IIC's Journal of Innovation Releases Edge Computing Edition

The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), an organization dedicated to advancing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), has released the latest edition of its Journal of Innovation, an online publication highlighting important aspects of the IIoT. The latest issue focuses on edge computing, with seven edge-themed articles written by leaders of IIC’s member companies.

Edge computing is becoming an increasingly prominent topic when it comes to the IoT, and the new Journal of Innovation shines a spotlight on many important aspects of the edge. If you’re new to the term, here’s how Pieter van Schalkwyk, CEO of XMPro and author of the opening article “Where is the Edge of the Edge of Industrial IoT?” defines it:

“Edge: a logical layer consisting of the IoT devices, sensors, actuators, nodes, gateways and components of the functional domains deployed therein.”

If you’re still a little lost, it’s understandable—van Schalkwyk admits that many (sometimes conflicting) definitions of the edge abound. In essence, the edge refers to the place where IoT or IIoT data is actually generated, in contrast to the more remote concept of the cloud. Where the edge of the edge is, though, is something you’ll have to read the full article to discover.

Other articles in the new Journal of Innovation include:

•            Device Ecosystem at the Edge—Manufacturing Scenario

•            Edge Intelligence: The Central Cloud is Dead—Long Live the Edge Cloud

•            Outcomes, Insights, and Best Practices from IIC Testbeds: Microgrid Testbed

•            A Knowledge Graph Driven Approach for Edge Analytics

•            Industrial IoT Edge Architecture for Machine and Deep Learning

•            A Practical and Theoretical Guide to Using the Industrial Internet Connectivity Framework

“The Journal of Innovation brings together innovators and thought leaders across the IoT spectrum,” said Mark Crawford, co-chair of the IIC Thought Leadership Task Group. “In this issue, our experts share their insights on edge computing as a key enabling technology poised to transform the IIoT. Edge computing is not a new concept, but as IIoT transforms business processes, the need to use data closer to its source, whether that be from a wind turbine, a deep-water well’s blowout preventer, or an autonomous car, is paramount.”