher bandwidth, which has enabled the explosive growth of edge computing, allowing for real-time processing of data closer to the source. This is particularly advantageous for applications that require instantaneous response, such as autonomous vehicles and smart city infrastructure. Overall, the synergy between edge computing and 5G technology accelerates the deployment of advanced applications and enhances overall network performance.

In what ways does edge computing enable faster response and timely services?

I'll explain this with an example. BMW, the automotive manufacturer, is implementing a public cloud-first strategy aimed at facilitating the management and maintenance of hyper-converged infrastructure with reduced effort. A significant aspect of this strategy is the integration of edge computing, which necessitates a cloud-native approach and architecture. To support this initiative, BMW utilises products such as Harvester and Rancher. In terms of their production facilities, BMW employs edge computing as a means to extend the public cloud into their infrastructure and across various locations within their factories and beyond. By processing data at the edge, organisations like BMW can make faster decisions and improve service delivery, enabling real-time responses that are essential in fast-paced and time-sensitive environments.

How can Kubernetes empower businesses to speed up edge computing?

By providing a unified platform for managing containerised applications across distributed edge environments, Kubernetes empowers organisations to maximise edge computing. Kubernetes also supports automation and self-healing capabilities, which are vital for managing the complexity of edge deployments. This allows organisations to maintain high availability and performance of their edge applications while simplifying operational overhead.

Many enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) projects remain in the planning stage due to cultural and technical challenges. Can edge computing help in such cases?

A significant shift is underway as many IoT projects have started transitioning from planning to implementation, fuelled by lower hardware costs and advancements in AI and machine learning, enhancing efficiency in sectors like automotive and manufacturing. Edge computing allows for local data processing, reducing reliance on centralised systems and facilitating IoT deployment. This enables companies to quickly gain insights while minimising transmission costs and offers scalable solutions compatible with existing IT systems. Despite cultural challenges, strong leadership and effective change management can help overcome obstacles. SUSE promotes a "partnership" approach with clients, emphasising shared success and the importance of documentation, processes, and communication alongside technology.

How are cloud technology and edge computing driving digital transformation across industries, from urban manufacturing to rural phone services?

The potential of digital transformation through cloud technology and edge computing is immense. Cloud technology offers scalable resources and global reach, while edge computing enhances real-time data processing and local decision-making. This integration is reshaping sectors by enabling advanced applications such as smart factories in urban areas and telemedicine solutions in rural regions.
For example, urban manufacturing benefits from improved automation and predictive maintenance, while rural telephony sees enhanced connectivity and service quality, bridging digital divides and fostering comprehensive digital growth. By combining open source and edge computing, Indian organisations can achieve greater agility, efficiency, and innovation.

How can India strengthen its position as a global tech player in edge computing?

The Indian government and private entities should invest in infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and promoting open-source collaboration. Innovation never happens in a vacuum. By supporting research and development, building a skilled workforce, and encouraging partnerships between government, academia, and industry, India can lead in the deployment of advanced computing solutions and gain a competitive edge on the global stage. Open source, with its in-built collaborative nature and knowledge sharing, can be a key accelerant for this. We’re excited about the potential of edge computing in India and how SUSE can help unlock greater innovation.

Read more: SUSE steps up hiring in India, bullish on platform engineering