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The concept of edge computing most often refers to intermediating infrastructure and critical services between core data centers and intelligent end points. Proliferating enterprise and consumer devices benefit from a digitally transformed technology world through edge capabilities. However, edge is defined as the compute, storage, and networking cornerstones gird data creation, analysis, and management outside of the core. A future is unfolding where extraordinary value and opportunity for essential products and services from a myriad of technology ecosystem stakeholders is being created. According to IDC’s Worldwide Edge Spending Guide, the worldwide edge computing market will reach USD 250.6 billion in 2024 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% over the 2019–2024 forecast period.
"Edge products and services are powering the next wave of digital transformation," said Dave McCarthy, research director, Edge Strategies at IDC. "With the ability to place infrastructure and applications close to where data is generated and consumed, organizations of all types are looking to edge technology as a method of improving business agility and creating new customer experiences."
The stable of companies that are present and investing in edge computing continues to grow and increasingly includes a diverse set of competitors. Familiar companies in the hyperscaler space include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Equinix, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Switch among others. Physical infrastructure providers include companies such as AMD, Dell Technologies, Ericsson, HPE, and Intel. Meanwhile, services companies like AT&T, Lumen, and Verizon deliver critical networking capabilities to connect the thousands of planned and deployed edge data centers.
IDC expects edge expenditures will be concentrated in the U.S. and Western Europe over the next several years. In 2020, the global regional spending shares for the Americas, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific will be 45.0%, 27.9%, and 27.2%, respectively. From an industry perspective, 11 of the 19 standard industry segments will deliver 5% or more of total worldwide spending in 2020. The top two industries for edge spending throughout the forecast are discrete manufacturing and professional services, while retail will overtake process manufacturing to become the third largest industry by the end of the forecast. Professional services will also see the fastest growth in edge spending with a five-year CAGR of 15.4%.
From a technology perspective, services (including professional and provisioned services) will account for 46.2% of all edge spending in 2024. Hardware follows as the second largest technology category with a 32.2% share of spending, while the remaining 21.6% will go to edge-related software.
"While no technology market has been spared from the economic impact of COVID-19, edge market suppliers are poised to experience sustained growth throughout the forecast from enterprise and service provider investments," said Marcus Torchia, research director with IDC's Customer Insights & Analysis group.
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