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Technology 7 min read

Edge Computing vs Cloud

P
Prof. Duncan McFarlane
Oct 15, 2023
Edge Computing vs Cloud

Where should the intelligence live? Balancing the latency of the edge with the power of the cloud in modern IoT architectures.

The debate between Edge and Cloud is resolving into a hybrid architecture. Critical, low-latency decisions are made at the edge for safety and speed, while long-term trend analysis and model training occur in the cloud, offering the best of both worlds.

The Evolution of Technology in 2023

The landscape of Technology has undergone a radical transformation since Oct 15, 2023. In the context of "Edge Computing vs Cloud", we initially identified a shift towards greater data granularity. Today, this has matured into full-blown sovereign interoperability. At RedBite, our early work in this field laid the foundation for the autonomous machine economy we see today.

Key Strategic Takeaways

Looking back at the core thesis of this article, three critical themes emerge that remain relevant for enterprise decision-makers:

ThemeHistorical Context2026 Implication
Data GranularityItem-level tracking was a novelty.It is now a compliance requirement (DPP).
ConnectivityCloud-first architectures.Edge-first, mesh-based consensus.
Value PropositionVisibility and Reporting.Autonomy and Settlement.

Why "Edge Computing vs Cloud" Matters

The engineering challenge described in this piece was not trivial. By integrating Technology directly into the operational workflow, we aimed to remove the reliance on manual data entry. This created a self-verifying system where physical assets act as their own source of truth.

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We are moving from a world of passive database entries to a world of active, sovereign digital twins.

Consider the implications for global supply chains. When an asset can self-report its status, history, and even negotiate its own logistics, the friction costs of trade plummet. This is the promise of Intelligent Assets—a promise that we are actively delivering through our ecosystem of solutions like itemit.

The Path Forward

Data sovereignty is paramount. As we look to the future, the integration of Technology technologies will only deepen. The separation between the 'smart' digital world and the 'dumb' physical world is evaporating. We are entering an era of ubiquitous intelligence, where every item, from a jet engine part to a vintage bottle of wine, possesses a digital soul.

For a deeper dive into how these legacy concepts have evolved into our current flagship architecture, we recommend reading our State of the Machine Economy 2026 report. It connects the dots between these early innovations and the agentic mesh of today.

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