2021 may be the year that emerging technology and edge computing moves from “experiential,” to “practical application.” Driven largely by COVID-19, 2020 forced companies to rethink development and implementation processes. These changes will likely have a permanent impact on IT and technology. Because of this, 2021 will prove to be a big year for edge computing.

Predictions for Key Developments in Edge Computing

Private 5G networks will be more common

With trails underway in numerous cities, 2021 will be the year of 5G. Even through the hype, 5G is the superior technology in many ways. Public 5G from Carriers is coming, but the private sector is where it will shine. Public 5G is the starting point, but Private 5G will ensure widespread adoption. 

Private 5G is a dedicated network for a specific business or locale like a factory. It is a vital aspect to business and healthcare infrastructure. Both require low-latency networks. 5G and edge technology fill that requirement with ease.

Data centers will be the new edge computing hosting option

Edge technology needs to be as close to “the action” as possible. Sometimes, that means in an off-premises data center that’s still close to the action. With a highly distributed enterprise, smaller and more localized data centers could be the future of expansion. It allows for the option to think globally while acting locally. This type of marketplace will become a solid model for edge computing in 2021.

A shift away from public cloud growth

Per Forrester, the public cloud market will experience a decline in growth because the market has matured. Specifically, from 42% in 2018 to 24% in 2022. What can be expected in its place is a sharp growth in edge computing. This isn’t to say that public cloud entities will disappear; they just won’t dominate the future of edge computing.

Having a winning edge strategy will ensure future success in 2021 and beyond. Consider how 165 Halsey Street could make your business even greater for the coming year.

Read Forrester’s full 2021 predictions here.