NearbyOne from Nearby Computing: How can hardware and software agnostic solutions benefit the retail sector?
In a previous article, we discussed how a hardware centric approach can result in inflexibility and compatibility challenges for edge infrastructure. The initial solution to this issue is to adopt a hardware and software agnostic approach. It is important to eliminate reliance on specific hardware vendors and offer a flexible, scalable solution that caters to the distinct needs of each retailer.
Retail companies, along with quick service and multi-unit restaurant operators, often manage extensive edge computing deployments that encompass hundreds of devices from various vendors and operating systems. Therefore, the edge software for orchestration and monitoring must support the entire infrastructure layer, the application layer, and connectivity.
Why does a hardware and software agnostic solution become important for retailers and QSR operators?
To support a hybrid hardware infrastructure, NearbyOne can be implemented regardless of the existing hardware, allowing adopters to retain their current setups. The platform's hardware agnostic design enables it to accommodate a range of configurations, from traditional server environments to edge devices.
Edge workload management across infrastructure
Retailers and quick-service restaurant operators opt to deploy edge workloads on:
Servers,
PoS systems, or
IoT devices
An edge orchestration platform must be capable of easily managing diverse computational tasks. This capability is particularly crucial for operators who require centralised control over their functions without the added complexity of incompatible systems.
Do you have workloads that span infrastructure applications to network functions? NearbyOne serves as an edge orchestration platform that seamlessly integrates core network functions, computing infrastructure, and application ecosystems from various vendors.
Utilising VPN technology, the platform can access and connect to the edge nodes it manages, regardless of their deployment locations. NearbyOne offers multi-site management for hybrid and heterogeneous networks, featuring the capability to onboard servers through nZTP. A key aspect of NearbyOne is its application management functionality, which enables the reconfiguration of various parameters to enhance resource management efficiency.
Strategic benefits of HW/SW agnostic solution
1. Scalability:
In response to the growing demands associated with edge workloads, operators are increasingly pursuing a decentralisation of their infrastructure. This approach involves establishing a cluster of computing resources distributed across multiple devices within retail environments. The process of decentralisation consequently results in increased deployment of devices at the edge, necessitating the implementation of a scalable software monitoring system.
NearbyOne provides a highly scalable solution designed to accommodate the evolving requirements of retailers and quick service restaurant (QSR) operators. This adaptability ranges from individual locations to extensive global enterprise configurations that involve a multitude of edge devices.
2. Centralised management:
By implementing a unified management interface - often described as a “single pane of glass” -NearbyOne facilitates the streamlined monitoring and administration of all components within the IT ecosystem. This centralised approach operates independently of the physical locations and types of hardware deployed.
For instance, within a retail context, if an operator seeks to implement video analytics on edge devices situated at individual stores, the platform can centrally manage and deploy necessary resources across all locations. This allows for comprehensive oversight, enabling the operator to observe and analyze activities in real-time.
3. Operational efficiency:
The consolidation of management functions not only saves time and mitigates complexity but also enhances overall operational efficiency. This framework affords IT teams superior control and visibility across all interconnected devices, ultimately fostering a more organised and responsive IT environment.
Another approach
An alternative solution to mitigate a hardware centric approach involves prioritising software to ascertain the requisite hardware specifications. By employing NearbyOne to assess and optimise existing systems initially, hardware enhancements can be strategically justified and aligned with the actual performance requirements.
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