How SMBs are driving innovation at the edge

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In today's world, IT is the driving force behind a business—from small to midsize businesses (SMBs) to enterprise. And even though enterprises have size and budget on their side, SMBs are using IT to create a digital business foundation that unlocks innovation across the organization.

 

According to a recent Techaisle SMB and Midmarket Digital Transformation Adoption trends survey report, 38% of SMBs say the primary objective motivating investments in digital transformation is to create an infrastructure that will help them "drive innovation." The survey further found that 40% of SMBs that say digital technologies are a core part of their strategy are very innovative.

This innovation is nowhere more apparent than at the edge, where data is created. Edge computing refers to processing data near the edge of the network where the data is being generated. It enables SMBs to make faster, more informed decisions because they’re using all data, right where it’s captured.

For SMBs, edge computing delivers significant benefits, such as better customer experiences, cost efficiencies, revenue growth, better productivity, and streamlined business processes. The Techaisle research shows that forward-thinking SMBs are already using edge solutions to enhance collaboration, gain better supply chain visibility and cost efficiencies, and inform location-based marketing, among much else.

However, these edge computing benefits don’t come without challenges. Because systems, employees, and customers are distributed, edge and central IT systems must be in sync. Edge solutions need to be capable of providing consistent data flows to support new autonomous, hybrid, and distributed work capabilities while protecting users, customers, and data outside of the corporate firewall.

To provide these capabilities, edge solutions need to be based on a flexible, responsive hybrid core consisting of servers, storage, and gateways that are sized appropriately for their purpose. Techaisle recommends that SMBs look for a vendor with:

• A deep understanding of SMB needs
• Innovative products that include scaled-for-SMB servers, storage, and networking products
• Ecosystem leadership and a strong partner community that can offer tailored support to SMBs

HPE is dedicated to helping SMBs explore and unlock edge capabilities with multi-access edge computing that fuels business growth and ensures security at the edge. For example, HPE Small Business Solutions for Hybrid File and Backup are built on HPE ProLiant Gen10 and Gen10 Plus servers with Windows Server. They offer a mix of on-premises and cloud features to help SMBs easily adopt Hybrid Cloud and protect the business against downtime and data loss while saving SMBs time and money. HPE also helps SMBs protect data at the edge, with a zero-trust model that keeps pace with new cyberthreats and closes the IT security gap with automation. HPE can help SMBs design, integrate, and transform IT so they have intelligent edge computing with data protection to compete in the digital economy.

To explore this topic further, read the technical paper: SMB Innovation at the Edge.