ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors review some of the cloud-edge patterns that push data and operations to connected devices, starting with patterns that aim to accelerate cloud services. Akami EdgeWorkers is not designed for generic compute on the edge. However, it seems the long-term goal of Akami EdgeWorkers is to evolve into a full edge function platform. The edge function pattern focuses on bringing function runtimes to edge. The Azure IoT Edge runtime connects to Azure IoT Hub and manages modules running on the edge device. Although the discussion focuses on edge functions, many of the elements are applicable to other types of managed runtimes such as edge-based PaaS. The ultimate goal is to develop an application that runs on the cloud and on the edge. Efforts like CORD present an opportunity to construct a “edge native” cloud that is closer to end users and has direct integration with (5G) mobile networks.
