Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Which Career Path to Choose?

published on
Jul 2, 2024
4 Min REad
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Technology has revolutionised the way we work today. And as businesses adapt to new technologies, they are discovering new ways of creating value for customers and shareholders alike.

One of the most transformative technologies in recent years has been edge computing vs. cloud computing. This exciting field is rapidly transforming businesses across industries, and as a young professional or fresh graduate looking to build a career in tech, understanding this technology is essential.

In this article, we explore both technologies in depth and highlight their differences, uses, and potential for career growth to help you choose wisely.

 

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: An Overview

Edge computing and cloud computing are two technologies that have revolutionised the way businesses operate today. While they share a few similarities, there are several fundamental differences between the two.

  • Edge computing refers to processing data at the edge of the network, closer to where it is generated, rather than sending it to a centralised cloud for processing.
  • Cloud computing involves storing and processing data on remote servers accessed through the internet.

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Differences between Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing:

Edge Computing

Cloud Computing

Processing location

Near devices

Remote servers

Data storage

Limited

Virtually unlimited

Speed

High

Lower than edge

Cost

High

Low

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Benefits

Edge computing has several benefits over cloud computing, such as reduced latency, better security and privacy, and better performance.

However, cloud computing also offers certain advantages, such as virtually unlimited data storage capacity, lower costs compared to edge computing, and easy scalability.

 

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Usage

In terms of usage, edge computing is ideal for applications that require real-time data processing with low latency, like autonomous vehicles or drone surveillance systems.

Cloud computing is suitable for applications that require high computational power and storage, like financial analysis or big data analytics.

 

Edge vs. Cloud Computing: Career Opportunities

The rapid growth in both edge and cloud computing has created numerous job opportunities across various industries in India.

Some popular job roles in edge computing include:

  • IoT Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • Network Architect/Engineer

Some popular job roles in cloud computing are:

  • Cloud Software Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Cloud Solutions Architect
  • Data Centre Technician

Edge vs. Cloud Computing: Career Growth and Salary Trends

Salary trends in both fields may vary depending on the job role, level of experience, and location.

In India, the entry-level salary for cloud computing professionals ranges between ₹3-6 lakhs per annum.

On the other hand, edge computing is still an emerging field with relatively few professionals. The average salary for entry-level edge computing professionals ranges from ₹5-8 lakhs per annum.

With years of experience, senior roles in both domains can fetch salaries over ₹30 lakhs per annum.

Average Salaries by Job Titles

Role

Cloud Computing

Edge Computing

Entry-Level

₹3-6 Lakhs p.a.

₹5-8 Lakhs p.a.

Cloud Solutions Architect

₹17 Lakhs p.a.

N/A

Cloud Engineer

₹9 Lakhs p.a.

N/A

DevOps Engineer

₹7 Lakhs p.a.

N/A

IoT Developer/Engineer

N/A

₹8-10 Lakhs p.a.

Edge Infrastructure Engineer

N/A

₹12-15 Lakhs p.a.

Companies like TCS, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Wipro, IBM and Accenture have multiple openings across these two technologies with an average salary range of INR 3-10 lakhs per annum, depending on the level of experience and expertise.

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How to prepare for a career in Edge computing vs. Cloud computing

To prepare for a career in edge computing or cloud computing, you can start by developing the necessary skills. Here are some tips:

  • Learn programming languages like Java or Python.
  • Gain experience with database management systems like SQL Server or Oracle.
  • Stay updated with industry trends through online courses, webinars, blogs, etc.
  • Build a strong portfolio by creating projects related to edge or cloud technologies.
  • Networking is also essential for young professionals looking to enter the field. Attend tech conferences or meetups where you can connect with industry experts and learn about job opportunities.

Education and Certification Options

Education plays a crucial role when building a career in edge computing vs. cloud computing. Several universities offer degree programmes that provide foundational knowledge of computer science concepts. Some popular courses include B.E. or B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering, M.Tech. Computer Science Engineering, and Masters in Computer Applications (MCA).

Certification courses are also available for IT professionals looking to upskill themselves on both technologies, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate and Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate. These courses help professionals gain a better understanding of specific cloud or edge computing platforms and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.

 

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Upskilling Opportunities

Edge computing and cloud computing are two of the most sought-after technologies that require skilled professionals. Upskilling in these domains can enhance your career prospects by opening up new job roles.

Investing in upskilling programmes such as certification courses or degree programmes can provide a significant return on investment by increasing your earning potential and providing access to better career opportunities. With WIZR's financing options, you can embark on your learning journey without worrying about finances.

 

Recent Trends and the Future of Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing

The future of edge computing vs. cloud computing is exciting, with many possibilities. Edge computing will enable businesses to process data closer to its source, which will reduce latency and improve response times significantly. On the other hand, cloud computing will continue to dominate industries that require large-scale data storage and processing capabilities.

The areas that are likely to see growth in edge computing include retail, healthcare systems, manufacturing plants, and smart cities, whereas cloud services will further dominate fintech companies, SaaS providers, and e-commerce platforms.

 

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Kickstart Your Career in Edge or Cloud Computing

In conclusion, understanding edge computing vs. cloud computing is essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in technology today. WIZR understands this better than anyone else and offers expert guidance on which courses or certifications would be helpful based on individual goals and capabilities.

 

FAQs

1. Where do we see the use of edge computing or cloud computing in daily life?

Edge computing is used in smart homes, autonomous vehicles, virtual events, robotics, and healthcare wearables, while cloud computing allows you to store files online and access them from multiple devices using the Internet.

2. Which field has more job potential: edge or cloud computing?

Both fields have immense potential for job growth; it depends on your interests and career aspirations to determine which one is most suitable for you.

3. Which industries have a high demand for edge and cloud computing professionals?

Industries such as healthcare, retail, finance, telecommunications, and e-commerce are constantly looking for experts in these domains. 

4. Can WIZR offer financing options for upskilling programmes in the edge and cloud domains?

Yes, WIZR offers financing options for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programmes in various domains, including edge computing and cloud computing. 

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