"Why Embrace Edge Computing in India: A Crucial Imperative"

In October 2017, when Ray O’Farrell appeared before a Congressional committee, little did he or the legislators realize the profound impact edge computing would have on the global tech landscape, including India. Yet, O'Farrell's insights remain pertinent, especially in the context of India's evolving digital landscape.

The Congressional committee quizzed industry experts about emerging threats in the world of Edge and IoT (#Edge / #IoT). They recognized the transformative potential of the Internet of Things for society, economy, and daily life. However, concerns about legislative updates to safeguard consumers and foster innovation lingered, echoing concerns shared by Indian policymakers.

Fast forward to around 2021, and a Presidential Executive Order in the United States has underscored the necessity of securing digital assets within enterprises. But how does this apply to Indian businesses and organizations? The answer lies in a series of critical questions:

Do Indian organizations employ electronic devices or computing systems, irrespective of their size, to serve customers or manufacture products? If not, there may seem to be no immediate cause for concern. However, a closer examination is warranted. Are there surveillance cameras, audiovisual equipment on an IP network, or IP-connected systems such as sprinkler systems in India's business landscape?

For those Indian organizations with such devices, have they ever had to apply a software patch or call technicians to address glitches, with subsequent technician-performed software upgrades as part of the maintenance process? Responses could vary: (i) yes, (ii) "don't know," or (iii) no.

Before answering these questions, it's essential for Indian enterprises to ascertain precisely what devices exist across different locations. Whether they opt for a formal asset tracking system, a spreadsheet, or a straightforward online service will depend on factors such as the number of devices, operators, and inventory complexity.

Once a comprehensive list, essentially a digital ledger, of India's digital assets is compiled and maintained accurately, the next step involves understanding what operates within these devices and equipment. However, before delving into this, it's vital to ponder why the edge computing landscape is characterized by complexity, even in an Indian context:

Over time, Indian organizations accumulate specialized point solutions, each dedicated to specific functionalities, complete with their own bill-of-materials, hardware, and firmware.

Simultaneously, as electronics evolve and incorporate additional functionalities controlled through software, configuration adjustments and profiles become necessary.

As an enterprise owner in India, one carries the responsibility of managing the functions these devices offer and, more critically, ensuring security across all systems and devices. This responsibility becomes even more pronounced when serving Indian government agencies or participating in supply chains, particularly when firmware is involved.

So, is there a unified approach for Indian organizations to address all these devices? The answer depends on the types and ages of these devices. Some devices offer elegant APIs for communication, making upgrades and software patches, including security fixes, more accessible. To communicate with most devices, an understanding of the supported protocol is essential, whether proprietary or standards-based.

Where should the journey begin for Indian enterprises? There's no universal starting point, and Indian businesses may find varied approaches suitable. Some may choose to adapt their existing ERP systems (though not without challenges, as they were not initially designed for tracking and managing edge devices), while others may favor online services with modest subscription models to commence their journey.

In summary, the imperative for Indian businesses is to establish a systematic process for gaining visibility into their inventory of devices and systems, and progress from there. Edge computing is not merely a global buzzword; it holds immense significance for India's digital transformation. Embracing it, securing it, and thriving in an era of heightened interconnectivity is pivotal for India's tech ecosystem.